All ethnology museums to visit in New Zealand

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 16 ethnology museums in New Zealand. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in New Zealand:

  1. Auckland War Memorial Museum1

    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.
  2. Canterbury Museum2

    Canterbury Museum

     Christchurch
    The Canterbury Museum, situated in Christchurch, New Zealand, is home to a wide range of internationally recognized exhibitions. These include displays on Antarctica, contemporary costumes, New Zealand avifauna (including extinct species), insects, the history of conflicts between the Maori and Europeans in the Canterbury region, ornamental art from Asia, and Canterbury's natural history. These diverse exhibits provide a comprehensive insight into the region's rich cultural and natural history.
  3. Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa3

    Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa

     Rotorua
    Rotorua Museum Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa is a museum and art gallery situated in the Government Gardens, a short distance from the center of Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, on the North Island of New Zealand. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area.
  4. Waikato Museum4

    Waikato Museum

     Hamilton
    The Waikato Museum, also known as Te Whare Taonga o Waikato, is a regional museum situated in Hamilton, New Zealand. It is managed by the Hamilton City Council and is a significant cultural institution in the region. The museum is located at 1 Grantham Street in Hamilton’s central business district on the west bank of the Waikato River, making it easily accessible for visitors.
  5. MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahurir5

    MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahurir

     Napier
    MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahuriri is a multifaceted cultural institution located in Napier, New Zealand. It comprises a museum, theatre, and art gallery, all housed within three buildings that underwent significant redevelopment in 2013. This establishment offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors, from exploring historical artifacts and artworks to enjoying theatrical performances.
  6. Puke Ariki Museum6

    Puke Ariki Museum

     New Plymouth
    Puke Ariki, which translates to 'Hill of Chiefs' in Maori, is a unique establishment in New Plymouth, New Zealand. It is a combined museum and library, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of exhibits and resources in one location. This combination of cultural and educational resources makes it a unique destination for tourists.
  7. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa7

    Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

     Wellington
    The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, colloquially known as Te Papa and Our Place, is the national museum of New Zealand. It is situated in the city of Wellington. This museum is a significant cultural and historical institution that provides a comprehensive insight into the nation's history, natural history, and culture.
  8. Hokitika Museum8

    Hokitika Museum

     Hokitika
    The Hokitika Museum, situated in Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island in New Zealand, is the largest museum and archive on the West Coast. It is housed in the historic Hokitika Carnegie Library building, adding to its charm and historical significance.
  9. Albertland Heritage Museum9

    Albertland Heritage Museum

     Wellsford
    Wellsford is a town located in the Auckland Council area on the North Island of New Zealand. It was part of the former Rodney District until the end of October 2010, when it became part of the newly formed Auckland Council. The town is approximately 17 km northwest of Warkworth and about 65 km north-northwest of Auckland city center.
  10. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom10

    Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom

     Foxton
    Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is a unique multi-cultural and multi-purpose hub located in Foxton, a town in the southern part of New Zealand's North Island. This facility serves as a visitor and community center, offering a variety of services and attractions to both locals and tourists.
  11. Waiuku Museum11

    Waiuku Museum

     Auckland
    The name of the town, Waiuku, originates from a legend about two brothers, Tamakae and Tamakou, who competed for the hand of a beautiful, high-ranking chieftain's wife. Tamakae, a farmer and provider, won her heart and married her. From then on, the place was called 'Waiuku'. This story adds a layer of cultural and historical significance to the town, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in local lore and history.
  12. Mangawhai Museum12

    Mangawhai Museum

     Mangawhai Heads
    Mangawhai is a charming locality nestled in the Northland region of New Zealand's North Island. It is conveniently located near the Mangawhai Harbour, with the town center of Mangawhai positioned towards the southwest extension of the harbor. A short 5 km northeast journey will take you to the center of Mangawhai Heads, another area of interest in the region.
  13. South Canterbury Museum13

    South Canterbury Museum

     Timaru
    The South Canterbury Museum, situated in Timaru, New Zealand, is a property of the Timaru District Council. This location is ideal for tourists who are interested in exploring the rich history and culture of the region.
  14. Taupō Museum14

    Taupō Museum

     Taupo
    Taupō Central is the heart of Taupō, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. This central suburb and business district is a bustling area with various amenities and attractions, including the Taupō Museum.
  15. Whanganui Regional Museum15

    Whanganui Regional Museum

     Whanganui
    The Whanganui Regional Museum, located in Whanganui, New Zealand, is home to a vast collection of natural and human-history objects. The museum's focus is on items from the Manawatu-Wanganui region, showcasing the rich history and diverse natural environment of the area. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, from local artifacts to items of national and international significance.
  16. Nelson Provincial Museum16

    Nelson Provincial Museum

     Nelson
    The Nelson Provincial Museum, also known as Pupuri Taonga O Te Tai Ao, is a regional museum located in the city of Nelson, New Zealand. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich history and heritage of Nelson and its surrounding areas.