Originally built in 1929 in memory of the soldiers who died in World War I, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is housed in a Greco-Roman style building on the grounds of the Auckland Domain. As well as its wealth of military history and artefacts, it also boasts numerous impressive displays on the subjects of Maori culture and craftwork.As you approach the building – widely considered to be one of New Zealand's finest heritage buildings – you will see a frieze depicting scenes from World Wars I and II. You will also notice a poppy motif on the bronze entrance doors, a theme which is repeated throughout the museum building.In pride of place amidst the museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions are the honour rolls listing the names of the war dead. The Scars of the Heart exhibit puts a human face on these names, with personal stories, letters and photographs from those who served, while the immensity of the technology used at the time is succinctly conveyed by the Spitfire and Japanese Zero warbirds also on display.Moving away from the war theme, the museum also boasts a wide-ranging display on Maori culture. This section of the building is home to numerous taonga (or "treasures") such as a traditional meeting house, a war canoe and one of the earliest remaining examples of Maori decorative carving. If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with one of the tours that happen each day. Led by Maori performers and guides, these tours offer additional invaluable insight into the Maori culture.The Natural History section of the Auckland War Memorial Museum has exhibits on everything from insects to amphibians, conveying the sheer range of biodiversity that thrives on the island of New Zealand, while the Applied and Decorative Arts section covers objects as diverse as costumes, clocks and metalwork from New Zealand and abroad.The Auckland War Memorial Museum is open every day except Christmas Day. Situated in The Domain in the central neighbourhood of Grafton, it's easy to get there by bus, or there's paid parking available at the museum.
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tours and Activities
Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum
Tours & day trips
See all 219 activitiesOpens in new tabFrom Auckland: Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Day Trip with Lunch
Private & custom tours
See all 93 activitiesOpens in new tabAuckland to Rotorua Private Tour
Water activities
See all 16 activitiesOpens in new tabAuckland: Waiheke Island Fast Ferry Pass
Adventure & outdoor
See all 14 activitiesOpens in new tabWaiheke Island: Zipline and Native Forest Adventure Trip
Attractions
See all 6 activitiesOpens in new tabSEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium Tickets
Reviews of Auckland War Memorial Museum
5/5 - Excellent
This is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s war history, as well as its art and natural history. The exhibits are well curated, and offer poignant inside into the lives and experiences of New Zealanders. I attended the Maori Cultural Experience and was impressed with the quality of the performance, and what I learned. A very worthwhile visit.
3/5 - Okay
Very expensive.
3/5 - Okay
Very expensive for what it is - Australian version much better and free.
2/5 - Disappointing
Not as good as when I was a kid. Seemed to be undergoing changes so lots of areas were closed.
2/5 - Disappointing
Not as good as when I was a kid. Seemed to be lots of changes happening though so many areas closed.
2/5 - Disappointing
$25 charge for international visitors?
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