Wonderful way to see New Zealand way of life, past and present
Disadvantages:
None
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Don't plan a short trip to Wellington and New Zealand's Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. You will need at least a morning or afternoon, better plan on the whole day.
I've been to Te Papa, as it is more usually called, several times and every time I go there I see something different. This is mainly because they have set exhibitions but there are ever-changing long and short term special exhibitions to focus on.
We took my grand-daughter to one called ` Inside your Body'.` (I think I remember that as the title, but even if it wasn't , that was what it was all about. Aimed at all the family it left nothing to the imagination! Exceptionally well presented and inter-active.
I love Te Papa because it belongs to all New Zealanders and in that respect a lot has gone into presenting how the country has evolved, both before and since settlement.
The Maori influence is extremely accurate and reflects the part they have played in the countries history. You can move around in the Maori marae where culturally their way of life is well worth experiencing.
Artwork depicts New Zealanders lives in many forms at Te Papa and expect to be a little surprised at the creative corrugated iron pieces alongside more formal creations.
Motor bike enthusisast will love the iconic Britten motorbike of the late Christchurch inventor, and racer, John Britten who was and still is well loved in New Zealand.
Individuals flock to Te Papa, indeed whenever I've been there it is ``Crowded House'' but groups are welcome to take part in seminars, lectures and other events which you can pick up information about either from the museum or, I believe, on the internet.
Kids love Te Papa and as a parent and grandparent I really enjoy the inter-active aspects and the chance to take my loved ones down memory lane. Memories flood back of my little 4-year-old and I standing in the house as a simulated earthquake rocked us around - what a way to learn about the ``rocky road'' New Zealand has encountered over the years of its evolution!
Just getting Te Papa built was a bit of a jolt. They had to shift a massive building a few yards down the road to be sure the new musuuem building fit on the spot!
I really do relate to this living museum, because that is how I like to think of Te Papa. It is a modern look at days gone by; it is indeed a New Zealand Taonga, (treasure of New Zealand). Visits are free. You can explore easily with escalator access between floors, relax in the outdoor courtyard , see the sculptures or take time to have a light meal in the well appointed cafe.
On one of my visits the entire New Zealand Symphony orchestra was playing in the ground floor atrium and you could enjoy the heavenly music all over the museum.
It's easy to get to Te Papa, it is near the heart of the city, just a pleasant walk along the attractively up-graded Wellington waterfront, or take a bus.
If visiting Wellington, Te Papa is a ``must see'', just the right place to see what has made New Zealand grow in a rich, stimulating environment. Te Papa is there to be appreciated by people of all cultures whether they visit from New Zealand or arrive from places all over the globe. I will return, for sure.
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