Speciality Museums in Wellington

THE 10 BEST Wellington Speciality Museums

Speciality Museums in Wellington

Museums
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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What travellers are saying

  • Ruben L
    59 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    First of all, the admission is free, which is absolutely awesome. Making education available that way is great, at least in my opinion. I was there for about 4 hours but barely managed to even scratch the surface of what can be seen and learned in the museum. There are so many different exhibits and they are all huge, I visited the one about wildlife and earthquakes and Fauna and Flora in general and I really recommend you do the same, it was quite interesting. Afterwards I went to the exhibit about NZ’s involvement in the first World War, which was fascinating, especially the huge wax models that looked incredibly realistic, in combination with the lighting and the otherwise dark room, it created a truly cinematic experience that didn’t expect at all. After that, I went to the exhibit about how the Maori came to NZ and how the European settlers (like so many other times in history) came to Aotearoa NZ and what (yes mostly negative) effect they’ve had, also really interesting. There are so many other exhibits that I haven’t seen yet, but I’m sure they’re all great as well. So have fun. Only mind that after September 17th international visitors will have to pay $35 for admission, but entry will remain free for New Zealanders. Enjoy!
    Written 7 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandy W
    Vancouver, Canada1,773 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A poignant site for remembering World War I. We took an Uber from the CBD. It is a short 10 minute drive. The main building is not open due to renovations. You can see the memorial contributions of several countries. Doesn't take more than 10 minutes but well – worth seeing. Check out my reviews of other tourist sites in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Brisbane. Feel free to give me a like if you like this review. There is a Salvation Army thrift store across the street if you are interested.
    Written 8 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TWal1
    Canberra, Australia2,944 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We enjoyed visiting this small museum which is adjacent to the Cable Car station at the top of the line. The museum displays are very good and it tells the history of cable car transportation in Wellington. It is a rich history.
    Written 1 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Neil B
    Auckland, New Zealand1,464 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An important piece of NZ history. Carefully researched restoration of Mansfield's birthplace with an interesting outline of her life. A nice combination illustrating both the way of living for middle-class NZers around 1900 and the life of the famous author. We'll worth a look.

    There's a great 'eye spy' activity sheet for the little ones, that's actually good fun for the grownups!
    Written 24 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BelC0001
    Sydney, Australia937 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We arrived in time for a guided tour of the cottage museum, out buildings, cottage garden and truly informative visitor’s centre. At time of visit, the entry fee was $8 per adult and well worth the cost. Thanks to Edwin for a really informative and fun tour.
    Written 6 August 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • criochi
    London, UK100 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an amazing time there! This is a fan museum made by a fan for fans. You start with a little video about their journey through LOTR and then you get to dress your favourite character’s clothes. Kathy’s enthusiasm is contagious and even those who don’t care about LOTR will have an amazing experience.
    Written 4 February 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jamuel E
    Wellington, New Zealand218 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This an amazing hidden gem. And it shouldn’t be so hidden it feels tucked away in a corner. That would be my only downside.

    This is not a very big flashy exhibit but rather it is more an important one for anyone to visit to learn about one of NZ’s most important events in its history hence the 5 star review. It’s amazing to have these documents in wellington to look at and they have done well to tell the story and history around it. Can’t wait to be back to spend more time here.
    Written 8 November 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dale K
    Sydney, Australia63 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a small museum locate at the entrance to the Reserve Bank building. Entry is free and there is a good display of the history of currency. They even give you a bag of $1300 though it is shredded. A good experience and worth a visit.
    Written 16 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • cpcog
    Sydney, Australia1,348 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is a small museum. You can go there with some donation. There are a few old trams inside. I guess the most attractive part is riding on the tram runs between Queen Elisabeth park and whareroa beach. It is about 2km long! It costs $12 for unlimited rides. I wont say the view of the journey would be very special but the experience is rather nice
    Written 5 April 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Flexitraveller
    Singapore, Singapore26 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is not a place you can visit without permission. Please seek permission or approval over phone / email if you are intend to visit in a non game day. One can donate optionally, I did because they stayed open just for me on the day of my visit. It is not just for the museum, but the whole Basin reserve ground view would be splendid if viewed from there. So please make a visit if you are a real cricket fan !
    Written 2 April 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Journey63233728346
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We thoroughly enjoyed our experience at The Victorian Parfumery. We appreciated the history, the displays and the fragrances. Would definitely recommend.
    Written 29 June 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sarah G
    15 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not currently running the museum at the moment but they said they have plans for a new online experience. Still operating as a tattoo shop!
    Written 26 August 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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