Although rarely making headlines in the international media, New Zealand is a country that is filled with amazing sights and sounds, rich and diverse art and culture and a fascinating wildlife. Pristine pastures, crystal clear waters, classic arts and customs of the Māori tribes, architecture and cuisine of European colonists and exciting sports and adventure activities are all trademarks of New Zealand. For tourists travelling here, there are many vacation hotspots that will give them an unforgettable Kiwi holiday experience. The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa however, is a one-stop destination that offers visitors everything that is truly New Zealand.
Formally declared open on the 14th of February 1998 in Wellington, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa attracts over a million visitors each year. The term Te Papa Tongarewa directly translates to “the place of treasures of this land”. True to its name, the museum has on display an enormous collection of art, artefacts, literature and textiles as well as natural, cultural and historical exhibits. Established to promote a better understanding of the people, wildlife and landscapes of New Zealand, the museum also carries out a variety of educational programmes and awareness programmes that are highly-informative, innovative and fun.
Some of the museum’s intriguing natural collections include fossil vertebrates, plants, birds, mammals, fishes, insects and many more. Art and Visual Culture, Photography, Taonga Māori, Pacific Cultures, Social History and Visual Cultures make up the museum’s vivid cultural collections. The history collections include over 27,000 historical objects and rare findings that reveal the life and times of the indigenous tribes as well as of the European settlers of the country. The museum also displays stunning interactive exhibits that often run on a long-term basis. Some popular interactive, permanent displays include Our Space, Awesome Forces, Mountains to Seas, Golden Days, Mana Whenua and The Marae, Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation and a vast range of other enthralling exhibits. The archives of the museum are stored in a separate building and are open to researchers. The Te Aka Matua Library is also closed to the public and is open to researches on appointment.
In order to complete a true New Zealand holiday, travellers simply must visit this national treasure at least once. A beautiful hotel in Wellington is easy to find all year around. Any Wellington New Zealand hotel will provide its guests with information on how to get to the museum as well as tips on other attractions nearby. The Copthorne Hotel Wellington Oriental Bay is a luxurious hotel that is just over a kilometre away from the museum, making it the ideal choice for a wonderful holiday experience.
