TE PAPA TONGAREWA

It's THE must-see in Wellington and THE must-see museum in New Zealand.

Te Papa Tongarewa means "the place of the treasures of this land". It's one of the country's most interesting museums, and a must-see when visiting the capital. Like most modern museums, it's interactive, with children's areas and lots of fun. The complex is spread over six floors, where you can spend hours or even days discovering the country.

The program includes geological features, flora and fauna, volcanoes, marine life, and even an outdoor reproduction of the bush, complete with native plants.

History and culture buffs will also learn more about the Maori world, the creation of the nation by the Treaty of Waitangi, colonization, the history of immigrants and refugees, and an impressive exhibition on the Battle of Gallipoli told through the experiences of 8 New Zealanders at the front (7 soldiers and a nurse); a must-see, if only for the life-like giant figures of these individuals, created by Weta Workshop. Considered one of the founding acts of the national community, this is an important event for New Zealanders, but also for Australians, who took part.

On the top floor, an art gallery offers a changing program, and there's access to an observation platform with beautiful views over the city. There's also a café and store at reception.