Culture, Museums & Art

Experience unique cultural tours and artisan products only found in New Zealand. Perfect for collecting gifts as well as a more personal understanding of the country and its people.

Discover Kiwi Culture

Traveling to New Zealand offers the opportunity to learn about a distinctive and diverse culture shaped by the combination of indigenous Maori heritage, European colonization, and a modern-day multicultural society. A few highlights to learn about the uniqueness of New Zealand’s culture and history include:

Highlights and Examples

Indulge in the exquisite variety of food and fine wine that New Zealand has to offer! Immerse yourself in the unique flavors and experiences that make this country a culinary delight.

Local Artists

Exploring New Zealand’s small artist cottages and boutique art galleries is a great way to find hidden world of creativity, where local artists craft pieces as unique as the country itself. Meet local artists, traditional crafts people and those shaping modern New Zealand culture. Professional guides and self-touring options include photography, arranged meet-and-greets with artist and workshops in unique settings.

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A guided tour of the Nelson area, including visiting workshops and introductions to local artists. Combining this with a wine tour of the area is an excellent way of absorbing the special offerings in this area.

Botanical Gardens

Public botanical gardens, as well as those in private estates, showcase the special ecosystems throughout New Zealand. Found in both urban and more remote settings across the entire country, visiting provides a better understanding of the land and invites a closer connection with this beautiful country.

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A visit to the Auckland botanical gardens upon first landing into the country is a great way of not only stretching your legs, but is also a small primer to the ecosystems of New Zealand.

Gardens of Significance:
In New Zealand there are a dozen “gardens of significance” throughout the country. Although privately owned, they are available to be viewed by the public with reservation. Meeting the owners and understanding the love that goes into these locations is a true treat!

Traditions & Indigenous Arts

Maori are skilled artisans- known for their intricate weavings and carvings in addition to being accomplished hunters, fishers, gardeners and warriors. Today excellent opportunities exist to not only be welcomed and meet contemporary Maori, learn from authentic cultural experiences.

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Hundertwasser Art Centre:
Visit this art center dedicated to Hundertwasser, as an opponent of “straight line” art, as well as Maori and indigenous installations.

Sculpture Gardens

A great way to spend a few hours, sculpture gardens throughout New Zealand complement the landscape. A popular day on Waiheke Island includes a short sculpture walk while enjoying a glass of local wine.

Museums

New Zealand’s largest cities are home to great museums like the Te Papa & Auckland War Museum. However, small towns and hamlets throughout the country will also showcase local history, including the famed Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Sir Peter Jackson’s Omaka Aviation Museum.

Museum of Waitangi

This award-winning museum opened in 2016 and brings to life the history of Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding documents and the people involved.

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Located in the heart of the Marlborough wine region and is a must-see world-class museum showing WW1 and WW2 aircraft. Done by the team which has worked on films and content with Sir Peter Jackson, battles and history come alive with captivating and immersive dioramas.

Indigenous touring and experience

Delve into the profound impact of the Maori people, the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand. Experience the richness of their culture through language (Te Reo Maori), artistic expressions, intricate carvings, traditional performances like the haka, and the spiritual beliefs that form an integral part of New Zealand’s cultural identity.

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Cultural villages:
Tour traditional Maori cultural grounds to learn more about the first people of New Zealand. This is perfect for families as well as those who are curious to understand more about the founding peoples of this land. Combining it with a traditional hangi meal (lunch or dinner) is unique and delicious!

The Founding of New Zealand:
While in the Northland, a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a perfect way to spend half a day to learn about the founding of New Zealand between its European settlers and indigenous Maori people.

Walk in the Footprints of Kupe:
Footprints of Kupe offers you a unique cultural encounter, either as a day trip from Auckland or as you drive the West Coast of the North Island. This 75-minute multisensory journey of guided storytelling via art, cultural treasures, film, performance, digital interaction and nature.

Fun Activities to Include in Your Travel Itinerary

New Zealand Hotels, Luxury Lodges, and More

Culture, Museums & Art

Discover Kiwi Culture

Highlights and Examples

Local Artists

Botanical Gardens

Traditions & Indigenous Arts

Sculpture Gardens

Museums

Indigenous touring and experience

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