Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Auckland, North Island
The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers,
and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and
natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the
west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place
where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more
than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away
from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland
1. McCahon House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By SallyT1105
A 'must see' if interested in NZ art and McCahon's work. Alice gave us a tour and we became fascinated with the house and learnt more about McCahon's life and how he made this small house his families home. There are opportunities to discover more about his art with audio and visual stations. Alice was a friendly & informative guide and we felt like we had discovered a real treasure snuggled in beautiful Waitakere bush. Thank you to the The McCahon House Trust and all involved.
2. NZ Warbirds Association
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
NZ Warbirds At Ardmore provides an opportunity to the public to get close to the operational and static aircraft of the Association. Such aircraft on display include ex- military and vintage aircraft such as: -North American T-6 Harvards -Curtis P-40-N Kittyhawk -North American P-51-D Mustang -Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9 -McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawk -deHavilland Tiger Moth -Percival Proctor -Aermacchi MB339C -Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 -Bristol Scout -Fokker Dr.1 and many others. The visitor center presents flying memorabilia and RNZAF squadron history as well as an extensive scale model collection and aviation library resource. NZ Warbirds At Ardmore is operated by the New Zealand Warbirds Association which is the national umbrella body responsible for the safe management of the operating environment for ex- military and vintage aircraft in New Zealand.
Reviewed By MarkR986 - Dunedin, New Zealand
Fantastic opportunity to get up close to some of the icons of New Zealand’s aviation history - with the majority being flyable examples. Knowable guides to fill in any gaps in your own knowledge. Topped off by an amazing scale model collection.
3. Glenbrook Model Railway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By 726AnthonyK
After a nice drive through the Auckland countryside we were greeted by Bob and his amazing model railway. Our 3 year old loved it and Bob was very enthusiastic providing us all with lots of information about his railway. They are open on Sundays but are happy to open up on other days if you are passing by. Very accommodating and for only $2 you can't really beat it.
4. Weta Workshop Unleashed
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Part film-set. Part creative workshop. But all is not what it seems… Explore an immersive walk-through experience from five-time Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop. Inside these paint-splattered walls, fantastical worlds are brought to life with resident monsters, an alien robot and wildly realistic giants. Enter if you dare. Journey through Weta Workshop’s creative process like you never have before! Step into this fantastical film effects workshop and explore the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy in-the-making. Explore a fantastical film effects workshop inspired by Wellington’s Academy Award-winning Weta Workshop. Featuring monsters, giants & robots – oh my! From surreal environments and interactive experiences to massive miniatures and monsters-in-the-making, Weta Workshop Unleashed brings together film effects, theatrical design, makers’ craft, and conceptual world-building.
5. New Zealand Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,168 reviews
Dive deeper into our maritime history and discover the genius of early Pacific navigators, their great voyages of exploration and the discovery Aotearoa New Zealand. Cruise Auckland’s sparkling Waitemata Harbour in one of our heritage vessels - sailing twice daily. Help the crew hoist the sails or sit back and take in the city skyline. Find out what it takes to win the America’s Cup - from backyard boat-builders to teamwork and race-winning technology. Plus, see one of only seven replicas of the America’s Cup. Immerse yourself in early European immigration and test your sea-legs in the replica 1840s rocking cabin. Bang! Watch from the concourse as our replica cannon fires every day at 12pm into the marina. Soak up our stories of the sea with a complimentary guided tour departing from our ticket desk 10.30am Friday - Sunday.
Reviewed By TabNZ - Auckland, New Zealand
An absolutely unmissable museum. There is so much to do (and it's free to Aucklanders!). We enjoyed our guided tour, and the special America's Cup Tour, so much that we returned a week later to watch the fabulous Maori Cultural Performance (unmissable - catch it while it's on!) and sail out into the harbour on the beautiful Ted Ashby. There's also a stunning Photography Exhibition on at the moment. The story of the Polynesian settlers is brilliantly told and the boats and other artefacts on display are fascinating. We also particularly enjoyed the recreation of what it was like to sail to NZ from Europe in years gone by - it's horrifying! Well worth a visit.
6. Auckland Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,640 reviews
Discover and experience Maori culture, with daily cultural shows and an internationally significant Maori and Pacific collection to explore, the Auckland Museum is a must see attraction. Housed in an Iconic building within the grounds of a tranquil park, the Auckland Museum is a place to discover and learn about New Zealand's culture and its natural history. Since 1929, the Museum has served as place of remembrance for the many Aucklanders who have sacrificed their lives in war.
Reviewed By justinwL3694KP - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Much prefer from Te Papa great fun more of a world range to look at really nice way to spend a day. Has cafe food and nice tours, never feel to crowded and have plenty of time to look at everything
7. Museum of Transport and Technology
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 827 reviews
The largest museum of its kind in New Zealand, MOTAT offers a fun, interactive, and educational experience. Explore our fascinating exhibitions telling stories of the history and development of New Zealand transport, technology and Kiwi ingenuity. MOTAT offers exciting School Holiday Experiences with a new theme and additional activities every school holidays. With lots of fun activities for kids to enjoy as well as the regular museum experience, MOTAT is a great choice for a fun day out over the school holidays to keep the whole family entertained. Visit the original Pumphouse, wander through our historic village or ride the heritage tram to our Aviation Display Hall which houses one of the largest aviation collections in the Southern Hemisphere. Kids are well-catered for with interactive examples, hands-on technology zone plus our Tinkering Tots gallery which is designed especially for under 5’s. MOTAT has something for everyone and is known as one of Auckland’s best value attractions. With regular events, school holiday experiences and monthly Live Days, visit our website to find out what is on at MOTAT for your next visit.
Reviewed By ewsa10 - Newburgh, United Kingdom
We visited with my cousin and his two little kids when out visiting in New Zealand and had thoroughly brilliant time at 'MOTAT'. The museum has loads of information, displays, exhibitions and lovely little cafes/places to stop & eat a packed lunch. There is a super tram (really old fashioned) that transports you between the main museum and the aviation wing, which is worth both the journey up and the visit - it's truly superb. The whole 'MOTAT' experience is perfect for families, couples, individuals, people of all ages and it's very interactive, with lots to see/read and discover. This is a must-see if visiting Auckland - it's very reasonably priced and there's so much to see and do!
8. Whittaker's Musical Museum
9. Te Toi Uku - Crown Lynn & Clayworks Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Te Toi Uku – Crown Lynn & Clayworks Museum specialises in the history of commercial pottery from West Auckland Our collection includes many of the iconic wares made by Crown Lynn which could be found in almost every New Zealand household from the 1950s to the 1980s. The Museum is also home to many of the tools and equipment that were used to manufacture Crown Lynn wares, as well as documents, photographs and designs relating to the company. Come in and see examples from the clay industry that came before Crown Lynn. These were the items that built early Auckland including bricks and salt glazed pottery and pipes.
10. Devonport Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By jenni4711 - Sydney, Australia
Before you visit, make sure the museum is open. It only seems to open for a few hours at a time. There is no admission cost which is a bonus and there is a beautiful park around the museum. All the staff are volunteers and we were unable to find out how the Museum pays for itself. We were really interested in life in the early days of New Zealand. They seemed to have very little. Afterwards, we walked around Devonport and the houses are gorgeous. It reminded us a little of Paddington in Sydney, but on the water. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Devonport.
