Things to Do in Te Papa and the Waterfront
A harbor promenade with the national museum at its heart.
See top-rated activities »Visiting Te Papa Museum and the Harbor
Te Papa Tongarewa, the Museum of New Zealand, opened on the waterfront in 1998 and is the country's national museum, art gallery and treasure house in one big building. Te Papa museum's highlights include Te Marae, a working contemporary marae; Toi Art, the national art collection; galleries on New Zealand's natural history, earthquakes and volcanoes, with a house that simulates a quake; and the colossal squid, one of very few ever recovered intact. Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War, with its giant hyperreal figures by the Weta Workshop, has been one of the most moving exhibitions in the country.
Allow at least half a day. Entry is free for New Zealanders; international visitors 16 and over pay a general admission ticket that is valid for 48 hours, so you can split the visit over two days. Guided tours introduce the main collections, and the museum's cafes look out over the harbor.
Outside, the waterfront promenade is Wellington's favorite walk. From Queens Wharf, where Wellington Museum tells the stories of the city and its harbor in an 1892 bond store, it passes Frank Kitts Park, the Whairepo Lagoon and the Wellington Writers Walk of quotations set in concrete, then curves around to Oriental Bay, a small sandy beach backed by apartments and the green slope of Mount Victoria. On calm days, people swim and kayak in the harbor; on windy days, they watch the waves blow over the sea wall.
Ferries cross the harbor to Days Bay and Eastbourne and stop at Matiu/Somes Island, a predator-free nature reserve that served as a quarantine station and wartime internment camp. It makes a quiet half-day trip with walking tracks and views back to the city.
Don’t Miss
New Zealand's national museum and art gallery, with Maori treasures, natural history and the colossal squid.
The story of the city and its harbor, told in a historic bond store.
The city's inner-harbor beach, a short walk from Te Papa along the waterfront.
A predator-free island reserve with history and walking tracks, reached by harbor ferry.
Contemporary art exhibitions in the former public library on Civic Square.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in the Waterfront
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 31, 2026. Wellington Travel may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your time in the Waterfront
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Get free trip quotes »the Waterfront — FAQ
How long should I spend at Te Papa?
At least three hours for the highlights, and a full day if you want to see the Maori, natural history and art collections in depth. International tickets cover 48 hours.
Can you swim at Oriental Bay?
Yes, in summer. The beach is sheltered and has a diving platform offshore, though the water stays cool even in February.
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