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
Auckland 3Auckland War Memorial Museum
AucklandThe 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. 4Air 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. 5Christchurch Arts Centre
Christchurch 6City 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. 7Cable 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. 8Riccarton House and Bush
Christchurch 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
Auckland 11Te 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. 12Archives New Zealand
Wellington 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. 14Devonport 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. 15New Zealand Cricket Museum
WellingtonThe 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. 16Artspace Aotearoa
AucklandArtspace 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. 17Waikato 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. 18Pompallier 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. 19MTG 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.- 20
Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision
Wellington - 21
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. 22Otago Museum
Dunedin 23Puke 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. 24Hokitika 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.- 25
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. 26The Central Art Gallery
Christchurch 27Christchurch 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. 28Sarjeant 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. 29Te 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.- 30
Rutherford's Den
Christchurch 31Te 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.- 32
Petone Settlers Museum
Lower Hutt 33Motueka District Museum
Motueka 34Auckland Botanic Gardens
Auckland- 35
Te Toi Uku Clay Works
Auckland 36Hastings City Art Gallery
HastingsHastings 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. 37New 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. 38South 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. 39Whanganui 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. 40The 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.- 41
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
Christchurch - 42
Cromwell Museum
Cromwell - 43
Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre
Whakatāne - 44
Pātaka Art + Museum
PoriruaPātaka 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
Central Hawkes Bay Museum
Waipawa - 46
Te Awamutu Museum
Te Awamutu - 47
Brayshaw Heritage Park
Blenheim - 48
Birdlings Flat Gemstone & Fossil Museum
Birdlings Flat - 49
Ashburton Art Gallery
Ashburton - 50
Cheviot Museum
Cheviot - 51
Martinborough Museum
Martinborough Community - 52
Kapiti Coast Museum
Waikanae