If you’re planning a school visit to Te Papa, this page will give you all the information a visit organiser needs to know. Click here for details on how to contact us about your visit.
What are the options for bringing my class to Te Papa for a visit?
You can bring your class for either an education programme or a self-guided visit.
How much does it cost?
Te Papa school programmes cost $4.50 per student. Teachers and parent-helpers are admitted free. Some temporary and touring exhibitions may have an additional charge, please discuss this with the education coordinator. Self-guided visits are free of charge, although some temporary and touring exhibitions may have an entry charge.
Do I have to book?
All education programmes and self-guided groups must be pre-booked. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible; we are unable to accept bookings for education programmes less than two weeks in advance.
How long do programmes last?
All programmes last 90 minutes, but may be adapted to fit your needs. Please let us know if you have time constraints.
Group sizes
The minimum group size for education programmes is 15 students. Please contact us to discuss options for smaller groups.The minimum number of adults required to accompany pre-booked school groups is:
- for secondary students - one adult to every twenty students
- for primary students - one adult to every six students
- for early childhood groups in the outdoor Bush City exhibition - one adult to every two children
- for other early childhood groups - one adult to every four children.
Can I pre-book lunch?
Yes! Please indicate this on the booking form. You can indicate on the form if you would like information about lunch options and prices.
Do you have a Risk Assesment Management (RAM) Form?
Yes! You can download it from here.
Te Papa Education RAM Form (pdf, 82 kb)
Programme times
We can begin programmes at 9.30am for pre-booked school visits led by Te Papa educators. The Museum opens at 10am for self-guided groups and the general public. When you make your booking for an education programme, please let us know your preferred start time.
What should I do if I want to come on a self-guided visit with my class?
Self-guided visits by school or tertiary groups are most welcome.
Self-guided groups are encouraged to notify Te Papa Education | Te Ipu Kāhuirangi of their intention to visit Te Papa before their visit. On arrival, they are advised to ask for an information sheet and registration form from Coats, Bags on Level 1.
Schools that have booked an Education Programme with Te Papa Education | Te Ipu Kāhuirangi have priority use of exhibition spaces.
When is Te Papa open?
Te Papa is open every day of the year, from 10am to 6pm. We are open late on Thursdays until 9pm.
How to find us
Te Papa is centrally located in Cable Street on Wellington's waterfront. It is within easy walking distance of Wellington's main shopping area. If you are driving south from Jervois Quay, you'll find us on the left just past the intersection of Cable and Taranaki Streets. Free bus parking is available in our main parking area.
Contact us
Contact Te Papa Education | Te Ipu Kahuirangi
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
PO Box 467
Wellington
Ph: (04) 381 7087
Fax: (04) 381 7170
Email: reservations@tepapa.govt.nz
Book a school programme here using our online booking form.