Providing a look into New Zealand’s heritage as well as military history, the Auckland War Memorial Museum or Tāmaki Paenga Hira (Māori) offers a captivating journey of discovery.
Getting There
A short drive from the city centre, this museum can easily be reached by bus, be it the LINK Bus, Explorer Bus or the route 781 bus. Only around 10 minutes by car from Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences, the site can also be accessed from the Grafton Train Station, just a 10-minute walk away.
Ground Floor
At the museum’s ground floor you will find the Māori Court which showcases amazing Māori treasures (taonga). One of the best things to do in Auckland City is to gain insights into the Māori people which can be done here. The Pacific Masterpieces which has diverse Oceanic artefacts and art is also worth a visit.
Level One
On level one of the Auckland War Memorial Museum, you will find the Māori Natural History Gallery and the Origins section which tell of the country’s origins and its distinctive flora and fauna. Volcanoes, Ancient Worlds, Arts of Asia and a free children’s gallery called the Weird & Wonderful Discovery Centre are amongst the other highlights.
Level Two
This level puts the spotlight on the nation’s military history and those who gave their lives during times of conflict. You can visit the Hall of Memories for the First and Second World Wars and find out about the Spitfire fighter aircraft; you can also reflect on the human cost of military conflicts at the Scars on the Heart and Holocaust galleries.
