Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland (must see)
Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's most important museums and war memorials. Its collections concentrate on New Zealand history (and especially the history of the Auckland Region), natural history, and military history.
The museum building is also one of the most iconic Auckland buildings, constructed in the neo-classicist style, and sitting on a grassed plinth (the remains of a dormant volcano) in the Auckland Domain. The copper and glass dome, as well as the viewing platform–event center underneath it, quickly won the admiration of critics and public, being noted for its undulating lines, which echo the volcanic landscape and hills around Auckland.
The natural history section of the museum is an innovative and vibrant place to visit with a fascinating calendar of events throughout the year. The museum stores a photographic collection of 1.2 million images, and stores and exhibits 1.5 million natural history specimens from the fields of botany, entomology, geology, land vertebrates and marine biology.
There is also an extensive permanent exhibition covering wars, including wars within New Zealand and New Zealand's participation in overseas conflicts. This exhibition is linked to the War Memorial, and shows, for example, models of Maori pā (fortified settlements) and original Spitfire and Mitsubishi Zero airplanes. The Museum holds the largest collection of applied and decorative arts in New Zealand and selections are currently displayed in the Landmarks and Encounters Galleries.
Why You Should Visit:
Great place to sample the history of NZ through the ages. The vista of the port and city skyline from the front door is also one to savor especially during sunset.
Tip:
Try to time your visit to get tickets for the 30-40min Maori Cultural Performance (daily, 11am, 12pm, and 1:30pm (2:30pm avail Nov-Mar)). Pick up the 'What's On' brochure and select the galleries and themed special exhibitions of most interest. Be sure to also pick up a map at the entrance as the layout is a bit confusing.
The museum building is also one of the most iconic Auckland buildings, constructed in the neo-classicist style, and sitting on a grassed plinth (the remains of a dormant volcano) in the Auckland Domain. The copper and glass dome, as well as the viewing platform–event center underneath it, quickly won the admiration of critics and public, being noted for its undulating lines, which echo the volcanic landscape and hills around Auckland.
The natural history section of the museum is an innovative and vibrant place to visit with a fascinating calendar of events throughout the year. The museum stores a photographic collection of 1.2 million images, and stores and exhibits 1.5 million natural history specimens from the fields of botany, entomology, geology, land vertebrates and marine biology.
There is also an extensive permanent exhibition covering wars, including wars within New Zealand and New Zealand's participation in overseas conflicts. This exhibition is linked to the War Memorial, and shows, for example, models of Maori pā (fortified settlements) and original Spitfire and Mitsubishi Zero airplanes. The Museum holds the largest collection of applied and decorative arts in New Zealand and selections are currently displayed in the Landmarks and Encounters Galleries.
Why You Should Visit:
Great place to sample the history of NZ through the ages. The vista of the port and city skyline from the front door is also one to savor especially during sunset.
Tip:
Try to time your visit to get tickets for the 30-40min Maori Cultural Performance (daily, 11am, 12pm, and 1:30pm (2:30pm avail Nov-Mar)). Pick up the 'What's On' brochure and select the galleries and themed special exhibitions of most interest. Be sure to also pick up a map at the entrance as the layout is a bit confusing.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Auckland. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Auckland War Memorial Museum on Map
Sight Name: Auckland War Memorial Museum
Sight Location: Auckland, New Zealand (See walking tours in Auckland)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Auckland, New Zealand (See walking tours in Auckland)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Auckland, New Zealand
Create Your Own Walk in Auckland
Creating your own self-guided walk in Auckland is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Auckland Introduction Walking Tour
Owing to their remoteness, the islands of New Zealand were the last large habitable lands to be settled by humans. Maori began to inhabit this area around 1350 and they called it "desired by many", referring to its abundant natural resources.
In 1840, after purchasing land from the local tribe, the British established Auckland as a colonial settlement. Its first governor, Lieutenant... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
In 1840, after purchasing land from the local tribe, the British established Auckland as a colonial settlement. Its first governor, Lieutenant... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.8 Km or 3 Miles
Auckland Historical Buildings Tour
Auckland, New Zealand may not be known as a historical city, but it does contain some historical buildings all right. These old structures, dating back to the 19th century, reflect the diverse heritage and architectural evolution of the city and are cherished as landmarks.
The Ferry Building, an iconic waterfront edifice, is a fine example of Edwardian Baroque style. Built in 1912, it once... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
The Ferry Building, an iconic waterfront edifice, is a fine example of Edwardian Baroque style. Built in 1912, it once... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.6 Km or 2.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 17 Kiwi Things to Buy in Auckland
Although closer than it used to be, courtesy of “The Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy, New Zealand still remains below “Down Under” to many. If you're privileged to visit Auckland, make sure to bring home something memorable to “extend” your trip. Here are some ideas for signature...