Taupō Museum and Art Gallery

Located in the heart of Taupō, the Taupō Museum and Art Gallery offers an engaging insight into the district’s rich cultural, natural, and artistic heritage. With a variety of exhibits and interactive displays, it is an ideal destination for locals, tourists, and school groups seeking to explore the stories and history that shape the Taupō region.

Even if you are interested in Māori culture, New Zealand’s volcanic past, or simply want to explore local art and history, Taupō Museum and Art Gallery provides an educational and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

Taupō Museum

The museum presents a wide range of exhibitions, highlighting the area’s natural history and Māori heritage. The Tūwharetoa Gallery explores the history and culture of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, the local Māori iwi, through artefacts, carvings, and multimedia displays. A standout feature is the 15-metre waka carved from a single totara log, symbolising the journey from the past to the present.

Visitors are also welcomed by the Wharenui (Māori Meeting House), Te Aroha o Rongoheikume, carved by master carver Tene Waitere in the late 1920s. This intricate building celebrates Māori craftsmanship and provides context for the local community’s connection to the land.

The museum also highlights Taupō’s geological history, including volcanic eruptions and mudflows from Mount Ruapehu. The Moa skeleton, discovered near Waikaremoana, has been meticulously re-articulated and is now on permanent display. Meanwhile, the Ruaumoko carving, created by artist Delani Brown, depicts the god of geothermal activity and is carved from ancient kauri timber.

For a glimpse into mid-20th-century Kiwi life, the Kiwiana Caravan exhibits memorabilia from the 1950s and 1960s. Other displays include Anglers Paradise, Men of the AC, The Busy Corner Store, and Timber Tales of Old, offering a well-rounded perspective on local history.

The Ora Garden of Wellbeing complements the museum’s indoor exhibits. This award-winning garden, opened in 2007, features native flora and geothermal elements typical of the central North Island.

Educational programs and school visits are also encouraged. Guided walks, singalong sessions, and holiday activities offer interactive learning experiences that introduce children to local history, Māori culture, and environmental awareness. Many programs are free, providing accessible opportunities for students to engage with the museum’s collections.

Taupō Museum Opening Hours

The museum is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm, closing only on Christmas Day and Good Friday. On certain public holidays, opening hours may vary, and updates are provided on the museum’s website. Visitors are advised to arrive in advance for scheduled tours or educational sessions.

Taupō Museum Price

Entry to the Taupō Museum is free for children and Taupō District residents or ratepayers with proof of address. For adults, the standard entry fee is $6.00, while seniors and students over 18 pay $4.00. Students under 18 and children enjoy free entry. Group rates start at $4.00 per person, and a small fee applies for educational activities or research visits. The museum encourages advanced bookings for group tours and talks, which can include guided exploration of the Ora Garden project.

Located on Story Place, between the Super Loo and Rose Gardens, Taupō Museum is easily accessible for visitors staying in the town centre. The friendly staff are available to assist with tours, research, and general inquiries. Contact can be made via phone at 07 376 0414 or email at taupomuseum@taupo.govt.nz.