Museum with a French touch
Akaroa
Christchurch 8161
+64 (0)3 304 7614
AKMUS@xtra.co.nz
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Museum with a French touch |
Rue Lavaud Akaroa Christchurch 8161 +64 (0)3 304 7614 AKMUS@xtra.co.nz |
The scene of the only French settlement effort in New Zealand, Akaroa has a fascinating history. You can explore this history, and its effect on the local culture, at the Akaroa Museum. Encompassing three historic buildings--the Court House, Custom House and Langois Eleveneaux Cottage--is the absorbing story of early Maori and French settlement throughout Banks Peninsula. The Museum collection features more than 2000 photographs, as well as permanent displays on whaling, cocksfooting (seed cultivation), botany and zoology, while the gallery mounts frequently changing exhibitions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jakkoe |
National treasures at war museum |
The Domain Auckland 1001 +64 (0)9 306 7067 http://www.aucklandMuseum.com |
The steps of this museum offer splendid views over the Cenotaph forecourt to the Domain, the city and Waitemata Harbour beyond. The museum houses New Zealand's largest collection of Maori and Pacific Island taonga (treasures); fantastic interactive discovery centers for children young and old; and the Scars on the Heart exhibition of New Zealand war history. A 20-minute Maori cultural performance featuring songs, poi dances, stick games, a weaponry display and haka takes place. There is an excellent gift and book shop and a café within the building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: alejandro monreal |
 Photo: layshock |
 Photo: Ian Runeckles |
 Photo: Alice Hopkinson |
 Photo: alh1  |
 Photo: Jeremiah Rauch |
 Photo: nishinishi5656 |
 Photo: Tony Maurer |
 Photo: Kenny Macmillan |
 Photo: Kev Williamson |
A wealth of local heritage on display |
Rolleston Avenue Christchurch 8001 +64 (0)3 366 5000 http://www.canterburymuseum.com info@canterburymuseum.com |
The museum dates back to 1870, and features seven buildings containing numerous displays, including the Antarctic, archaeological and Victorian collections. There are also changing special exhibits and "hands-on" displays. The seven bukldings do create a bewildering "rabbit warren" of spaces, so allow plenty of time for your visit. It is worth visiting the café, which overlooks the Botanical Gardens. Located close to the city and adjacent to the Arts Centre and the Avon river, you can either walk or catch a city tram. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: HockHow SiewPeng |
 Photo: John Steedman |
 Photo: Steve Anderson |
 Photo: Stephen Leung |
Working Edwardian village |
Ferrymead Park Dr Christchurch 8002 +64 (0)3 384 1970 http://www.ferrymead.org.nz info@ferrymead.org.nz |
For a genuine time warp, visit this historic theme park. From the car park, catch a tram or steam train and alight, feeling curiously out of place, in an Edwardian township complete with residents in period costume. Children of all ages will love the working cooperage and blacksmiths, the horse and cart, and the fascinating details of the post office, the bakery, jail, schoolhouse and cobblers. There are also two museums--the Hall of Flame (fire engines) and the Hall of Wheels (transport). Check website for further details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Elaine Kux |
Living colonial history |
Bells Road, Lloyd Elsmore Park Pakuranga Auckland 1706 +64 9 576 9506 http://www.fencible.org.nz fencible@ihug.co.nz |
Auckland's colonial past (1840-1880) comes to life in this museum of living history, where characters in historical costume recreate life in a 19th century settlement. Authentic buildings number over 30 and include a store, church, forge, settlers' houses, sod and raupo cottages. Live Day, the third Sunday of each month (except December), includes a regimental march and military manouvers, plus a working blacksmith. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Wattie |
Technology and social history |
Great North Road Western Springs Auckland 1002 +64 9 815 5800 / +64 800 66 8286 (MOTAT Infoline) http://www.motat.org.nz/ enquiries@motat.org.nz |
The old pumphouse, which pumped water from Western Springs to early Auckland residents is the focal point of this fascinating museum. The museum houses a magnificent working Beam Engine (one of only three in the world) and numerous vintage and veteran road vehicles and early Auckland buildings. Various displays feature agricultural, forestry, medical, dental, photographic and telecommunication technology. A display of historic aeroplanes, including the only Solent Mark IV flying boat in the world, is laid out at Site 2, reached by vintage tram. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark & Sarah Whittaker |
 Photo: Gareth Jones |
 Photo: Ian Munnings |
 Photo: Ian Munnings |
Largest collection of cars |
Otaihanga Road Paraparaumu Wellington 6010 +64 4 297 1221 http://www.southward.org.nz southward@kapiti.co.nz |
A short drive up Wellington's lovely "Gold coast", you will find the largest collection of cars and motorbikes in New Zealand. Once the largest private collection of cars (now a charitable trust) the Southwards car museum holds more than 200 cars and 125 motorbikes. With cars dating from an early (1890s) Benz you will find a collection that will enthral and intrigue the big (and little) boys and girls in your group. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: James Bosco Tann |
 Photo: myksomerville |
 Photo: Ken and Karina |
Interactive entertainment, history, art |
Cable Street Wellington 6001 +64 4 381 7000 http://www.tepapa.govt.nz mail@tepapa.govt.nz |
Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand, is a fitting testament to the nation's heritage and storehouse for some of the country's most precious treasures. Te Papa celebrates the unique multicultural nature of New Zealand through art, exhibitions and multimedia. Highlights include virtual bungy jumping, a day in the life of a junk shop and the chance to walk through a reconstructed slice of real New Zealand countryside. Come for an afternoon--spend a week! Admission: Free, but donations gratefully accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ema Tavola |
 Photo: benyeuda |
 Photo: Mike Warman |
 Photo: deadlyicon |
 Photo: Justin Johnsen |
 Photo: tinaskiwi |
 Photo: cianc |
 Photo: Andrey Krichtal |
 Photo: G. Chase Maxfield |
 Photo: Simon Hogg |
Historic Farmhouse |
Long Bay Regional Park North Shore Auckland 1311 +64 9 473 8176 http://www.arc.govt.nz/arc/env... |
The Vaughan Homestead was restored in the 1990s thanks to members of the Torbay Historical Society who volunteered 12,000 hours to the project. The house is now in its fine original 1890s state—a working farmhouse in puriri and kauri. There are virtually no other such buildings remaining on the North Shore and therein lies its historical significance. The building is available for community use, with a seminar room, a kitchen and facilities. There is a museum area and the homestead is open to the public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Dawn Scotting |
Ride a relic of a bygone era |
MacKays Crossing Entrance, Queen Elizabeth Park Paekakariki Wellington 6015 +64 4 292 8361 http://www.wellingtontrams.org... info@wellingtontrams.org.nz |
Once a common sight on Wellington's streets the trams are alive and running in an outdoor museum at Queen Elizabeth Park in Paraparaumu. Re-live the era where trams ruled the roads (wary were the pedestrians back then) and ride over two kilometres of restored track, down to the beach and back. View the photographic display of the bygone tram era (that includes photographs of the old Wellington cable car). For a day's outing, picnic in the substantial grounds of the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Edward Law |
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