Te Papa Tongarewa

Are you interested in peeking inside Te Papa to take a journey into the wonders, taonga, and events that make up Aotearoa New Zealand’s history?

Te Papa has produced a series of free, accessible, and engaging short courses (2–12 hours long) about Aotearoa New Zealand's fascinating history, culture, and natural world. Hear the varied stories of this whenua, illustrated by the rich and diverse collections of Te Papa. 

Who are the courses for?

Whether you’re a local who wants to expand your knowledge, a new migrant who wants to understand what makes Aotearoa tick, or an international visitor looking to deepen your insight, our courses are appropriate for all audiences.

What can you expect?

Students and history buffs alike, there’s always something new to learn! In our courses, we explore questions like:

• How did Māori get to Aotearoa New Zealand, and what was early life like? What happened when Western explorers arrived?
• What makes New Zealand’s flora and fauna like “life on another planet”?
• What are Māori values, and how are they interwoven into the fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand?
• Aotearoa New Zealand has been a global trailblazer in protest and social movements, more than once. What were they, and who made them happen?
• What are the historical and spiritual connections the land and people of Aotearoa New Zealand have with our whales?

In our courses, we encourage you to chat with other learners to share your reflections as you go, with the dedicated guidance of a Te Papa facilitator there to answer your questions and guide your learning.