Wow just wow. The states could learn a thing or two about how a museum should present itself to the people. The exhibition was amazing. The interactiveness for children were plentiful. Kids and adults will learn so much from this place. Parking was a breeze and the staff was super friendly. They do offer early admission which we bought. It’s worth it to get there before the mob. Just a fun place to spend a morning.

What a fantastic museum. We took over 2.5 hours just to cover 2 floors and will have to return to see the rest. The interactive sections were really interesting and, coming from a country that doesn't suffer from much ground movement, we particularly liked the 'earthquake house.' A great experience all round. Thank you Wellington.

We visited the Gallipoli war museum part. The self directed tour was very well organised, easy to follow and displayed pieces were amazingly realistic The war commentary part of every displayed piece was very well done and made the whole experience very touching and informative. We were glad to have visited and thoroughly enjoyed the displays

Super interactive and fun museum both for adults and kids. Lots of interesting facts and info to learn about made in an easy to learn way. A lot of nature, history, heritage and values about what makes NZ of today and it’s a MUST-Go I think if you are in Wellington to get to know a bit about the country you are visiting. Entrance is free for the permanent exhibitions, and that took us a couple hours already which was more than enough to see. Only a certain special exhibitions are paid.

Took the kids(4-12yrs) there for a trip during the holidays. They were very engaged with all of the exhibits and we ended up staying longer then expected. Lots of changes since we last visited so always new and interesting things to explore. Some sections were closed off with new exhibits being installed, but still plenty there to keep you intrigued. As always the ANZAC exhibit is phenomenal and well worth it!!!

One of the best museums I have ever visited. The National Museum of New Zealand, it houses amazing collections, stories, displays, and experience that will cater the interests of young and old. I really enjoy Galipoli exhibition with incredible details, well curated displays and heart-touching stories. The sections about nature and the stories of Māori and New Zealand are also very rich in information and entertaining at the same time. The can touch and feel and learn many things related to nature and lives surrounding us. My kids also enjoy our visit here and happy to go back. It is very disability friendly with ramps in many areas. It has cafes and the souvenir shops are also great. Parking is available at the surrounding area.

No one should miss this place. It's brilliant, informative, innovative, interactive, cool, and so on. I barely finished checking level 2 in 2 hrs. I will still come back to see other things and learn more. I love this place and I highly recommend. It is free and spacious.

Wow! Spectacular and awe inspiring. I cannot imagine the effort the artists, sculptors and the whole team who have dedicated their 'everything' to make this a wonderful visitor attraction. Various stages along the way , immerse the viewer into the grim reality of bygone wars. Uniquely preserved artifacts of insects and plants too is available. Good work everyone. Remember parking is paid-Price attached to photos.

Free admission. Great exhibitions. Highly recommend. I was only able to see the nature exhibition, unfortunately. Great for kids. Activities throughout the exhibition. It is one of the best nature exhibitions I have seen. Colossal squid on show, which was a highlight. Great way to spend a few hours. Good gift store with local arts and crafts.

I've been several times before, but on this trip there was an exhibition on Gallipoli. Done in collaboration with Weta Studios, this is one of the most captivating exhibitions I've experienced. I spent an hour and left only because the museum was closing. The (seriously) larger than life displays were creative perfection, and the story of the campaign, in which the Aussies and Kiwis bravely sacrificed so much, was educational and compelling. I can't recommend this highly enough. Note: Entrance is free, but they gratefully accept donations, which you can give with cash or card.

MUST-SEE in NZ 💯❤️ This FREE national museum on the Wellington waterfront offers a little bit of everything. From the history of the islands flora fauna, wildlife and volcanic tectonic plates to Maori history, culture to modern art, this fantastic museum has something for everyone. Loads to see, gear and do for the individual traveler, couples and families. Great shop too! TOP 5 things to do in NZ--Highly recommend!! 👍👍

If you like museums, this is a must. Learning the history of the country walking through it's incredible exhibits is a great experience. We saw the giant jellyfish and that was whoah! How is that not an alien!? Incredible!

What an absolutely phenomenal experience. The museum is completely free to visit, you just have to pay for parking. It only cost me $10 for 3 hours. But there is probably free parking in town, you would just have to walk over. The museum is very accommodating. It has accessibility and normal toilets, parents rooms, kids play rooms, lockers, money machines, cafes, a souvenir store, stairs and lifts. The museum itself is just incredible. With 6 entire floors to explore you could literally spend days here. It also has such a huge variety of exhibits that accommodates to all ages. My favourite floor was the animals and nature. From games for kids to dinosaurs, giants squids and an earthquake room... it was just such an amazing experience. I would highly recommend a visit.

One of the best museums I have ever visited. It houses amazing collections, stories, displays, and experience that will cater the interests of young and old. We enjoyed Galipoli exhibition with incredible details, well curated displays and heart-touching stories. The sections about nature and the stories of Māori and New Zealand are also very rich in information and entertaining at the same time. We can touch and feel and learn many things related to nature and lives surrounding us. A great place to spent rainy or too sunny days 😉

I recently visited this museum with my family and was thoroughly impressed by my experience. The museum had a wonderful collection of artifacts and exhibits that were both informative and engaging. The displays were well-curated and offered a fascinating glimpse into various aspects of history and culture. One thing that stood out to me was the attention to detail in the exhibits. Each item was carefully labeled and explained, which made it easy to understand the significance and context of each artifact. The staff was also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, providing additional information and answering any questions I had. The museum was also very well-maintained and clean, which added to the overall experience. There are 4 floors, and the layout was easy to navigate. There were plenty of interactive exhibits that kept me engaged throughout my visit. Overall, I would highly recommend Te papa to anyone interested in history, art, or culture. It's a great place to learn something new and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around us

The Museum of New Zealand is truly one of the standout attractions in Wellington. Spending approximately 3 hours here is a delightful journey through its various levels, each offering a unique and enriching experience. The museum's diverse collections, engaging exhibitions, and immersive displays make it an absolute must-visit for anyone exploring Wellington. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the culture, history, and wonders of New Zealand.

Great a lively museum with a delicious cafe/restaurant and gift shop with a wide variety of merchandise and souvenirs (bronze and gold kiwis are the best souvenirs and gifts for a great price). The museum has 2 special exhibitions going on right now. The first is the Dinosaurs on Patagonia, which displays European-found skeletons in perfect condition. Its main attraction is the giant sauropod, which looms over the entire room tickets are purchasable via the website (quickest and easiest way), or in the museum (lines are about 10-20 minutes). The second exhibition is the highly popular and Wellington exclusive Gallipoli: The Scale of our war, which displays giant, realistic statues of important people from World War 1. Other exhibitions include the Wildlife area of the museum, which displays the first and only fully-preserved giant squid. The cafe is a long wait, which lines that take up to 20-45 minutes. Would definitely recommend going as this is a key tourist destination when visiting Wellington.

Fantastic museum with many fascinating exhibits. Great for all ages. You could easily visit every day for 3-4 days, to get the full experience. The Gallipoli display was deeply moving.

Simply one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. You get alot for free admission so it was definitely amazing. The WW1 exhibition was truly eye opening with the realistic pieces that were displayed. There was heaps on information to keep you busy which made this section all the more interesting. Another section involved nature and contained lots of different animals/insects and their variants. It was super cool seeing the whole aray of moths big and small (although I highly dislike them) I'd highly recommend visiting this museum as it's fun, interesting and educational.

Really awesome to see the amazing quality of work and craftsmanship that goes into their exhibitions. The ANZAC models were absolutely stunning, and can see the dedication that went into the making of each one. Both the paid, and free exhibitions were well worth a visit.

We explored Te Papa around 13 years ago and have been wanting to bring our children here because it was amazing then. It is still an absolutely awesome place to visit. The displays are informative and interesting. They are appropriate to our country and our unique history, so it's easy to immerse yourself in it all. We did this over 2 days just so we could make sure we explored every part of it. We finished with the ngahere/bush walk that's connected to the museum too. Definitely recommend a visit.

Brilliant museum. All of the exhibits are expertly laid out and very informative with just the right amount of text to read. I spent 1.5hrs at the Gallipoli exhibit alone so make sure you allow yourself enough time as there are 5 levels. Interactive and engaging for both adults and children.

NZ national museum. Free entry. A must to do list when travel to Wellington. Worth to spend a few hours visit , from nature, geography, war, maori culture, arts. You name it. Good for bring kids so they can learn a lot of knowledge.

New Zealand’s national museum reflects the country’s identity, history, and culture. It takes pride of place on Wellington’s waterfront and entry is free. Any visitor to Wellington should have the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa at the top of their to-do list. The largest museum in the country takes pride of place on Wellington’s waterfront. At 36,000 square metres and six stories high, it contains a vast repository of collections. It’s home to more than 800,000 artworks, objects, and specimens. It curates cutting-edge interactive exhibitions with a contemporary, and bicultural approach. Te Papa is a museum experience that’s accessible for all.

Our tour group was able to visit the Gallipoli exhibition for an hour before being open to the public. The sculptures that are 2.4 times lifesize are incredible. They are so lifelike. The information given in the information rooms between the sculptures fills in the story of Gallipoli. Amazing exhibit and exhibition

Friendly staff and excellent interactive exhibits. We went to the Gallipoli exhibition on ANZAC day, and it was incredibly moving. It demonstrates the atrocities of war in a manner suitable and accessible for all ages. Educational and powerful. And it's free entry!

Beautiful New Zealand collection on 5 4 and 5. You must visit while in Wellington. Many artists are featured in the gallery. For the parents, visit the kids' zones so vibrant and has children's activities. My personal favorite was Goldies artwork.

This place was HUGE! There was so much to see and do! Tons of interactive things for people of all ages. Highly recommend the viewpoint from the 6th floor! Beautiful view! Even better it was free!

Goes without saying please Visit this!!! Absolutely stunning panoramic view of the whole city and beyond! What we Absolutely loved was that on the windows they have described what we are seeing and the meaning behind it. The staff is so courteous and they even have clear window panes to look underneath. We made a reservation but when we got there the lines were minimal (I'm sure because of covid) you can also dine there but definitely need reservation for that!

If you are visiting Auckland and have time a must is the Sky Tower. Once up the Sky Deck which is the Main observation area you can get 360-degree view of Auckland and on a clear day the views are just phenomenal, it's said you can see 51 miles from the sky tower. Yes I wouldn't say it's a cheap experience but it's certainly worth it even if it's just once you do it. The tower also is so well built with high strength, high performance concrete, it's also suspected that during up to a 8.0 magnitude earthquake the tower would still stand and honestly you can believe this by just looking at it. When visiting we found the staff to be very welcoming and friendly and overall there isn't much else to say other than look at the pictures and see for yourself if it's something you want to witness for real.

I give it 5 stars, however, with a minus. You really get amazing views of the Auckland. You see the city sprawling out to all sides. However, comparing with similar attractions in similar countries it is a bit shabby and aged.

Nice views from both decks. Crowded but well organized. Worth a 1-2 hour visit. NZ$75 for a couple in Dec 2023 plus add-ons if you want to try the walk or sky jump.

I have been here twice before, once during the day, another for dinner on the revolving restaurant. This time was 7pm on a Monday evening when the visibility was amazing. The panoramic view of our city make me love it more and more. I would recommend the 60 floor -sky deck-200 meters above and the bridge and motorway look stunning. Particularly the window is much clearer on Sky Deck. I also bought a pair of red merino gloves. God bless Auckland, God bless our NZ.

Used our free $100 Auckland voucher today which included $25 free gift card for the gift shop. The front counter person didn't mention anything about it, it wasn't a big deal though. All the staff mbrs we came into contact with were friendly. My kids enjoyed it. It was busy, but not over crowded. Worth the freebie, however I forgot to validate my parking n since we were there all up less than 1h10mins my parking was casual rate of $24 😢😢 will return in the near future

A must visit in Auckland! Of all their activities we only tried the VR experience which was short but fun. Watched a man do the sky jump, looks very scary but fun!! Had a drink and snack at the cafe with awesome views. Pics don't do it justice. Definitely recommend a visit!

Such a beautiful view at night time, has the sky bar which was busy so opted for the walk around instead. Recommend booking if wanting to enjoy a beverage at the sky bar. Also 2 adults for 70 vs 40 pp was great value

Two of us did the 'sun and stars' entry today. This allows a day and a night visit. Well worth it. The stars experience was wonderful on the upper level (60). Great information bites everywhere, and the staff were excellent, friendly and informative. I would have liked a Cafe onsite. The bar would have done, but with no under 18s allowed, it was not an option. It would have been lovely to just sit with a coffee and look out. Maybe a dining experience will need to be next visit.

The Sky Tower is a remarkable piece of architecture. The views of Auckland are absolutely stunning and no photo or video can replicate. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. There were binocular viewers that look like they needed a coin to operate but they were free for use. I highly (pun intended) recommend this attraction.

Very iconic views and definitely worth it if you're making a trip to Auckland. Great way to see the entire city, grab a cocktail, or dinner reservations. If you eat at the restaurant, you get discounted tickets. Walking along the clear glass floor was a little scary, but super safe. Bungee jumpers can be seen jumping off which is neat to see. Elevators are extremely fast and overall it's a very easy experience.

Spectacular views, entry was included with our reservation at the Orbit Restaurant so that‘s a bonus! Really cool to see the city from above, some sections have glass floors (makes you realize just HOW high up you are!). A must do when you‘re in Auckland!

Very good. Prices are a bit steep but if you’ve never been it’s a great experience! I would recommend trying to visit on a sunny/clear day as on foggy days it can be hard to see Also recommend going up to the sky deck, which is the highest level; it doesn’t cost anymore and provides a massive view.

Friendly staff from the ground up to the sky deck. Good place to bring your visiting families. The album at the exit costs $55 which is overpriced, but somewhat expected at this touristy place. We visited on a Saturday but the place is not that packed. I recommend booking your tickets via Klook!

Very impressive and fun experience. Was wonderful to see the city in such detail. Great dinner. Very romantic for a date! Was also an awesome double date location for our group. Great service all round. Perfect Birthday dinner location. Such fun.

I'm happy to share my review of the Sky Tower! Our recent visit, starting from the 51st floor and ascending to the 60th floor, left us with an unforgettable experience. The moment we stepped onto the observation deck, we were greeted with breathtaking views that stretched as far as the eye could see. The city's beauty and vibrancy were on full display, creating a sense of wonder and awe. The transition between floors was seamless, and the journey itself was an adventure. It's evident that the Sky Tower team has invested in creating an enjoyable and well-organized experience for visitors. The staff's hospitality and assistance further added to the positive atmosphere. From the panoramic windows to the interactive exhibits, every element was thoughtfully designed to enhance our understanding of the city's landscape and history. Standing at such heights allowed us to truly appreciate the urban tapestry below. Overall, our visit to the Sky Tower was a highlight of our trip. The opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and capture incredible memories is something we will cherish. Without a doubt, this is an attraction that offers not just a good experience, but a truly exceptional one.

A simply incredible experience as one of the things you must do when in Auckland. The views are stunning. Friendly staff. Toilets and food available at the top.

Seattle has their Space Needle, Toronto has their CN Tower and Auckland has their Sky Tower. All have similar purposes as a communication towers, tourist attraction/ Observation deck and iconic land mark that can be seen long distances away. I find these towers very useful as a visual land reference when walking about in an unfamiliar city. I also like how they change the light colours of the towers at night. It does create a post card look. If you like my reviews, photos or videos then reach up to the Sky and Tower over the like button

Wonderful experience. No time pressure, plenty of time to admire the views and take pictures. Be careful if you buy tickets in advance, we accidentally bought two lots of two admissions and they would not refund our mistake. Please read the details carefully.

Visited on a Sunday morning, no queue getting in and up the tower, bought my ticket on the day no hassle quick and easy, I ended up spending a couple hours checking out the views floor 51 is the main observation deck, but you can go up to floor 60 for sky deck, incredible views, the glass seemed cleaner on the top floor but as you can do the tower walk I guess it's easier to keep clean who knows, the sky deck floor did get busier and there was a queue to get back down the one lift but enjoying the view it's easy to either wait or do another lap around and enjoy the view again, watching the boats in and out of the harbour, well worth a visit in my opinion a good way to see the city (helps getting bearings for wandering around the city for me)

A great way to see the whole city and enjoy the sights. It's also a thrilling time if you want to bungee jump or do the Skywalk which isn't for the faint of heart. The sky bar is also very enjoyable.The trip to the Sky Tower in Auckland was exhilarating. The panoramic views from the observation deck were breathtaking, offering a stunning perspective of the city and its surroundings. The glass floor added an extra thrill, making it a memorable experience. Well worth it. Great information bites everywhere, and the staff were excellent, friendly and informative. The dining experience is awesome! You can see the 360 degree view of the city while enjoying your dinner an a glass of wine. Cheers!👍

A quick ride to the top via the elevator and outstanding views of Auckland spread out before us. The platform is a little shy of 200m above the ground and for the more adventurous you can do a 360° walk around outside (while attached to a harness) or even simulate a free fall off the side (being slowed by your lines before hitting the sidewalk). For the less brave, looking down at the tiny cars below, while standing on the thick toughened glass in the viewing platform, might be more than enough to make your heart race.

One of the best place to visit in Auckland. It’s joint through Casino. Access for everyone. Paid entry to tower top . Different levels to visit. Awesome view of Auckland from the top.

We were very confused when we got there as we couldn't find the entrance. You have to go inside the casino then down the escalator. We had bought online tickets which included the Hop on/off bus & the email said there was no need to print them, but when we got to the desk, ready to go into the tower, we were told to go back outside & have them printed at the bus stop. So we weren't very impressed with that. The views are very good, but it is definitely over priced.

As this was the third we'd been up in six weeks the novelty had started to wear off. It's still worth doing but perhaps Auckland has less to see than other cities with sky towers. Reasonably priced but disappointing that you can't get a drink unless you pre book your visit so spur of the moment decisions are not the best.

Soared up to top in just 4 seconds. A lot of visitors had to turn away from the front window that showed the climb to the top but not me. It was an adrenaline rush. Off the elevator, the whole city is beneath your feet. Auckland is beautiful. The observation deck is clean, bright and tall. There are wooden benches to sit on while observing the view. There are also transparent mats for those daring to stand on. Caused my heart to flutter for a moment. Missing is a souvenir shop at the top or a kiosk for drinks. Take another lift to get up higher and see sky jumpers risk their life for 5 seconds of their life.

Had a great experience visiting the movie set. Really enjoyed the informative tour which taught me quite a bit about how the movies were filmed. Ample opportunity to take pictures around the set if it is not too crowded. There was also a nice complimentary drink at the end of the tour. Would definitely recommend booking with a day tour as it is quite far from Auckland. Tour guides also seem to have some domain knowledge of how to avoid the crowds etc.

Unfortunately it was raining, but it must do that a lot cos they had heaps of umbrellas. The guide rattled off lots of facts but it was hard to hear due to rain & distance (umbrellas). There are lots of dwellings and things to look at that make it interesting. Photo opportunities abound. I really wanted to go inside a 'house', but there just aren't any apart from 1, and that is just a photo stop. If it were possible I would do a 1 on 1 with a guide, but you would need a quiet non rainy day, do they exist? The Green dragon tavern ( and mill) was very good, the ale not too bad either. The interior was well fitted out and large enough for tall people, roaring log fires to warm and dry you. Tables and chairs & food I think. I was in a group, one of several doing the rounds, & it was stop (take pictures)and start and listen throughout. No time to stop and look really, there was always another group coming up behind. Some of the doors could do with some TLC. Would I do it again. Oh YES.

This was the first thing I booked right after we booked our flights. My husband and I did the evening banquet tour and everything was phenomenal, from the tour, to the drinks, to the food, and the commentary. If you are considering booking a tour, it is an absolute must! If possible, I would definitely recommend the evening banquet tour so you can eat in the green dragon and feel like you’re in the movie! Also, definitely book in advance and space fills up quickly. Overall, it was absolutely wonderful!

Joel picked us up early morning at our Hotel. He shared so much history of the movie set. He is knowledgeable and funny and made our trip very memorable. For individuals with disabilities in our group, he was considerate of their needs and tried his best to make the visit a great experience. My family loved the props he had at the ready to be used for photos. I definitely recommend this tour, just wish we had booked a longer tour, i really wanted to take more time to enjoy the scenery and would love to walk in the forest.

This is a must do attraction. We did the 10:10am Tour + Lunch and enjoyed it. I would love to visit again, and this time much later in the afternoon when the sun is not too high up above, the scenery would look even more fantastically enchanting.

Amazing experience. Definitely recommend if you are in the area or want make a wee trip from Auckland. Our tour guide Anna was great. Perfect level of information whilst still letting us have free reign to wander a bit. The actual Hobbiton village is so beautiful. Such amazing attention to detail throughout. The gardens were absolutely outstanding. It's also so much bigger than we thought! Going whilst NZ is still quiet was so great. We had the whole village to ourselves, so it was quiet and let us get photos without other people in it. Will definitely go back one day!

We adored our trip to this movie set. I'm a huge Tolkien fan, but my wife is less so and she still loved it for its overall beauty and uniqueness. We spent a good half day exploring on the tour and loved the beverage at the end of the tour in the cozy inn. A must do if you're in the area, fan or not. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

How could you not love this place! Enough is probably already been said about this, just a place dreams are made off. The guide was very engaging and entertaining, told us lots of behind-the-scenes stories and there’s made watching the movies after our visit all the more interesting. Our afternoon tea in the Dragon Inn was just wonderful it is such a picturesque and cozy place to stay for a bit. The staff was kind enough to give us some nice gluten-free slices, that came from the freezer, just super kind. There is some hobbit clothing in the in for guests to try out and take photos with, aside from that everything is just so beautifully done there are many many stunning photo opportunities.

This was such a lovely experience! The tours are spaced enough that you manage to take pictures without the crowds. We got warned multiple times about an ongoing construction on the site, which was very kind, but it did not really spoil the experience at all. The guide was very fun and the food (we did the tour with lunch) was great. We loved it!

For fans of "The Lord of the Rings," visiting this location is akin to stepping into the magical world of Middle-earth. Even for those who haven't seen the movie, the experience promises to be enchanting, thanks to the charming props, picturesque green pastures, and meticulously crafted set designs. The tour, lasting 1.5 hours, whisks visitors away on a journey that seems to transcend time. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the quaint hobbit homes nestled amidst lush greenery, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The presence of farm animals adds to the idyllic ambiance, making every moment feel like a dream come true. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture adorable pictures amidst the scenic backdrop. However, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves quite a bit of walking. Overall, whether you're a die-hard fan of "The Lord of the Rings" or simply seeking a magical escape into a whimsical realm, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings, soak in the tranquility of the countryside, and prepare to be transported to a world where fantasy meets reality.

This was an awesome tour! If you’re a fan of the LOTR and the hobbit, then this is a must see. Our guide went into great detail explaining the art and production of this fantastic creation. We had a great experience, a day to remember 😊

I had a wonderful time at this place. The guided tour was very informative and engaging. I enjoyed seeing the movie set and learning about the characters and the scenes. I also found out how they chose this location for the film. Even though they were still working on some parts of the set, they gave me a free mug to make up for it. The gift shop was a bit pricey, but I got some amazing photos to remember this experience.

Visited from the U.S. with a group of 6. I personally had only viewed one of the movies. But, the guide explained things well such that you don't need to know details of the movies to understand the movie set. Beautiful area. And I really mean beautiful. Very interesting - the incredible details that went into the productions.

It’s a magical place! We loved our tour guide and loved the whole tour. I’m so happy that I never felt rushed and I was able to explore and enjoy everything. I loved that they opened up a new experience of going inside a hobbits home and we got to fully explore how a hobbit lives. So happy coming here and it’s just such an enjoyable place.

A definite must-see. Glad I was able to finally check it off my bucket list. They are very organized, Every tour is set up by times. We had a great guide, too. The tour was about 2 hours long. Loved we were able to go inside one of the homes too. Highly recommend.

Very fun and well designed tour, everything smooth. Our tour guide Rob had the perfect personality to keep the group entertained, informed, and moving along in harmony. They have a lot of visitors every day but each group is a reasonable size. The tour start area is also well designed with adequate parking, toilets, and staff to field any issue. Follow the info in your reservation e.g. go to check-in and pick up your actual tickets, and get in the well marked line for your tour time. Recommended!

Such a great, magical place and very good organized. We came in the afternoon at around 5-6pm and we were just 6 people group. Our guide was so good, local, so a lot of funny stories and moments from the creation of this village. Like we went to fairytale story. We enjoyed our time, weather also was great and drinks were delicious. Highly recommended.

A must to do in New Zealand if you love Lord of the Rings. Hobbiton is a huge place where you can see some of the original locations used in the movies. Be ready to spend your whole day there. I did the tour with one of the guides from there called Steven. He was super nice and walked us through all the places explaining the stories and details about the productions. You’ll be able to go inside of the remarkable hobbit house and even have a real beer in the Green Dragon Inn. They also have a souvenir shop with many items available so bring a lot of money to buy nice things. Amazing experience.

This is great. Just a wonderful experience. Like anything Weta, it's all so carefully made and the attention to detail is spectacular. You will love investigating all the intricacies in this magical world. And then, you get to explore inside an actual Hobbit hole, and wow it is really worth it. 10 rooms and corridors, each one as realistic as the movies. A running tap in the bathroom and kitchen! They really let you take your time to get the photos you want. And finally, to top it off with a drink and snack at the green dragon. The pub is so fabulous. Great atmosphere with the roaring fire and authentic feeling. A must do indeed.

incredible experience! Our guides were fantastic and made the day fun and even more memorable. Learning about the behind the scenes knowledge and little details made the experience even more memorable! The tour ends at the green dragon where they serve a complimentary beer of choice that is specifically brewed for hobbiton I cannot recommend this experience enough!

Awesome tour. Did the lunch one and it was fantastic. Plenty of free car parks, check in is fast and the tour guides are lovely and informative. The set is amazing and you can now go inside one of two hobbit homes which are incredibly detailed. Buffet lunch was tasty and we got plenty of time to relax and eat. Recommend a hat or one of the complimentary umbrellas if it is a hot day.

This place is awesome and provided more than I expected. The tour of the Shire was well worth the money. You got to go inside a few of the houses and learn a lot of behind the scenes info. The staff is all really nice and knowledgeable which makes it even more fun. I definitely recommend taking the time to make the drive out here.

I did this tour 2 years ago and had a wonderful time. This time around I took some visiting family members and everyone had the best time. We did the lunch + tour which I highly recommend. Food and drink is wonderful! The newly renovated hobbit holes you can enter are mind blowing. Huge shout out to our guide Ben! He is the best tour guide I have ever had and I used to give tours in my previous line of work. He loves what he does and it shows.

Cool site. If you've been to Yellowstone and seen the geothermal parts of the park and liked it, come here! Photos don't do the park justice, so I've attached some terrible videos to give some insight into what you can see here. Parts of the park have a hydrogen sulfide smell but that's expected around geothermal springs. Really unique area, just be sure to stay on the path! You don't want to join the Maori warriors who were buried here. 🙂

My wife and I recently had the pleasure of visiting Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and were thoroughly captivated by the experience. The well-maintained trails allowed us to easily explore this active geothermal area together. The preserved and highly active vents provided a mesmerizing spectacle, leaving us in awe of nature's power. The clear labeling of the various areas, along with detailed descriptions, made the trip not only informative but also enjoyable for both of us. Witnessing the vibrant colors of the Champagne Pool was an enchanting experience that we shared and cherished. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a must-visit destination that can be enjoyed by couples, leaving them with lasting impressions and a deeper appreciation for the wonders of our planet.

Wow! this is a huge and absolutely amazing natural park. A place I've never seen before. It's really blows my mind, stimulates my curiosity and amazes me with the wondrous nature. We spent about 2 hours on this visit. At the entrance and also at the exit there are food and drink, souvenirs and toilets. You should bring water and go to the toilet before going in, no restrooms inside the park. Inside the park there are also very few seats and no roof so you should check the weather before going. Parking: yes

So Excited to be here!!! Wow I finally made it here. So beautiful to experience all the mud pools, Sulphur Pools, Ground Holes, Many pools of water and different colors oranges reds greens it does smell a little. It took about an hour to see everything. Nice gift shop here. I would highly recommend this place to see it all. They also have a nice place to eat as well.

We went first thing in the morning in late March and the site was quiet and empty. There was a point on our walk where we didn’t see another person for at least 15 minutes. The geothermal pools were interesting - specifically the devil’s pool near the end. There are 3 possible loops to walk. I walked 1 and 2 and took lots of photos and was done in just under an hour. My husband added in loop 3 (though fast walker) and he was maybe 10 minutes behind us. Loops 1/2 were easy walks. The geothermal site was interesting, though fell a little short compared to experiences in Yellowstone and Iceland. This was less colourful. We actively chose not to see the Lone Star Geyser because I take issue with them making it erupt artificially - something that isn’t allowed in other countries (and a practice I hope they will stop here soon). Parking was plentiful and free at the time of our visit. We were definitely glad we came.

Our fault: we went on a blustery rainy day and paid for the entire 'tour'/walk' but didn't get a chance to experience anything at all. We had to turn back 10min into the walk! Oh well, I guess you can't do much about that! But nevertheless, nice place.

Champagne pool is beautiful and it's got heaps of warm steam. Lovely walkways, but it's too hot on a sunny day in summer with only few shelters and shades. There's a souvenir shop and a Cafe with vending machines at the entrance. Fast entry on Monday, plenty of carpark outside, and not crowded inside.

Must see! This area is very nicely laid out to get you up close to the thermal activity. Allow 2 hours to walk all three tracks. Each one is more interesting than the next. A bit of the walking can be strenuous, but just go slow and take your time. It's worth it! The tracks are all clearly marked and the walking route through the park is easy to follow. An amazing place! Some of my favorite photos from our trip were taken here.

Wonderful Waiotapu!!! This place is really mind blowing. A must visit place in North Island. There are 3 different walking trails, all are linked with each other making the walking level easier to moderate. Please make sure you have shoes with good grip on a wet day as the surfaces can be slippery. Would recommend to carry enough water for yourself to keep hydrated and food if needed. Plenty of places to sit and eat with family/friends.

Incredible place to explore, lots of walking but worth it! Very scenic, there are some incredible water colours. One third is pram/wheelchair friendly, the other two thirds have lots of stairs. Take food with you and make sure you use the toilets as you enter!

This place was really cool and we spent about 3-4 hours and saw everything. There is a good amount of walking, but mostly flat with some stairs. Nice and clean place each and every volcano you can see closely ♥️🥰

Great walk with views of thermal pools. Three different levels of walks. If you want to do the longest walk I would advise arriving about 2/2.30pm as you have to be back to the beginning by 4.15pm.

Just like visiting Jurassic Park! Highly recommend the visit and the ticket price. You’ll need about 2-3hrs to leisurely walk all 3 sections/routes. Highlights are the green pond and champagne lake. We didn’t bother with the once daily geyser show at 10:15am. Watch it on YouTube and spend your time walking around the main section instead. It’s hard not to take great photos tbh. You get used to the smell and it really depends on the wind direction, so don’t worry. Take proper walking shoes too.

One of the 20 Most Surreal Places in the World. Visitors can choose one or all of three walks which take between 45 and 90 minutes. It was a fantastic experience walking around the volcanic city -Rotoroa, New Zealand. Got a chance to enjoy the unique features include the world famous Champagne Pool naturally coloured springs, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. But this wonderland is currently closed. There is an entrance fee to get in this place around NZ$ 30.00+ for adults.

New Zealand vacation day 4 - visited one of New Zealands most popular geothermal site. Place is huge and very impressive. Gives everyone a better appreciation of our planet and how active an area New Zealand is. The sites should offset the smell...by a bit! Their gift store has some nice items as well. Definitely a stop everyone should go to when visiting New Zealand!

This thermal park is amazing. The tracks are very easy to follow, and the information signs are easy to read and give you all the information/facts in easy to understand wording. All our family (10 people) enjoyed the experience. Everything is well maintained and clean and tidy. The facilities are pristine, including the toilets. The staff are polite and very friendly, thank you :-)

A wonderful morning spent walking around different tracks seeing beautiful geothermal sights. $85 for a family which is very reasonable. 3 different routes but are all linked. Track 2 and 3 would be difficult with a pushchair or wheelchair as there are steps going down.. minimum 30 steps down. Lovely being able to get so close to a natural wonder.

Wonderful place to visit where you can see and feel various natural phenomena created by the geothermal activity. Bubbling mud, hot water pools with varying colours and odors, terraces formed by rock fragments carried to surface by the hot water springs. The bursting gyzer is another interesting experience.

It was extremly interesting and beautiful. One of the two best things I have seen during my 10 days visit. Definitely recommend! Besides the champagne pool i really liked the green and green-yellowish (my favourite) lakes.

It is truly a wonder land. I found it much more interesting and diverse than rotorua Geyser. A place where you can find the amazing outcome of play by wind, water, and mineral temperatures combine with mother nature. I place for 🎨, Explorer, scientists, and photographers. It will not let you down. Just a reminder last entry is till 3:30 PM in summer.

We arrived first thing to lots of available parking and no wait. We did not see the Lone Star Geyser because there are environmental concerns with making it erupt artificially and is prohibited in some countries. So I think most people go to the Geyser before coming to the Thermal Wonderland, which was great for us because there were less people! We did 2 of 3 trails, it was easy walking for them. The pools and geothermal spots were neat to see.

Overpriced at 45$ NZD and overrated. resembles a construction site with white mud in the rain more than a wonderland. If you’ve been to the US, yellow stone park is free99 and infinitely better. While you can get a few cool pictures, Don't waste your time and money. You are better off going somewhere else nearby. It’s all the same.

Stunning collection of volcanic features. Most impressive was the green pool and champagne pool. The entire walk is out in the open so bring a hat and put on some Sunscreen.

We loved our visit here. There were quite a lot tourists when we arrived at 10am, and we missed the geyser but the rest of the park was interesting. Be prepared to be greeted by the smell of sulphur for the whole walk. We spent roughly 2 hours doing all three walks and it was educational and enjoyable. Lots of see and explore.

What a sight and great staff. We arrived just minutes before the eruption but with the guidance of the friendly staff we were able to get there in time. Then we did the walk around the thermal wonderland. There was a smell but that was to be expected. The paths were wide enough and in good repair. I appreciated the signs giving additional information. There are restrooms, a cafe and a gift shop.

Great walk through a thermal landscape with various features such as mud pools, acid lakes, terraces and steam vents. The walk itself is pleasant, you can go at your own pace, and there are plenty of view points. It does get pretty hot when the sun is out, and there is not a whole lot of shade so wear sunscreen !

Main park is amazing and worth it. Mud pools are free but paid for Lady Knox Geyser erupting at 10:15 daily (they put soap inside it for stimulus). Whole main park walk takes about 90mins average. Very stunning and informative. After the initial morning rush the park isn’t too busy so it’s nice. Bring your own lunch however as the cafe is lacking stock and options and is pricey, gift shop could be better too. Overall fantastic.

Got be one of the best places to take your kids for some fun, history and culture. Hours of fun for them. Though these days I prefer to relax at the Cafe or out side while the older kids explore. That said I do visit the new displays and exhibits. The Greek one was fascinating.

Staff are always friendly and professional. It’s not just about history but also New Zealand culture and nature. My kids love this museum, not only there is a kid zone, but also volcanoes where they get to learn about the history of volcanic eruptions in NZ and experience a simulation of the eruption. There also different exhibitions throughout the year.

Spectacular museum!! Plenty to see and do. We spent 4 hours there exploring and immersing ourselves in Maori Culture. The TRexs are not to be missed and we had fun with locating the AR dinos throughout the museum! Definitely worth the price of admission.

A must see if you are visiting Auckland. Don't get misled by the name, there are entire floors for the Aboriginal people in New Zealand and Polinician islands, and for the natural history of the region. I didn't even go to the 3rd level which is the war museum, that was not what I was after. In-fact this is the only place I come across where you can experience the heritage of the Maori people. The Maori villages I visited are just commercial tourist attractions, except for the nature.

The Auckland Memorial Museum is an amazing place for everyone🥰, including people with disabilities.♿️ They have great facilities that make it easy for everyone to enjoy. It's also a perfect spot for families – kids love it, and grandparents have a great time too. 🚼👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👨‍👦👭🧑‍🤝‍🧑You should definitely visit if you want a fun and educational experience for all ages❗️ A coffee☕️🍵🍪🥤🥪🍩 spot is available, and there's a pleasant dining area for those who bring their own food🍱. The Museum also offers the convenience of FREE 🚗 car parking for up to 180 minutes, making your visit hassle-free. Plus, it's surrounded by a beautiful park area🌋, adding to the overall charm of this wonderful destination💖🇳🇿.

Beautifully displayed with a wide array of topics and broad history covered. Very enjoyable and I love that it's free for residents and for those of us that aren't, the price was very reasonable. Lucky to be able to add the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit for only $9NZ

A place with lot to learn, from Maori history to world wars, from ancient animals to modern animals, volcanos, asian art, and many more. A very informative sections on various different topics. My favourite is the volcano section. Definitely try out the stimulation. There are activities for kids as well. I recommend going in the morning around the time they open, because if you really want to read through information and get to know things, it will take time.

Please, promise me you will definitely visit Auckland War Memorial Museum when you are in town! Rich Maori culture and history Varieties of pacific culture and history Vivid war and history display A great introduction of how New Zealand is here today Reminds you to respect people and to love the world Informative and full of education How earthquake is happening, how animals are dying, how you can to do protect the earth.......... Promise me, visit Auckland War Memorial Museum when you are in town.

Excellent place to visit for rainy day - indoor activities. We visited the current exhibition-Egypt - in the time of Pharaohs. Very informative and unique displays. They have a gift shop which have good selections of souvenirs. The restaurant inside there is very good too. We enjoyed the visit.

Went for the Egyptian Exhibition and totally love it! The gallery presents remarkable collection of artifacts abd relics from Ancient Egypt. The whole exhibition is thoughtfully curated, with detailed information to shed lights on various aspects of Egyptian life.

Will always give this place 5 stars. I consider this place my own secret garden. It shows our rates are well spent when we visit OUR very own museum. Auckland museum is always updated and keeps up with current trends. Been going here for years.

Excellent attraction to spend the day at. You have the cafe insude plus the grounds to picnic. Stunning building both outside and in with decorative features around the outside of the museum. Has the Botanical Gardens near and great views of the City.

Amazing place it's a must do when in Auckland. It's war memorial cum museum. Some of the exhibits like the Japanese ZERO were mind blowing!

I don't know how, but we got in here for free, went around, looked at stunning exhibitions, bought some souvenirs and left saying what an adventure! That's how interesting a museum has got to be. I also like how the mask mandate poster features Roman Emperor Nero!

One of the best museums I’ve ever been to. The name is a bit misleading as the non-war exhibits were the real standout for me. The Maroi displays were great as was the Auckland life expo and the NZ photos. Allow yourself 3-4hours to get around and a bit more to see the botanics and walk up the bloody hills to get there.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-visit attraction that immerses you in Auckland's rich history. I had the pleasure of exploring it on a rainy afternoon and discovered that it's free for Auckland residents, creating a vibrant atmosphere even in gloomy weather. The museum beautifully showcases Maori culture, offering an insightful journey into their traditions and heritage. While tickets may be slightly pricey for foreigners, the experience is undoubtedly worthwhile. If you're a museum lover, allocate more than four hours to fully appreciate the extensive exhibits. Prepare to be captivated by the fascinating stories and immerse yourself in Auckland's vibrant past at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Went to see Peter - fantastic to see an example up close. Overall the museum is a pretty good stop. Lines can be a little long, and some of the 'modern' exhibit styles struggle to present a cohesive narrative (why are these things here together?). But the majority of the exhibits are well put together and show a rich history with good background information.

We spent half a day here. It was really interesting to see all the different areas and displays. Kids loved the section where they could explore the animals. And the volcano eruption experience was really good!

The best museum to visit in New Zealand thanks to the Māori cultural performance. It started with a beautiful smile and welcome at the ticket counter. You have to do the Māori cultural performance. They were beyond amazing and what was said, taught, sung and performed was so emotional, inspiring, and spot on true. It is not a show, it is a glimpse into a way of life, and you are lucky if you get the chance to experience that.

Not just a museum, an experience. The building itself is amazing ! Sections : WW, Pacific islands, volcanoes and earthquakes, antiquity, rocks, contemporary collections about the city of Auckland... Just go, you won't be disappointed.

Was visiting as part of our cruise. Walked from the dock in Auckland. Beautiful and at times challenging walk. Arrived at museum to find international guests are required to pay to enter. Chose to walk around surroundings and gardens instead.

If u are a residence of Auckland, u are eligible for free entrance. Working holiday visa holders can also enjoy this benefit. Will be great if u can spend half day here exploring. Unfortunately the T-Rex fossil will be taken down for good from 11 Dec 2023 onwards. Might need to ask the museum management when will it be put back into display.

What a fabulous museum. Awesome displays and special exhibitions. We did a guided tour for an hour; highly recommended. I loved the photographic display by Robin Morrison; special photos of the Sth Is....and the people of that time. We need to return; we were there for 3+ hours but just scratched the surface

Great place to visit plenty to see, would have preferred to see more information about weapons over the years. The First World War exhibition was sanitized with little about injuries and effects on soldiers coming back. The top floor was saddest with lists of the dead, what a great loss to all.