Travel back in time with these 10 accessible museums in Aotearoa New Zealand
Keen to learn more about our history? Here’s ten accessible museums across the motu.
August 11th, 2022
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For a full list, take a look at our Accessible Places Directory
Know an accessible place that isn’t listed in the library? List it here.
1. Te Papa Tongarewa - Wellington
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Te Papa is New Zealand’s bold and innovative national museum and art gallery.
Accessible features
Ramps
Lifts
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Accessible eating areas
Mobility parking
Wheelchair access
Sensory features
Staff and volunteer support
Mobility scooter hire
Wheelchair hire
Video captions
Guided tours
Assistance and mobility dogs allowed
Translations and NSL support
Find out more about Te Papa in the Accessible Day Out Library
2. Air Force Museum of New Zealand - Christchurch
Discover New Zealand’s military aviation story at the place where it all began. Engage with stories of the men and women who have helped shape New Zealand’s military aviation journey and reflect on their service and sacrifice through years of war and peace.
Accessible features
Ramps
Lifts
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Accessible eating areas
Mobility parking
Grab rails
Wheelchair access
Sensory sessions
Spacious areas
Staff and volunteer support
Guided tours
Assistance and mobility dogs allowed
Find out more about the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in the Accessible Day Out Library
3. Te Manawa Museum - Palmerston North
Blending art, science and heritage together means Te Manawa is a museum where almost anything can happen.
Accessible features
Ramps
Lifts
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Mobility parking
Wheelchair access
Find out more about the Te Manawa Museum in the Accessible Day Out Library
4. MOTAT - Museum of Transport and Technology - Auckland
MOTAT is New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum and offers a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Accessible features
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Mobility parking
Wheelchair access
Accessible rides and attractions
Staff and volunteer support
Wheelchair hire
Video captions
Find out more about MOTAT in the Accessible Day Out Library
5. Auckland Museum
Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's first Museums. The Museum tells the story of New Zealand, its place in the Pacific and its people. The Museum is a war memorial for the province of Auckland and holds one of New Zealand's top three heritage libraries.
Accessible features
Ramps
Lifts
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Mobility parking
Wheelchair access
Sensory sessions
Sensory features
Staff and volunteer support
Wheelchair hire
Find out more about Auckland Museum in the Accessible Day Out Library
6. Wellington Museum
Wellington Museum shares the fascinating stories of the Wellington region. All housed within the beautiful 1892 heritage building designed by leading architect Frederick de Jersey Clere.
Accessible features
Ramps
Lifts
Accessible toilets
Wheelchair access
Wheelchair hire
Assistance and mobility dogs allowed
Translations and NSL support
Level access doorways
Find out more about Wellington Museum in the Accessible Day Out Library.
7. Motueka District Museum
Motueka District Museum is housed in the Old District High School building which opened in 1913 The museum records, preserves, and presents the history, culture, and development of the Motueka District.
Accessible features
Ramps
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Accessible eating areas
Wheelchair access
Audio equipment
Staff and volunteer support
Guided tours
Assistance and mobility dogs allowed
Find out more about Motueka District Museum in the Accessible Day Out Library
8. Nelson Provincial Museum
The Nelson Provincial Museum Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao is the kaitiaki (guardian) of social and natural history and Taonga from the Nelson and Tasman regions. It is New Zealand’s oldest museum tracing its origin back to the foundation of the Literary and Scientific Institution of Nelson in May 1841.
Accessible features
Lifts
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Find out more about Nelson Provincial Museum in the Accessible Day Out Library
9. Polish Heritage Trust Museum - Auckland
Discover more about Poland's history, achievements and contributions to the world and the Polish nationals who arrived in NZ during the Second Word War.
Accessible features
Accessible toilets
Accessible eating areas
Mobility parking
Grab rails
Spacious areas
Guided tours
Level access doorways
Find out more about Polish Heritage Trust Museum in the Accessible Day Out Library
10. Te Aroha and District Museum - Te Aroha
The museum presents the history of the district through thousands of artifacts and extensive displays of historic photos. The collection includes pieces relating to early Māori relics, gold mining, early settlers, business and development, the Domain and the town's rich spa history through which the story of Te Aroha, the district, and its people is told.
Accessible features
Accessible walkways
Accessible toilets
Mobility parking
Wheelchair access
Portable seating
Spacious areas
Staff and volunteer support