Best Auckland Museums
Come and explore the history and culture of our beautiful city by visiting one of our world-class museums. Discover the cultural, social and geological forces which have shaped New Zealand, the last country inhabited by people. These are the best Museums in Auckland, all within walking distance of the city centre.
Auckland Art Gallery (Free entry)
The Auckland Art Gallery or Toi O Tamaki means ‘our treasure house’.
The Auckland Art Gallery is regarded as the world home or wharenui of New Zealand art. This superbly designed gallery views itself as custodians or kaitiaki of the art in their care.
Home to around 20,000 pieces of art going back around 700 years, just 800 pieces are on display at any given time. Works of famous New Zealand artists like Charles Goldie, Ralph Hotere and Colin McCahon are on public display instead of hidden away in private homes or personal vaults.
One of only two Picassos in New Zealand reside on the walls of the Auckland Art Gallery. The other Picasso is in Dunedin. Painted during the Nazi occupation of Paris in 1944, ‘Verre et Pichet isn’t regarded as one of Picasso’s best works but it does symbolize the dark years of deprivation experienced during the Second World War.
Free one-hour tours of the Gallery's general collection run every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon at 1:30pm
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Housed in one of Auckland's most iconic buildings, the neo-classical Auckland War Memorial Museum, built in 1929 sits blissfully atop the grassy remnants of a dormant volcano. Discover New Zealand geology, Maori culture and war history. Decorative arts and pictorial collections also prominently feature in this museum. A powerful and informative collection of war memorials will interest any budding historian.
Join a guided tour that includes a culture performance by the local iwi/tribe Ngati Whatua which includes a spine-tingling performance of the world-famous Haka.
The Auckland Museum is daily from 10am - 5pm (except Xmas Day). Find out more about the Auckland War Memorial here
Auckland Maritime Museum
Set sail and discover the stories that helped shape nautical New Zealand.
Explore the country's largest maritime collection and the Landfalls exhibition detailing the pioneering voyages of New Zealand's first people.
In New Beginnings, meet the colonial immigrants that braved rough oceans to settle on hostile land.
One of New Zealand's greatest leaders - Sir Peter Blake - is honoured in Blue Water, Black Magic which explores the history of Americas Cup and New Zealand’s exceptional yachting success.
Here you can set sail in the Museum’s fully restored heritage scow (The Ted Ashby). This one-hour voyage of Auckland harbour will provide you with spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge and the great “city of sails”.
Find out more about the Auckland Maritime Museum here
Join us on a private Aucky Walky tour and we’ll include a short visit to one of these Museums - the choice is yours!. We know where the best art and culture can be found in the heart of the city.