Auckland Museum

Stop 5: Auckland War Memorial Museum

Auckland Museum is one of New Zealand’s most iconic cultural attractions. Built in 1929 the striking neo-classical heritage building stands as both a war memorial and a world-class museum. Set within the Auckland Domain, it offers sweeping views across the city and Waitematā Harbour. The Museum houses significant collections of Māori and Pacific Island taonga (treasures), national sciences collections, engaging and interactive displays for kids, and galleries commemorating the story of New Zealanders at war.

Visiting the Auckland Museum

Alongside the permanent displays, the Museum hosts an exciting calendar of international exhibitions showcasing a range of themes like ancient history, the natural world and more.

For an introduction to Māori culture, book the Māori Cultural Experience available twice daily. If you’re on a time limit, the Gallery Highlights Tour is a great way to discover the history and fascinating stories of the Museum’s collections, with the help of an expert guide.

The Grand Foyer (Northern) entrance features a cafe, free wifi and toilets that are accessible without Museum entry. In the South Atrium (same side as the bus stop) you’ll find Tuitui Museum Cafe and Bistro which is perfect for a sit-down lunch or coffee alongside a great selection of cabinet food.

Auckland Domain / Wintergardens

Just a short walk from the Auckland War Memorial Museum is the Auckland Domain and the Wintergardens, a beautiful series of formal gardens that are free of charge and well worth a visit. The Wintergardens complex was established after World War I and is a protected heritage site.

The complex consists of two ornate Victorian-style display glasshouses. One is non-heated, with an average temperature of 24°C and contains temperate plants. The other contains tropical plants and is heated with an average temperature of 28°C.

There’s also a formal courtyard with a pond in the centre, and a fernery within an old quarry.

Just outside the Wintergardens, you’ll find a duck pond with a natural spring and a café.

Stop information

Bus Timetable

First bus: 9.30am

Last bus: 4.30pm

Location

Outside South Entrance, Auckland Domain

Opening Hours

10:00am – 5:00pm daily

Duration

We suggest allowing 3-4 hours total for your visit.

Admission

Entry fees apply to international visitors and special exhibitions

Access

Full access, including wheelchairs

Toilets

Toilet facilities available inside

Add-on entry to your pass

Add entrance to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to your Auckland Explorer Bus pass and save! Just add your 24 or 48-hour pass to your cart, and add Auckland Museum, and any other attraction entries you want, in the next step!

24 Hours Pass

Explorer Bus +
Auckland Museum

Adult: $70 + $27
$97

Child: $35 + $13.50
$48.50

General Admission tickets are discounted
as some of the galleries are closed

48 Hours Pass

Explorer Bus +
Auckland Museum

Adult: $80 + $27
$107

Child: $40 + $13.50
$53.50

General Admission tickets are discounted
as some of the galleries are closed