History Culture Heritage

Discovering Museums, Culture & Heritage

For a totally unique Kiwi experience, immerse yourself in the local arts and culture. New Zealand may be a young country, but the diverse wealth of Māori culture, performing arts, literature, museums and art galleries will leave even the most fervent arts and culture buffs  completely satisfied.

Museums

Our museums and galleries care for more than 40 million items relating to our history and contribute to our national identity. New Zealand  museums are actively focused on enriching their communities by enhancing the quality of their facilities, collections, programmes, products  and services. Museums play a pivotal role in the national heritage and education.

Culture & Heritage

New Zealand’s Māori culture is an integral part of Kiwi life and adds a unique, dynamic experience for visitors. Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of
Hawaiki.

Visitors to New Zealand are presented with diverse opportunities to experience Māori culture first-hand in many parts of the country. You  can experience Māori culture by visiting a marae with an organised tour, watching a carving or weaving demonstration or learning about fascinating myths and legends from passionate Māori guides.