See Te Papa, tailored for you
Of course, you’ve been to Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, probably multiple times. But you can never tick it off because there are always new things to discover, and the best way to find them is on a private tour.
There are a number to choose from, but the in-depth tour is satisfyingly thorough. Be met in the foyer by your guide, who might be the irrepressible Roger, then follow along for a leisurely hour-anda-half, getting an overview and an inside view of the exhibits and the museum building itself.
Why go?
How else would you find out that even the fabric weave on the uniforms of the Gallipoli figures is also made to the same 2.4:1 scale? Or get a nutshell summary of the New Zealand Wars as ‘‘testosterone, adrenaline, feathers and dust’’? Or learn that Zealandia broke away from Australia, ‘‘because you would, wouldn’t you?’’
Information presented with humour, considered opinion and enthusiasm is the very best sort and, whatever the subject, a guide like Roger will bring it to life.
Trailing through the galleries of this, the biggest public space in the country, you’ll get the big picture, as well as the tiny detail that allows you to connect with it.
Insider tip
When booking a private tour, you can specify your particular interests, so it can be tailored. For those focused on Ma¯ori culture especially, the Ma¯ori Experience Kapu T¯ı Tour should answer all your questions, and comes with appropriate refreshments. Note too, that although you don’t have to exit through the gift shop, you should – there’s excellent stuff in there.
On the way/nearby
Keep it historic by strolling along the waterfront to the Boat Cafe, in a 60-year-old tugboat. Check out the Sunday Harbourside Market, then take a wander to lovely Oriental Bay. Or head in the other direction to suss out the waterfront that way. There’s always something going on.
Then you can get more history at the excellent little Wellington Museum, or more art at the NZ Portrait Gallery. Get active by hiring a bike, electric or otherwise, or a kayak. Or just eat – there are so many good restaurants around the area.
How much?
Entry to the museum is free. The 90-minute private, in-depth tour costs $210 total for up to seven people, or $175 for the shorter, highlights version. Hour-long public tours cost $20 each for adults, $10 for children. There’s a variety of other tours on offer, private and public, including Ma¯ori Highlights, Art, Twilight Express, Accessibility and Early Bird Gallipoli. Check the website for details.
Best time to go
Te Papa is open every day from 10am-6pm, so any time is good, but book ahead for the tours. tepapa.govt.nz