Auckland Museum

or Auckland War Memorial Museum

AUCKLAND MUSEUM

It came about its full name Auckland War Memorial Museum because it was built not just as a museum, but a War memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the wars. Inside you will find walls with the names of the fallen, and on the top floor there is a wonderful display of planes, weapons and war memorabilia. The life like staged sets of war conditions give some small understanding of what life in the front must be like.

April 25th is ANZAC ( Australia - New Zealand Army Corps) Day in New Zealand, when the whole country attends 5.00am dawn parades and we remember those who fought for our country. One of the biggest parades is held at the cenotaph, outside the Auckland War Memorial Museum.

MAORI CULTURAL SHOW - 3 times daily.

The call of the conch shell will tell you the show is about to start.You will experience traditional Maori songs, dances, games and haka.

MAORI TAONGA

The museum would have the best display of Maori taonga(treasures) anywhere. It would be one of my favourite displays, with a full sized meeting house, a food storage whare, a waka (canoe), carvings, and many artifacts, weapons, musical instruments and stunning feather cloaks.

The museum has many excellent collections. Unfortunately a good proportion of their displays are stored away, due to lack of room.

But some of these are put on display throughout the year. So not only will you find the usual museum displays, but there will always be short term collections and exhibitions on. You can check here to see the current activities on at Auckland Museum

Other displays and museum areas to explore include

NOTE :You can take a self guided family trail through the museum which should ensure you don’t miss parts.

SHOPPING & EATING

There is a cafe on the ground floor. There are two shops selling a range of gifts, toys, souvenirs and jewellery. There is also a bookshop with books relevant to Auckland Museum.

Outside Auckland Museum - The Domain

Auckland Museum is set in the grounds of the Auckland Domain.This 75 acre park, Auckland’s oldest, features bush with tracks weaving through, expansive green areas dotted with huge, mature, exotic trees planted by our Auckland forefathers, a band rotunda for small groups entertaining, a restaurant overlooking a

The Domain features many free concerts, where up to 250,000 Aucklander’s descend on this great city park. If you are in Auckland over summer, be sure to check whether a concert is on . picturesque duck pond, and the intergardens.

This is a well used park! The Wintergardens were established after the First World War and are a heritage site. With 2 huge glasshouses, one temperate, one tropical, a fernery and lily pond, it is a favourite place for weddings.

A visit to Auckland Museum and the domain would be high on my list of recommended sightseeing activities for your Auckland holiday.

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