Te Papa Tongarewa--The Museum of New Zealand (wellington)

Te Papa Tongarewa--The Museum of New Zealand

One of the largest national museums in the world, Te Papa is redefining the word museum. Built at a cost of NZ$317 million ($133 million), it is believed to be 5 years ahead of anything of its kind in the world, combining interactive technology with stunning world-class displays that tell the story of New Zealand--its history, art, and natural environment. Advanced motion simulators take visitors back in time to the explosive formation of New Zealand and the prehistoric landscape, and in the present you can try virtual-reality bungee jumping, shear a sheep, or ride on the back of a whale.

Te Papa is also a partnership between Pakeha (the majority culture of European descent) and Maori culture. It includes a range of magnificent exhibitions featuring * Manu Whenua, some of the country's most significant Maori treasures, as well as * Te Marae, a unique 21st-century carved meetinghouse. Visitors can share in formal Maori welcomes and iwi (tribal) ceremonies, see how the Maori navigated the Pacific, and learn the stories behind the carvings and the Treaty of Waitangi.

The second level contains Mountains to Sea, which puts the spotlight on the natural world. From minuscule insects to the gigantic skeleton of a 21m (69-ft.) pygmy blue whale, it presents both the familiar and the bizarre of New Zealand's natural inhabitants. Mana Pasifika explores how Pacific Island cultures have influenced and affected New Zealand. On the Sheep's Back examines the place of those friendly, woolly creatures in the lives of New Zealanders, often in a surprising and witty manner. * Passports explores the migrant story of New Zealand in a fantastic exhibition and audiovisual presentation that is one of the highlights of the museum.

Spread over five levels, the museum includes much more and warrants at least half a day's exploration. It's playful, imaginative, bold, and more than impressive. It is an essential destination if you're keen to learn more about New Zealand. Few people leave unmoved. It's stunningly high-tech and loads of fun. On top of that, the architecture isn't bad, either.

Read more and see more pictures at my blog: www.irish-guy.com or browse my blog entries on Wellington below.

Wellington - New Zealand (First Impressions, Te Papa Museum) , Wellington - New Zealand (The Parliament Buildings, Museum of Wellington City & Sea, National Tattoo Museum) , Wellington - New Zealand (Old Saint Pauls, Wellington Cathedral of St Paul) , Wellington - New Zealand (City Gallery, Archives New Zealand, National War memorial) , Wellington - New Zealand (Rugby at Wespac Stadium) ,