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Auckland Museumor more accurately - Auckland War Memorial MuseumAuckland Museum is a much loved Auckland icon. Set high on a hill Maori called Pukekawa, overlooking the Waitemata harbour, the white columns of this majestic building have overlooked the city since 1929. New Zealand’s first museum, originally started in 1852 in a small 2 roomed cottage, in a different location. The museum’s distinctive architecture can be seen from many different vantage points around the greater city.
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.
There is a Maori Cultural Show 3 times a day. 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 MEETING HOUSE 
The museum has many excellent collections. Unfortunately a good proportion of their displays are stored 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 - http://www.aucklandmuseum.com Other displays and museum areas to explore include• Natural History • Pictorial Collections • Wild Child – children’s toys, school work, and lives from the 1880’s – 1950’s • Musical Instruments – originally a private collection • 2 different Discovery centres for children • Marine life – this is a lovely area • Rajah – once an elephant at Auckland Zoo, he is a favourite. 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 DomainAuckland 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 picturesque duck pond, and the Wintergardens. 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.
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 . 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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