The best museums in Auckland in December 2023

These are the top 20 best museums in Auckland, New Zealand, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2023. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Auckland, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Auckland.

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Looking for the best museums in Auckland? These are the best ones:

  1. SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's1

    SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's

    Auckland
    Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium (formerly Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World) is a public aquarium in Auckland , New Zealand, that was opened in 1985. Located at 23 Tamaki Drive, it was the brainchild of New Zealand marine archaeologist and diver Kelly Tarlton (1937–1985). Built in disused sewage s
  2. Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki2

    Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki

    Auckland
    Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the principal public gallery in Auckland , New Zealand. It has the most extensive collection of national and international art in New Zealand and frequently hosts travelling international exhibitions. Set below the hilltop Albert Park in the central-city area of
  3. Auckland Zoo3

    Auckland Zoo

    Auckland
    Auckland Zoo is a 16.35-hectare (40-acre) zoological garden in Auckland , New Zealand , situated next to Western Springs park not far from Auckland 's central business district . It is run by the Auckland Council with the Zoological Society of Auckland as a supporting organisation. Auckland Zoo open
  4. Auckland War Memorial Museum4

    Auckland War Memorial Museum

    Auckland
    The Auckland War Memorial Museum, also known as Auckland Museum, is the largest cultural and natural history museum in Auckland, New Zealand. It is a significant cultural monument and is classified by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a top-tier cultural heritage site. The museum was founded in 1852, making it the oldest museum in the country. It is located in the Auckland Domain, on a grass-covered hill, a dormant volcano, and was inaugurated on November 28, 1929.
  5. Aotea Centre5

    Aotea Centre

    Auckland
    The Aotea Centre is a performing arts and events centre in Auckland , New Zealand . Located at the western edge of Aotea Square , off Queen Street , the centre provides a cultural, entertainment and conventions venue space in the heart of the city, and is managed by Auckland Unlimited (which also op
  6. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial6

    Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

    Auckland
    Takaparawhau / Bastion Point is a coastal piece of land in Ōrākei , Auckland , New Zealand, overlooking the Waitematā Harbour . The area is significant in New Zealand history as the site of protests in the late 1970s by Māori against forced land alienation by Pākehā (European settlers). Takaparawhau
  7. Warkworth and District Museum7

    Warkworth and District Museum

    Auckland
    The Warkworth & District Museum, also known as the Warkworth Museum, is a local museum situated in the township of Warkworth in the Auckland Region of New Zealand. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in local history and culture.
  8. Museum of Transport and Technology8

    Museum of Transport and Technology

    Auckland
    The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is a technology and transport museum located in the Western Springs suburb of Auckland, New Zealand. It was established in 1960 by a group of interest associations that had come together in 1957 to collect and preserve historical tram vehicles and railway locomotives. The museum was opened in 1964 and is home to a wide range of land vehicles and aircraft, many of which are still maintained by volunteers.
  9. Ewelme Cottage9

    Ewelme Cottage

    Auckland
    Kinder House and Ewelme Cottage are two historic houses on Ayr Street, in the suburb of Parnell , Auckland , New Zealand. Because of claimed hauntings, the homes were visited by a team of paranormal investigators in 2005 and featured on Ghost Hunt , a New Zealand television show.
  10. Kinder House10

    Kinder House

    Auckland
    Kinder House and Ewelme Cottage are two historic houses on Ayr Street, in the suburb of Parnell , Auckland , New Zealand. Because of claimed hauntings, the homes were visited by a team of paranormal investigators in 2005 and featured on Ghost Hunt , a New Zealand television show.
  11. Highwic11

    Highwic

    Auckland
    Highwic is a significant 19th-century house located in Auckland, New Zealand. It is recognized by Heritage New Zealand as a Category I structure, indicating its high historical and cultural value. The house was built in 1862 and has since been preserved as a testament to the architectural and societal norms of the time.
  12. 12

    Alberton

    Auckland
    A lovely and romantic colonial mansion from 1863, which used to host balls and garden parties. Come to see the original furniture.
  13. Crystal Mountain13

    Crystal Mountain

    Auckland
    Swanson is an outer suburb of the Auckland region, situated in the North Island of New Zealand. It's a peaceful and scenic location that offers a unique blend of urban and rural living. The suburb is surrounded by the beautiful Waitakere Ranges, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and bird watching.
  14. Artspace Aotearoa14

    Artspace Aotearoa

    Auckland
    Artspace Aotearoa, previously known as Artspace NZ, is an art gallery situated in Auckland, New Zealand. It is conveniently located on Karangahape Road in the Newton area of the city. The gallery was established in 1987 and has since been a hub for contemporary New Zealand and overseas art.
  15. Torpedo Bay Navy Museum15

    Torpedo Bay Navy Museum

    Auckland
    The Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, situated in Devonport, Auckland, is the official museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history and heritage of the New Zealand Navy, making it an interesting destination for history enthusiasts and curious tourists alike.
  16. 16

    Devonport Museum

    Auckland
    Devonport was originally made up of three volcanic islands, Mount Victoria, North Head, and the largely quarry-destroyed Mount Cambria. These geographical features add to the unique landscape of Devonport and offer tourists opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. The views from these points are spectacular, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area.
  17. 17

    John Leech Gallery

    Auckland
    With its 150 year-old tradition the oldest dealer gallery in the country supports contemporary artists from both New Zealand and Australia.
  18. Mansion House18

    Mansion House

    Auckland
    Mansion House, located on Kawau Island in New Zealand, is a significant historical site. It was owned by Sir George Grey from 1862 to 1888, who extended the house significantly during his ownership. The house was originally built in 1845 for the manager of a copper mine on the island. Today, it stands as a testament to the island's rich history and the life of Sir George Grey.
  19. 19

    Orexart

    Auckland
    An art gallery with a reputation for discovering new talents and exhibiting their artworks, be it paintings or photography.
  20. Auckland Botanic Gardens20

    Auckland Botanic Gardens

    Auckland

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