This museum commemorates New Zealand’s fallen soldiers and serves as a wonderful museum at the same time. It houses one of the most significant collections of Maori and Pacific treasures and artifacts in the world, as well as having well-presented natural history, social, art, children’s, and war memorial collections. Each day there are performances by a group called Manaia, who give an enjoyable show with Maori songs and dances, a generous sprinkling of humour, and some audience participation! Entry to the museum is free, but they do suggest a donation of NZ$5 and entry into certain exhibits, and the Manaia show is extra. There is a café and a museum store, and the grounds in the domain surrounding the museum are ideal for picnics on sunny days. The museum sits on the rim of one of Auckland’s many extinct volcanoes, although this is not immediately obvious as you look at it. From the museum steps, you get a splendid view over part of the city and out over the harbour to Devonport and Rangitoto.
The museum itself has become an icon of Auckland. The building dates back to the 1920s, when it was planned as a memorial place to the fallen soldiers of World War I. This is a museum in the grand, old sense of the word, yet it exhibits contemporary and interesting displays as well.
For the kids, there is the concession of the discovery centre on the second floor, which was actually quite entertaining for all the adults that were there on the day I visited! It was interesting seeing a fully operational beehive and trying to find the queen. The cockroach display was pretty disgusting, though. On the top floor, you will find the moving "Scars on the Heart" permanent exhibition about New Zealand's military history, as well as the memorial rooms. Make sure you give the museum a full day. You also might want to time your visit to catch the Maori cultural performance at 11am.