All free museums and attractions to visit in New Zealand

New Zealand has a lot to offer for you culturally, even if you're on a budget, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 52 museums and attractions in New Zealand can be visited without charge.

Are you looking for free things to do in New Zealand? These are the best places to visit:

  1. The Wētā Cave1

    The Wētā Cave

     Wellington
    Place where extraordinary things happen! This workshop creates facilities for Hollywood movies such as Avatar, Lord of the Rings or King Kong.
  2. Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki2

    Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki

     Auckland
  3. Auckland War Memorial Museum3

    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.
  4. Air Force Museum of New Zealand4

    Air Force Museum of New Zealand

     Christchurch
    The 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.
  5. Christchurch Arts Centre5

    Christchurch Arts Centre

     Christchurch
  6. City Gallery Wellington6

    City Gallery Wellington

     Wellington
    City 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.
  7. Cable Car Museum7

    Cable Car Museum

     Wellington
    Enter freely into the museum which brings alive the old cable cars once driving in the city. Try to image the old elegant days.
  8. Riccarton House and Bush8

    Riccarton House and Bush

     Christchurch
  9. Toitū Otago Settlers Museum9

    Toitū Otago Settlers Museum

     Dunedin
    The 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.
  10. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial10

    Michael Joseph Savage Memorial

     Auckland
  11. Te Waimate Mission11

    Te Waimate Mission

     Waimate North
    Te 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.
  12. Archives New Zealand12

    Archives New Zealand

     Wellington
  13. New Zealand Portrait Gallery13

    New Zealand Portrait Gallery

     Wellington
    The 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.
  14. Devonport Museum14

    Devonport Museum

     Auckland
    Devonport 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.
  15. New Zealand Cricket Museum15

    New Zealand Cricket Museum

     Wellington
    The Basin Reserve, fondly referred to as 'The Basin', is a cricket stadium located in Wellington, New Zealand. It was inaugurated in the year 1868, making it the oldest cricket stadium in the country. This historical significance adds to the charm of the stadium, making it a point of interest for tourists visiting Wellington.
  16. Artspace Aotearoa16

    Artspace Aotearoa

     Auckland
    Artspace Aotearoa, previously known as Artspace NZ, is an art gallery situated in Auckland, New Zealand. It is conveniently located on Karangahape Road in the Newton area of the city. The gallery was established in 1987 and has since been a hub for contemporary New Zealand and overseas art.
  17. Waikato Museum17

    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.
  18. Pompallier Mission and Printery18

    Pompallier Mission and Printery

     Russell
    Pompallier 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.
  19. MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahurir19

    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.
  20. 20

    Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

     Wellington
  21. 21

    The National Tattoo Museum of New Zealand

     Wellington
    Te 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.
  22. Otago Museum22

    Otago Museum

     Dunedin
  23. Puke Ariki Museum23

    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.
  24. Hokitika Museum24

    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.
  25. 25

    Holocaust Centre of New Zealand

     Wellington
    The painful topic of Holocaust is treated with respect in this little museum which is also a research center whose goal is to teach tolerance.
  26. The Central Art Gallery26

    The Central Art Gallery

     Christchurch
  27. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū27

    Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū

     Christchurch
    The 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.
  28. Sarjeant Gallery Whanganui28

    Sarjeant Gallery Whanganui

     Whanganui
    The 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.
  29. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom29

    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.
  30. 30

    Rutherford's Den

     Christchurch
  31. Te Manawa Museum31

    Te Manawa Museum

     Palmerston North
    Te 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.
  32. 32

    Petone Settlers Museum

     Lower Hutt
  33. Motueka District Museum33

    Motueka District Museum

     Motueka
  34. Auckland Botanic Gardens34

    Auckland Botanic Gardens

     Auckland
  35. 35

    Te Toi Uku Clay Works

     Auckland
  36. Hastings City Art Gallery36

    Hastings City Art Gallery

     Hastings
    Hastings Central is the heart of Hastings City, located in the Hawke's Bay Region of New Zealand's North Island. This central suburb and business district is a hub of activity and serves as the city's main commercial area. It's a great place to start exploring the city and its surroundings.
  37. New Zealand Maritime Museum37

    New Zealand Maritime Museum

     Mapua
    The 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.
  38. South Canterbury Museum38

    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.
  39. Whanganui Regional Museum39

    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.
  40. The Dowse Art Museum40

    The Dowse Art Museum

     Lower Hutt
    The 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.
  41. 41

    Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

     Christchurch
  42. 42

    Cromwell Museum

     Cromwell
  43. 43

    Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre

     Whakatāne
  44. 44

    Pātaka Art + Museum

     Porirua
    Pātaka Art + Museum is a significant cultural institution in Porirua City, New Zealand. It is housed in a building named Te Marae o Te Umu Kai o Hau, which opened its doors to the public in 1998. The museum and art gallery serve as a platform for showcasing the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of the region.
  45. 45

    Central Hawkes Bay Museum

     Waipawa
  46. 46

    Te Awamutu Museum

     Te Awamutu
  47. 47

    Brayshaw Heritage Park

     Blenheim
  48. 48

    Birdlings Flat Gemstone & Fossil Museum

     Birdlings Flat
  49. 49

    Ashburton Art Gallery

     Ashburton
  50. 50

    Cheviot Museum

     Cheviot
  51. 51

    Martinborough Museum

     Martinborough Community
  52. 52

    Kapiti Coast Museum

     Waikanae