Auckland Attractions

Venue: Auckland War Memorial Museum    When: Daily

Rather more than a war memorial, this grand neo-classical museum, looking out on to the sweeping lawns of The Domain (Auckland's main park) makes a great introduction to Maori culture, New Zealand's natural environment and the New Zealand people in general. Indeed it is often simply called Auckland Museum, and offers comprehensive, often interactive displays and a vigorous programme of visiting exhibitions.

Opened in its present venue - built to commemorate the dead of the First World War - in 1929 and sited on top of yet another extinct volcano (most landmarks in Auckland seem to feature them), its purpose is both educational and for research, containing a large library.

The building and institution is also known by its Maori name Te Papa Whakahiku) and in December 2003 a major three-year project to increase the size of the gallery space (in response to the museum having well over three million artefacts) was begun. The resulting Grand Atrium is due to be completed and opened in December 2006.

Check out the daily Maori show Manaia for a taste of the Haka and Maori traditional dancing (three times daily April to December and four times daily during summer, January to March).