The Museum Of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Posted by Ruth Atherley on May 22, 2010 at 6:03 pm

Te Papa (as it is commonly called) is New Zealand’s national museum, where you can explore the great stories of this fascinating land and the people who live here. The past, present and future are exhibited in provocative and entertaining ways.

Te Papa is six floors full of amazing artifacts, information and New Zealand culture. It is the most interactive museum I have ever seen and there is something for everyone.

I was taken on a tour by Darren Joseph Luke, a young Maori man. Darren is very knowledgeable about the history of New Zealand and the Maori culture. When you have the opportunity to connect with the people that live here, you get to hear a little bit more about the country’s past and present. Meeting Darren, I got a little glimpse into the future too. If there are young people like him out there, learning and sharing the history of New Zealand, that means something.

One of the other surprising things about Te Papa is that it is free. There are donation boxes, but there is no admittance fee.

Te Papa is a real treasure and one that I am grateful that I got to experience.