BOOKSTORE

Shopping Cart My Account Help

Welcome:
Login/Register

 

Auckland Museum Review

Read our Auckland sights reviews. Or post your own.

Auckland Museum

Fodor's Review:

Dominating the Domain atop a hill, the Greek Revival museum is known especially for its Maori artifacts, the largest collection of its kind. Be sure to see the pataka, or storehouse; these structures were a fixture in Maori villages, and the pataka here is one of the finest known examples. Another must-see is "Te Toki a Tapiri," the last great Maori waka (canoe). It was carved from a single log, and, at 85 feet long, could carry 100 warriors. The figurehead is a particularly fine example of carving. To delve further into this culture, attend one of the Maori performances held at least three times daily; the show demonstrates Maori song, dance, weaponry, and the haka (war dance). Another particularly good exhibit is "Scars on the Heart," which documents the Pacific theater of World War II with films, memorabilia, weaponry, and uniforms. Other exhibits address natural history, geology, and local history, including a reconstructed streetscape of early Auckland. Also check out the Discovery Centres, two interactive displays for kids of all ages. The "Weird and Wonderful" section covers everything from fossils to the water cycle.

  • Cost: $5; $15 for Maori cultural performance
  • Open: Daily 10-5

Get Advice From Other Travelers

Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip >>



Buy the Guidebook

  • Fodor's New Zealand 2008
    $22.95
  • Fodor's Exploring New Zealand, 4th Edition
    $22

Get the Fodor's Newsletter

Read the current issue
For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Browse previous issues.

Current Fodor's Newsletter

Copyright © 2008 Fodor's Travel, a division of Random House, Inc.