City: New Zealand
Top Things to do in New Zealand
Top Hotels in New Zealand
- 1. Kamana Lakehouse
- 2. Fable Auckland, MGallery
- 3. Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
- 4. Sudima Christchurch City
- 5. Rydges Wellington Airport
- 6. Aoraki Court Aoraki/Mt Cook Village
- 7. Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
- 8. Auto Lodge Motor Inn
- 9. Rainforest Retreat
- 10. Sojourn Apartment Hotel
Countries
Top 10 Natural History Museums in New Zealand, New Zealand
New Zealand (/njuːˈziːlənd/ ( listen); Māori: Aotearoa [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa]) is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu)—and around 600 smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, New Zealand developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city is Wellington, while its most populous city is Auckland.
Restaurants in New Zealand
1. Higgins Heritage Park
2. Dinosaur House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 25 reviews
The Dinosaur House is a small museum which is run by dinosaur enthusiasts Ian & Sarah Moore. The Museum contains an amazing collection of dinosaur displays and fossils. Housed in a beautiful 1922 heritage building in the centre of the historic town of Raetihi. It is a traditional museum using the beauty and majesty of more than 100 specimens to show the public the exciting and wonderful world of fossils and dinosaurs. You’ll be transported back to prehistoric times to explore our carefully curated exhibits which will expand your mind.
Reviewed By YorkshireTeabag
Really well done. Friendly hosts truly knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Some great items such as the actual costume worn by Sam Neill in Jurassic Park III. Highly recommend for all ages.
3. Waitomo Caves Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By carlenemabeym - Omokoroa Beach, New Zealand
Amazing information - very well presented and extremely well priced - great facts to go with a cave visit or great on its own, the history, the facts and everything you need to know about the area.
4. Otago Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,124 reviews
Reviewed By geckopoo
We visited this place 12 years ago when on holiday with our kids, so excited to come back after all these years, and so relieved it is still as good as we remembered (if not better!). Always loved the Animal Attic, great homage to the old-fashioned classical museum collections complete with stuffed specimens in original glass cabinets, fantastic! We were staying just a block away so we just loved visiting the Animal Attic first thing in the morning as the museum opened when it was nice, quiet and oh so peaceful out there, just us and the animals, it was like having our own private museum. A floor down was the maritime gallery and natural history section, also our favourite areas - the moa skeletons on display are well curated, labels very informative and interesting. On the first floor is the special exhibits area which until April this year honours 130 years of collecting in New Zealand, very intriguing array of examples ranging from the heart of a great white shark to a petrified rat collection to gold coins from the Elizabethan period. This is a very modern and spacious museum yet it still has a rather conservative and traditional feel - we love it! The technology is well used to enhance and inform without being too gimmicky and glitzy. Good toilets, water fountains and rest areas on all floors too. Best of all, it’s free. Well done, Dunedin for having this excellent museum in your midst!
5. Puke Ariki
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 537 reviews
Welcome to Puke Ariki - an integrated knowledge hub comprising museum, library, research centre, museum store and i-SITE for a visitor experience that is like no other. Puke Ariki is a place where people come together and where there is a place for everyone. Sited in New Plymouth, between the majestic Mount Taranaki and the wild Tasman Sea, Puke Ariki is a place of wonder, of excitement, of discovery and adventure. "Te hiringa ā rangi, te hiringa ā nuku, te hiringa o Puke Ariki, kia tupu te toiora, kia tupu te toi auaha o te tangata, pupū mai ai i a Taranaki o mua ki Taranaki o nāianei, honohono ake te hunga kāinga, te motu me te ao ki ngā aronga hou, ki ngā ara huhua o tikanga kē, o iwi kē." "At Puke Ariki we aim to inspire creativity and enrich lives by promoting the heritage of Taranaki and connecting local people and visitors to new ideas and other cultures from around the world."
Reviewed By Marloid2 - Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
I found Puke Ariki to be an excellent local/regional museum and attraction covering, history, geology, marine etc. Very well presented, very open and modern. Also has an excellent gift shop. Next time in New Plymouth I shall return.
6. The Vanished World Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By jonhenryDuntroon - Whangarei, New Zealand
To look at fossils that are 25 million years old is thrilling. I spent over an hour there. The friendly person on duty used my camera to photograph me standing beside a large fossil. This venue is well worth the visit.
7. Woodlands Historic Homestead, Gardens and Function Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Woodlands is a unique and very beautiful Historic New Zealand Homestead and Garden Estate established in the 1870's. It sits proudly in the center of acres of stunning gardens and fertile farm land, providing the perfect setting for a wedding, celebration, event or corporate function. An idyllic event venue featuring the Historic Homestead, meticulously restored and preserved, and purpose built function centre, providing an extremely popular choice for weddings, functions and events. The Gardens, awarded a 5 star Garden of National Significance rating by New Zealand Garden Trust, offer many photo locations for wedding ceremonies, engagement shoots and family memories.
Reviewed By LAIreland2018 - Huntly, New Zealand
This beautiful colonial homestead has been lovingly restored and decorated and furnished in the style of the late 19th century and even boasts a ballroom. It is set among beautiful gardens which unfortunately were over their best due to our visiting in mid-summer. There is a lovely walk through the gardens and surrounding bush along the edge of a pretty stream. There is also a nice cafe on the grounds. There is no cost to explore the garden and only $2 per adult to view the house.
8. Mangere Mountain Education Centre (MMEC)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Mangere Mountain has stood tall for over 18,000 years. This unique Geopark close to the city takes you a world away. The site of an historic Maori settlement, it offers panoramic views over the city. It also gives an intriguing glimpse into the past. Join a guided walk. Encounter a unique volcanic lava dome, see traditional Maori gardens, learn about medicinal plants, try your hand at crafts.
9. Gemston & Fossil Museum Birdlings Flat
10. Waimate Museum and Archives
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
28 Shearman Street Waimate South Canterbury Museum Hours Tuesday to Friday 12.00 noon - 3.00pm Monday closed (other times by appointment) Admission by Donation Group Bookings are welcome Archives Hours Tuesday through Thursday 1.30pm - 4.00pm (appointments recommended) Architect P.F.M.Burrows. Built in 1879. Originally the Waimate Court House, it was built in a neo-classical style. Annual Bookarama is held Labour Weekend this year it will fall on Saturday 20th until Thursday 25th of October
Reviewed By Waimate1 - Waimate, New Zealand
This museum provides a good idea about the local heritage of this area. There is an excellent rock and Moa display as well as a large selection of horse drawn vehicles. The court house is a interesting old building. The staff will happily give information and if the door is closed there is a phone number to arrange an opening.
