The New Zealand National Maritime Museum in Auckland is the largest of its kind in the country. The seas surrounding the archipelago have always held an important place in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders from the times of the earliest settlers. Located on Hobson Wharf, the museum charts the nation’s seafaring history from early Polynesian explorers to modern maritime moments such as involvement in the America’s Cup. There is a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibitions that are open to the public as well as theatrical performances of the Polynesian settlement of the New Zealand archipelago.

Permanent installations at the museum include: Landfalls, which explores the different explorations, settlements and trading in New Zealand from early to modern days; New Beginnings, where you learn about European migration during the 19th and 20th centuries; Blue Water Black Magic, which is a tribute to one of New Zealand’s modern heroes of the sea, Peter Blake, and Kiwis and the Coast where you will learn all about New Zealand’s love affair with its coastal regions. There are several ships at the museum to step aboard and explore, including the 19th century steam engine Puke and a floating steam crane from the early 20th century.

Gus Fisher Gallery is located in the Kenneth Myers Centre that has various heritage features such as a fine glass dome, beautifully detailed cornice and wooden doors. It houses exhibitions of modern art as also the art of previous centuries and focuses on New Zealand and the extensive Pacific area.

Ferner Galleries was established in 1985 by Peter Jarvis, famous art collector in New Zealand. This is one of the leading art galleries in New Zealand that offers for sale a vast range of wonderful works of art and also holds various exhibitions of contemporary art.

Ewelme Cottage, one of Auckland’s oldest remaining buildings, dates from 1863 when it was built for the Rev Vicesimus Lush and his family upon their arrival in the colony. The cottage, which is run by the Historic Places Trust, is a true historical gem since it remained in the Lush family until the 1960s and retains many of the family’s belongings and furnishings dating back to Victorian times. The architecture of the home is distinctive, given that it is laid out in a manner that was common in medieval Britain – it is thought that this may have been done to reflect the sombre and pious sensibilities of the time.

One of the highlights of the family’s possessions is the antique book collection with more than 2000 tomes. The cottage offers a snapshot into life in New Zealand during the first days of the colony – you will see much of the home preserved as it was in the 19th century and many cooking, craft and even beauty items and pharmaceuticals. Rooms of the home were used during the filming of the Oscar winning film The Piano. Ewelme Cottage is open from Friday to Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is considered one of New Zealand’s most important museums and war memorials. The institution combines both New Zealand military history with natural history from the Auckland region. Each ANZAC and Remembrance Day, the cenotaph and memorial at the front of the building are used for memorial services. There are also two large galleries where the names of those who fought and died in battle during the conflicts and wars of the 20th century are displayed. The museum also highlights the plight of the Jewish people who arrived in New Zealand as refugees fleeing Nazi Europe.

The natural history section of the museum is an innovative and vibrant place to visit with a fascinating calendar of events throughout the year with something for people of all ages. As well as temporary exhibitions, there are a number of permanent installations including Wild Child, an exploration of childhood over the past 150 years; Encounter, New Zealand decorative arts; Maori Court, which houses many Maori treasures and where you can see a number of traditional performances each day. For a better understanding of New Zealand culture and history, a trip to the Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must.

Auckland Art and Sculpture Gallery also known as the Morgan Street Gallery is located on Morgan Street and displays a vast range of modern New Zealand and Pacific art. Besides contemporary art, there is a picture framing workshop where you will find a large assortment of beautiful frames.