All free museums and attractions to visit in New Zealand

If you are on a budget New Zealand still has a lot to offer for you culturally, including free museums, free activities and free attractions. 56 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
    Auckland 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
  3. Air Force Museum of New Zealand3

    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.
  4. Canterbury Museum4

    Canterbury Museum

    Christchurch
    The 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.
  5. City Gallery Wellington5

    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.
  6. Cable Car Museum6

    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.
  7. Christchurch Arts Centre7

    Christchurch Arts Centre

    Christchurch
    The 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
  8. Riccarton House and Bush8

    Riccarton House and Bush

    Christchurch
    Riccarton 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.
  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
    Takaparawhau / 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
  11. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre11

    Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

    Blenheim
    The 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.
  12. Te Waimate Mission12

    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.
  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. Reserve Bank of New Zealand14

    Reserve Bank of New Zealand

    Wellington
    The 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.
  15. Waikato Museum15

    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.
  16. Dunedin Public Art Gallery & Museum16

    Dunedin Public Art Gallery & Museum

    Dunedin
    The 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.
  17. Pompallier Mission and Printery17

    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.
  18. MTG Hawke's Bay Tai Ahurir18

    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.
  19. 19

    Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

    Wellington
    The 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. 20

    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.
  21. Otago Museum21

    Otago Museum

    Dunedin
  22. Puke Ariki Museum22

    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.
  23. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa23

    Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

    Wellington
    The 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.
  24. The Historic Village24

    The Historic Village

    Tauranga
  25. Hokitika Museum25

    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.
  26. 26

    Brooklands Zoo

    New Plymouth
  27. 27

    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.
  28. 28

    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.
  29. The Central Art Gallery29

    The Central Art Gallery

    Christchurch
  30. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū30

    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.
  31. Sarjeant Gallery Whanganui31

    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.
  32. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom32

    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.
  33. 33

    Rutherford's Den

    Christchurch
  34. Te Manawa Museum34

    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.
  35. 35

    Petone Settlers Museum

    Lower Hutt
  36. Motueka District Museum36

    Motueka District Museum

    Motueka
  37. Auckland Botanic Gardens37

    Auckland Botanic Gardens

    Auckland
  38. Hastings City Art Gallery38

    Hastings City Art Gallery

    Hastings
  39. New Zealand Maritime Museum39

    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.
  40. South Canterbury Museum40

    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.
  41. Whanganui Regional Museum41

    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.
  42. 42

    Cambridge Museum

    Cambridge
  43. The Dowse Art Museum43

    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.
  44. 44

    Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

    Christchurch
  45. 45

    Cromwell Museum

    Cromwell
  46. 46

    Riverton Community Arts Centre

    Riverton
  47. 47

    Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre

    Whakatāne
  48. 48

    Pātaka Art + Museum

    Porirua
  49. 49

    New Zealand Police Museum

    Porirua
  50. 50

    Brayshaw Heritage Park

    Blenheim
  51. 51

    Birdlings Flat Gemstone & Fossil Museum

    Birdlings Flat
  52. 52

    Ashburton Art Gallery

    Ashburton
  53. 53

    Geraldine Historical Society Museum

    Geraldine
  54. 54

    Cheviot Museum

    Cheviot
  55. 55

    Martinborough Museum

    Martinborough Community
  56. 56

    Kapiti Coast Museum

    Waikanae

All museums in New Zealand