Things to do in Greater Wellington, North Island: The Best History Museums

Discover the inspiring story of Suzanne Aubert, New Zealand's first saint-in-the-making, and the living mission of the Sisters of Compassion. Take some time out in the Chapel of Our Lady of Compassion, renowned for its John Drawbridge stained glass windows. Enjoy a walk in the tranquility of the gardens.All this is set in the beautiful and historic grounds of Our Lady's Home of Compassion.

Wellington Museum celebrates the people and the events that have shaped the character and soul of the Capital City of New Zealand and it’s region. Visitors are transported to the 1800s, and then explore the city’s metamorphosis. The Ngā Heke exhibition showcases prized taonga, Te Whanganui a Tara (The Great Harbour of Tara), and contemporary work from Māori artists and poets. Reach the top floor and you’ll be greeted by the delightfully bizarre; The Attic, which embraces the more peculiar side of Wellington’s history. Explore, listen, and even time travel. The Museum Store is a gem of a place to get a unique gift for yourself or a loved one, find exquisite New Zealand made memorabilia. The Museum is located at the heart of Wellington’s waterfront, just two minutes from the shopping on Lambton Quay and the iconic cable car. It is free and listed as one of the must-dos while in the world’s coolest little capital.

Cobblestones Museum is located in Greytown on the site of the original Hastwell stables built in 1866. From here horse drawn coaches departed for Wellington and other Wairarapa towns. The new Entrance & Exhibition Building acts as an introduction to the museum and village and showcases a number of our larger and significant objects in our collection. The new exhibition building tells some of Greytown’s and Wairarapa heritage stories within it, and provides a link to other displays at Cobblestones and the region’s wider history. We also show the strong links to Papawai Marae and the exhibition features two river waka both of which were recovered from farmlands in the South Wairarapa. Within Cobblestone’s attractive village setting visitors can discover a range of historic buildings, giving an insight into life as it was lived by the Wairarapa’s first European settlers.

The Holocaust Centre of New Zealand is country's national Holocaust education and remembrance Centre, sharing the stories of the survivors of Nazi persecution, who came to make New Zealand their home. Read their stories, see DVDs of their testimony and learn the history of the Holocaust in a NZ context. We also hold commemorative events, film screenings and guest speakers. Bi-annually we raise funds to send 25 - 30 NZ educators to Yad Vashem in Israel for an intensive programme on Holocaust Education, enhancing the skills of teachers to teach the Holocaust within their own schools. Our vision is that through testimony, experience & advocacy we will inspire and empower individuals to stand against prejudice, discrimination and apathy. We are a not-for-profit charity existing primarily on grants and donations. Public entry is free but a donation would be much appreciated. Donations over $5 are valid for tax receipts. Open till 4pm on the last Sunday of every month.

Corrections’ Heritage Centre captures some of the fascinating history of imprisonment and criminal rehabilitation in New Zealand. Visitors will learn how New Zealand’s approach to offender management has evolved, and how society’s attitude to crime and punishment has changed from the 1800s through to today. Exhibitions include a replica historic prison cell; improvised weapons and makeshift tattoo equipment made by prisoners; and uniforms worn by staff. The centre also showcases the modern facilities now operated by Corrections’, and demonstrates our focus on reducing re-offending on an offender’s journey from their arrest, through to their release from prison. A special exhibit includes a look at Corrections involvement in World War One. The exhibit is part of commemorations to mark the hundred year anniversary of World War One.