Are you looking for free things to do in New Zealand? These are the best places to visit:
1The Wētā Cave
WellingtonPlace where extraordinary things happen! This workshop creates facilities for Hollywood movies such as Avatar, Lord of the Rings or King Kong. 2Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki
AucklandAuckland 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 3Air Force Museum of New Zealand
ChristchurchThe Air Force Museum of New Zealand, previously known as the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, is situated in Wigram, which was the first operational base of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). The museum is located in Christchurch, on the South Island of New Zealand. 4Canterbury Museum
ChristchurchThe 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. 5City Gallery Wellington
WellingtonCity Gallery Wellington is an art gallery located in the heart of New Zealand's capital, Wellington. It is operated by the Wellington Museums Trust, with the majority of its funding coming from the Wellington City Council. This gallery is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a variety of art forms and styles. 6Cable Car Museum
WellingtonEnter freely into the museum which brings alive the old cable cars once driving in the city. Try to image the old elegant days. 7Christchurch Arts Centre
ChristchurchThe Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora is a hub for arts, culture, education, creativity and entrepreneurship in Christchurch , New Zealand. It is located in the Gothic Revival former Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury) , Christchurch Boys' High School and Christchurch Girls' High Sc 8Riccarton House and Bush
ChristchurchRiccarton is a suburb of Christchurch . It is due west of the city centre , separated from it by Hagley Park . Upper Riccarton is to the west of Riccarton. 9Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
DunedinThe Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, originally known as the Otago Early Settlers' Museum, is a regional museum located in Dunedin, Otago on the South Island of New Zealand. The museum focuses on the history of settlement and transportation in the region, providing a comprehensive look into the past of this unique area. 10Michael Joseph Savage Memorial
AucklandTakaparawhau / 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 11Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
BlenheimThe Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is an aviation museum situated at the Omaka Air Field, which is a short 5 km (3 mi) journey from the centre of Blenheim, New Zealand. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. 12Te Waimate Mission
Waimate NorthTe Waimate Mission holds a significant place in New Zealand's history as the fourth mission station established in the country. It was also the first inland settlement from the Bay of Islands, marking a shift in the pattern of settlement during the early missionary period. Today, visitors can explore this historic site and learn about its unique role in the country's past. 13New Zealand Portrait Gallery
WellingtonThe New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is located in the Waterfront Shed 11 building in Wellington, New Zealand. This art gallery is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a diverse collection of portraits featuring works by, and of, New Zealanders. 14Reserve Bank of New Zealand
WellingtonThe Reserve Bank of New Zealand was established in its current form in 1934 by the then Finance Minister, Gordon Coates. This historical event marked a significant milestone in the financial history of New Zealand. As a tourist, learning about this could provide you with a deeper understanding of the country's economic evolution. 15Waikato Museum
HamiltonThe 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. 16Dunedin Public Art Gallery & Museum
DunedinThe Dunedin Public Art Gallery is a significant cultural institution in Dunedin, New Zealand. It houses the city's main public art collection, making it a key destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. The gallery's collection is diverse, featuring both historic and contemporary works by New Zealand and international artists. 17Pompallier Mission and Printery
RussellPompallier House, located in Russell, New Zealand, is a significant historical site that dates back to the nineteenth century. It once served as the headquarters for the French Catholic mission to the Western Pacific. The building is named after Jean Baptiste Pompallier, the first vicar apostolic to visit New Zealand, who established several missions in the North Island. 18MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahurir
NapierMTG 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.- 19
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
WellingtonThe New Zealand Film Archive was established in 1981. On 1 August 2014 the archive was amalgamated with Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero and the Television New Zealand Archive to form Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision . - 20
The National Tattoo Museum of New Zealand
WellingtonTe Aro is an inner suburb of Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. It is conveniently located just 1 km from the city center, making it easily accessible for tourists. The suburb is home to a majority of the city's entertainment center and covers a large part of the residential building area, extending from 'the Terrace' to 'Cambridge Terrace', at the foot of Mount Victoria. 21Otago Museum
Dunedin 22Puke Ariki Museum
New PlymouthPuke 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. 23Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
WellingtonThe 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. 24The Historic Village
Tauranga 25Hokitika Museum
HokitikaThe 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.- 26
Brooklands Zoo
New Plymouth - 27
Holocaust Centre of New Zealand
WellingtonThe painful topic of Holocaust is treated with respect in this little museum which is also a research center whose goal is to teach tolerance. - 28
Devonport Museum
AucklandDevonport 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. 29The Central Art Gallery
Christchurch 30Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
ChristchurchThe Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, also known as the Christchurch Art Gallery, is the public art gallery of Christchurch, New Zealand. It is a significant cultural institution in the city, showcasing a substantial collection of art and hosting a variety of New Zealand and international exhibitions. The gallery is funded by the Christchurch City Council and is a testament to the city's commitment to the arts. 31Sarjeant Gallery Whanganui
WhanganuiThe Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui, located at Pukenamu, Queen's Park Whanganui, is currently undergoing redevelopment and is therefore closed to the public. This is an important piece of information for tourists planning to visit the gallery, as they would need to adjust their plans accordingly. 32Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom
FoxtonTe 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.- 33
Rutherford's Den
Christchurch 34Te Manawa Museum
Palmerston NorthTe Manawa, located in Palmerston North, New Zealand, serves as a museum, art gallery, and science centre. This multifaceted institution offers a diverse range of exhibits and experiences, catering to a wide array of interests. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a science lover, Te Manawa has something to offer.- 35
Petone Settlers Museum
Lower Hutt 36Motueka District Museum
Motueka 37Auckland Botanic Gardens
Auckland 38Hastings City Art Gallery
Hastings 39New Zealand Maritime Museum
MapuaThe New Zealand Maritime Museum Hui Te Ananui A Tangaroa is situated in Auckland, New Zealand. It is conveniently located on Hobson Wharf, which is adjacent to the Viaduct Harbour in central Auckland. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the city. 40South Canterbury Museum
TimaruThe 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. 41Whanganui Regional Museum
WhanganuiThe 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.- 42
Cambridge Museum
Cambridge 43The Dowse Art Museum
Lower HuttThe Dowse Art Museum, located in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, is a municipal art gallery that opened its doors to the public in 1971. It is situated in a stand-alone building adjacent to other municipal facilities, providing easy access for visitors. The museum was completely remodeled in 2013, offering a modern and comfortable environment for art enthusiasts.- 44
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
Christchurch - 45
Cromwell Museum
Cromwell - 46
Riverton Community Arts Centre
Riverton - 47
Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre
Whakatāne - 48
Pātaka Art + Museum
Porirua - 49
New Zealand Police Museum
Porirua - 50
Brayshaw Heritage Park
Blenheim - 51
Birdlings Flat Gemstone & Fossil Museum
Birdlings Flat - 52
Ashburton Art Gallery
Ashburton - 53
Geraldine Historical Society Museum
Geraldine - 54
Cheviot Museum
Cheviot - 55
Martinborough Museum
Martinborough Community - 56
Kapiti Coast Museum
Waikanae