What can you tell me about self-guided visits to Te Papa by school or tertiary groups?
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.
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What can you tell me about StoryPlace?
StoryPlace offers a ‘slice of Te Papa’ for children aged five years and under.
At StoryPlace, children and their caregivers spend a magical, interactive time exploring the New Zealand environment through play and make-believe. StoryPlace offerings include fabulous storytelling, drama, puzzles, games, and art activities.
For more information about StoryPlace, including session times, cost, and access, click here.
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What are the Discovery Centres?
Te Papa is an outstanding learning environment. Visitors are encouraged to learn by being involved. We offer a chance to touch, to do, and to play with the objects and ideas on which our nation's stories are built.
The four Discovery Centres are a key part of Te Papa's hands-on approach. They inspire children and adults alike to become involved in the stories of our land and our peoples. Here, children can make their own animated films or read quietly, try some weaving or study the world's largest flower.
At each centre, staff are on hand to answer your questions and the dedicated Research Areas allow access to Te Papa's onscreen database and other research tools.
The four centres are:
Te Huka a Tai - the world of Māori, located on Level 4.
PlaNet Pasifika - our Pacific connections, located on Level 4.
Inspiration Station - art and history, located on Level 4.
Nature Space - natural environment, located on Level 2.
For more information about the Discovery Centres click here.
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What can you tell me about Te Aka Matua Te Papa Library and Information Centre and the Hector Room?
Te Papa Library and Information Centre is a major research and reference resource with particular strengths in New Zealand, Māori, natural history, art, and photography. The art section contains extensive information about New Zealand art and artists.
There is also substantial material on the management and storage of museum collections, and a number of specialist collections covering a variety of areas. You will also find a comprehensive selection of topical books and magazines that link to Te Papa's exhibitions, collections, and experiences of visitors.
Te Aka Matua is open every day of the year from 10.00am to 6.00pm, and until 9.00pm on Thursdays.
Te Aka Matua, the Hector Room (in Tory Street), is named after the first director of the Colonial Museum and New Zealand Institute, Sir James Hector.
The Hector Room mainly houses international journals that focus on natural history. Access to the public is preferably by appointment. A library staff member is available in the Hector Room between the hours of 9.00am - 12.00 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
For more information on Te Aka Matua Te Papa Library and Information Centre click here.
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Where can I find out about my family history?
You can research your family history at Archives New Zealand Te Whare Tohu Tuhituhinga o Aotearoa and the Alexander Turnbull Library. Both of these institutions are in Wellington.
Archives New Zealand holds official records regarding the development of New Zealand and the function of the government. The Alexander Turnbull Library has a large and varied collection that documents the history of New Zealand. There are pamphlets about both institutions on the shelves in Inspiration Station's storeroom.
Note: If your family arrived in Wellington on a boat in the nineteenth century then a great place to go is the Petone Settlers Museum. It has a database about all the boats and passengers that arrived in Wellington during this period.
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