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The South Pacific
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Attractions in New Zealand
While New Zealand remains a top destination for adventure travelers, there’s no lack of cultural, historical, and arts attractions to excite the international tourist who’s chosen this island country as their holiday destination.
The rich Maori culture of the past combined with plenty of excellent museums, pretty gardens, and other must-sees will keep you busy when you’re not kayaking, climbing canyons, or exploring old volcanoes in this exciting country with so much to offer.
Museums
• The New Zealand National Maritime Museum - New Zealand has a rich maritime history, magnified in the last several years by their ominous presence in the America’s Cup sailing races. Located on the waterfront in Auckland, this museum boasts 14 themed rooms that profile New Zealand’s century-long relationship with the sea. The museum also owns a working heritage sailing fleet.
• Auckland Museum – This recently refurbished museum showcases the natural, cultural, and social history of New Zealand. Auckland Museum also owns the world’s largest collection of Maori treasures.
• Canterbury Museum – Located in Christchurch on the South Island, the Canterbury Museum is dedicated to profiling New Zealand’s “natural and human heritage.” This attraction is home to an especially wonderful Antarctica exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy lectures, family programs, and concerts at the Canterbury Museum.
• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – This fascinating museum, located in Wellington, is one of the largest national museums in the world. It’s a unique combination of arts and enticing artifacts, giving equal time to both British and Maori culture. Lots of interactive exhibits that kids will love are located within the walls of this attractive waterfront museum.
• Rotorua Museum of Art and History – Explore the past and present of the fascinating Rotoruan region through interactive exhibits, cinema presentations, and ancient artifacts.
• Aigantighe Art Museum – One of just a few art museums in New Zealand, this one – located on the South Island – profiles New Zealand, Pacific, Asian and European art works from the sixteenth century to the present. There’s also a stunning sculpture garden here, with works from New Zealand, Africa, and Japan.
• Buried Village – Tour the remains of the village that was buried by the wrath of the Tarawera volcano in 1886. Visit many of the buildings that were excavated in the 1930s.
Maori Culture
• Tamaki Maori Village – Guests to this attraction can tour a re-creation of a traditional Maori village. Not only will you have the opportunity to explore the village guided by a true Maori elder, but you’ll also experience delicious Maori food as well as traditional dances, storytelling, and other entertainment. Located in Rotorua.
• Te Puia's Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute – Watch amazing Maori artists hone their skills at the institute and explore the thermal reserve with Maori guides, believed to be the place where the Goddesses of Fire emerged from the earth’s core. Enjoy entertaining daily performances of traditional music and dance as well.
• East Cape – The first place to see the sun rise on each new day, East Cape has always been and remains a Maori stronghold. Travel to this portion of New Zealand to visit today’s Maori marae - villages - where Maori is the dominant language and ancient culture abounds. Remember to ask permission before entering any village. Most are eager to welcome visitors and share stories of their lives and history.