Museum Of Nz Te Papa Tongarewa: Gallipoli Exhibition Guided Tour

Te Papa is one of the best museums we have visited in our travels around the world. All exhibits are so thoughtfully curated, and lived narratives are interwoven into the items on display. The exhibit of Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War was particularly moving. As an Australian, it gave me pause to learn more about the NZ perspective of the landing and subsequent campaign, as well as the conditions endured by the ANZACs. I also appreciated Te Papa as an open space for the community. Dispersed across the floors were spaces for folks to sit and relax. This museum is fr from austere; it’s welcoming, interactive, and shares narratives without judgment or bias. It’s fantastic! Props to the curators of this wonderful space!

I gave a 2 out of 5 rating, because I'm so disappointed. I love the Te Papa museum and have been there many times. While on holiday in NZ, we went especially to show my Australian husband the excellent Gallipoli exhibition, (and that's all we went to see) because he's "an overseas visitor" he was charged $35. So much for the Anzac spirit. Poor form New Zealand..

Visited the museum whilst staying in Wellington. On the first day we only managed 2 sections as there is plenty to see. My favourite was Gallipoli, the huge scale and detail of the figures, designed by Wētā Workshops, was a truly ‘wow’ moment! And that along with all the personal testimony made it a very informative but also truly moving experience. The natural world section and the Māori experience were also highlights of the museum. Definitely worth a visit but wear comfortable shoes!

This is so tastefully presented but misses none of the horror and magnitude of a senseless and brutal conflict. The influence of the New Zealand cinematic story tellers is evident on each giant figurine that is so meticulously brought to life. The guide was immensely approachable and very knowledgable and help to bring the tour to life. This exhibit is a masterpiece in an otherwise average museum.

Visited Te Papa a few times and never get sick of it. Exhibitions are amazing especially Gallipoli. Great museum to visit with families also. Would highly recommend visiting if you’re in Wellington.

I was not sure what to expect from this exhibit located at the Museum of New Zealand and boy was I pleasantly surprised, What an amazing and very real exhibit where the characters are larger than life and have incredible detail. The exhibit tells the story of the Brave NZ troops who landed with the Canadians and the Australian's at Gallipoli back in the First World War. Probably one of the finest exhibitions anywhere in the world and tells a wonderful story. This is not to be missed and well done to the creators at WETA.

Absolutely amazing, highly recommend! The exhibition is brilliant. If you’re in Wellington it’s a must do, seriously not to be missed.

We went to see this exhibition a few days ago. Well worth the trip the exhibition is very well done and set out. Done from the point of view of the solders. Very interactive and great for all the family.

Fabulous Museum, the exhibit Galipoli was incredible So lifelike so moving I learned a lot about the New Zealand Involvement in the world wars All around an excellent museum with wonderful exhibits, I enjoyed learning more about the Maori culture

The Gallipoli Exhibition at the Museum is only there until April and is a must see. It contains a number of life like figures with incredible detail and very moving stories outlining their involvement in the War. The Exhibition illustrates that fact that The NZ soldiers advanced up the escarpment well beyond other allied forces. The efforts of the senior medical staff and leaders were extraordinary. The NZ commander Lt. Colonel Malone died leading his men and his body was never recovered.

This exhibition is outstanding and emotional. We booked for an Early Bird Entry 9:30am because we wanted to beat the crowds and enjoy the experience. There were 8 in the group and we were taken into the exhibition by Roger our guide. While the exhibition was outstanding the guide was not! He talked far too much and made the event all about him, I feel he was a frustrated actor! Every time we came across one of the figures he insisted on talking the whole time, suggesting we 'listen to the diaries to understand what they went through'.....well we couldn't hear the audio because Roger just kept talking. Roger also insisted on standing right in front of the giant figures, often with his back to the group, which prevented us from taking photos which he said we could do before we started. We kept hanging back while the group left the room which became more difficult as everyone else started arriving. Roger also kept on about how the figures were created, instead of allowing us to take time to appreciate the horrors of Gallipoli. What would have made the Early Bird experience better? An earlier start because by the time the doors opened to the public at 10am, we were barely into the exhibit! Another way to improve would be to have the guide be quiet and start the descriptive audio when the group enters the room and allow us to hear it!

The story of the Gallipoli campaign WWI told honestly and refreshingly through the experience of eight ordinary New Zealanders. Each account opens with an incredibly lifelike mannequin of those that were there creating a strong and personal link between subject and viewer. There’s no jingoism here, just personal stories of a nightmare that sadly must still resonate in parts of today’s world.

Just wow, I came here with low expectations, since modern art museums are just gaudy and oversaturated by slop under the guise of contemporary art, and I'm genuinely impressed. There is so much information here, and it really reckons back to the age of European NZ, when bold men fought overseas for their country and Britain. It's really amazing to see how all the giant sculptures are locally created, being produced by the Weta Workshop which is just out of Wellington and equally as incredible. By the end of my ventures into this museum, after hearing the amazing sound effects added, seeing confronting and realistic imagery, alongside reading memoirs and quotes, often said by the soldiers themselves, I was almost in tears. I remember being at the part depicting a boat filled with nurses and wounded soldiers, surrounded by neon lights and poppies, and I thought to myself, "What was the point of this war?" and "Was all this for nothing?" And that's when the emotions hit. What really cemented the experience was when I threw a poppy at the feet of a statue, and bowed my head in somber respect to the men who fought and would likely be ashamed of how their descendants are being treated today. In fact, the experience would have been perfect if it the creators of the exhibition didn't feel the need to try and downplay the accomplishments of the soldiers, by constantly inserting Maori culture and soldiers, both of which while existing, played a minimal part in the war, which was mainly fought by European descended Kiwis. Overall, it felt as though this exhibit, and the entire museum as a whole, just couldn't fully acknowledge the sacrifice and benefits of Kiwis without having to artificially insert some mentioning of Maoris into the equation. While it wasn't a big thing, and didn't detract majorly from the Gallipoli exhibit, there were some ridiculous sections, such as at the end where a sign tried to impose Maori culture onto me, by compelling me to wash my hands at a provided 'Maori approved tap' because in their culture it's 'tradition' to wash your hands after interacting with the dead. While there were more egregious things, like an informational tablet branding Captain Cook as a traitor and saying that Maoris are changing Captain Cook's achievements to fit their narrative, that did not occur in the Gallipoli exhibit itself, so I'll be acknowledging that in a separate review of the exhibit holistically.

This WW1 exhibit honors those who were there. I was moved by historic dairies, letters. quotes, and press releases. Also, the dioramas and layout of the exhibition is outstanding. In light of the current political situation in NZ it's interest to see the inclusion of Maori language in those historical communications. I also spent some in the Nature exhibit just like a school kid.

The war expo was not the best it’s the best thing there is the bad part te papa is amazing for younger kids under the age of 7-8 that’s what I would say

Wonderful Museum, with outstanding exhibitions and art. You could spend endless hours learning and enjoying the displays, artefacts and art.

Unfortunately the fire alarm went off just as we were about to start the exhibition. We had to evacuate and once we were allowed back inside we had lost our early bird admission advantage. The public admission had began. Apart from that unfortunate start we loved the exhibition. It was excellent and well worth the visit.

A very well designed museum with much Maori history .Worth the trip. Take either the group or individual tour to really benefit.

Having gone through Weta Workshops the previous day, it made going through the Gallipoli Exhibition all the more amazing.

Normally not keen on war based exhibitions, but this one was amazing. After seeing the other exhibits on the ground floor , we spent the rest of our time in the Gallipoli exhibit. Between the incredibly lifelike models and the personal stories of real people we lost track of time and never got upstairs. A highlight of our NZ holiday.(and it was free too)

The Gallipoli exhibit is so moving and heartfelt.. had me in tears.. very well laid out and thoughtful. The scale of it is amazing!

WOW! What a fantastic exhibition! There are a number of larger than life exhibits of various soldiers that took part in the dreadful expedition. There are also lots of original documents, photos, utensils and weapons used in the conflict. Do not miss this fantastic exhibition!

We were the first into the exhibit. So thankful to beat the crowds. This exhibit and the entire museum are fantastic and require many hours to do justice. Being able to access this 1/2 hour before the opening of the rest of the museum gave us more time.

Fabulous. The entire museum is very well done and you can visit without charge. A must see in Wellington. We were extremely impressed.

This is one of the most amazing experiences. The display is very moving and comprehensive, if visiting Wellington New Zealand, please put this on your to-do list!

What an amazing exhibition. Weta Workshop created these gigantic pieces and outdid themselves this time. The amount of detail is outstanding. You can see every hair, drop of sweat and wound. A very emotional ending. Walk around the rest of the museum for a great day.

My friend was in a wheelchair. We wanted to see the Gallipoli Exhibition. Very easy access through out apart from the doors on the 6th floor to go outside. Lifts were great, the staff were very knowlegable and helpful. we spent 5 hours there. There was so much to see. very enjoyable visit.

You will need at least 3 hours, and that’s probably cutting it fine, to see all the wonderful exhibits and interactive activities for kids so don’t rush it! The earthquake shack is fantastic to educate children about the effects of earthquakes, but there’s soooo much to see from the Anzac display to the giant squid to the artworks on level 5 to the history recordings— a fascinating experience all around. The grandkids loved it!

Free entrance?! My family and I went to Te Papa over the weekend. They have had great art visuals and the best learning centre for all genders.

This is a very knowledgeable place about a New Zealand history and wild life info. It's a good place for yourself to study along great visual and arts. Importantly, it's FREE!!! I highly recommend this place

Having been to Gallipoli, the museum's offering was a superb complement. With letters and histories of several participants, the visitor receives an in-depth understanding of the campaign, its horrors, and impact on generations of New Zealanders. A must to see.

Absolutely worth the trip. What an amazing exhibition. I thought the early bird tour would have been a tour, but the lady just spoke at the beginning and just told us to go through at our leisure. Not what I was expecting.

Brilliant, superb, I got a fright when I saw the giant size figures, never seen anything like this in my life. Spectacular.

Plan on taking at least an hour going through this exhibit. If you follow and read the narrative you will get a real understanding of why this event is so important to New Zealand and their perspective of history specifically WW1. Terrible conditions and great losses.

What an amazing experience. The Gallipoli exhibition is a must see. We went to all the exhibits but the Gallipoli exhibit was hands down the best.

It was very good experience. One request that staff standing at ground floor should check the bookings and advise the visitors accordingly. As I booked for early bird but staff didn’t ask anything and told me that its gonna open at 10. When we reached there then staff upstairs told us that we are late and tour has been started already. However I am grateful to the the lady who gave us intro in the beginning but we did tour alone.

We had a pretty good experience just need some help on where things where and we’re to go. We had a great time with all the activities definitely great for family’s and children or big groups of people.

Its not about Experience. It’s about Company Viator which giving misleading information to tourists. This experience is free for public but you charged us for full family. Never going to book by your company. Bad experience

Wonderful museum, fantastic display, best museum I have visited and I have been to a lot. Very worth a visit, stayed 4 hours in the museum but would have liked to stay longer, two great cafe's on site, also free entry.

We spent the entire day at the museum. We went to all the exhibits. We also went to the moving Gallipoli exhibition. Brought the tragedy of the battles to life. The Maori and other immigrants experiences was presented extremely well. A fantastic day.

Hands down this place is the best museum AND it’s free!!! I spent a hours and hours walking around everywhere. It was so amazing and all of the expeditions they had on where so informative and interesting! My favourite of course is the Gallipoli expedition, has my nearly in tears every time I go there! Definitely give this place a visit, it’s so worth it!

Actual Anzac exhibits excellent but paying for early bird entry rip off. Guide spoke for a few minutes then left. Nothing gained getting there early

The statues are impressive and the exhibition is informative and interactive. However, the guide's explanation was too short and simple.

Went with 15 year old and 5 year old . Teenager and me were in wow, it’s an unbelievable experience, so detailed, must see, can not even describe. Younger child was a bit scared, too realistic for him, also saw other little child being scared.

It never ceases to amaze me. I always find something that catches my attention and enjoy the experience for it. Well worth a visit for any age. Gallipoli is stunning.

This is the national museum and it provides an excellent overview of the history of New Zealand prominently featuring Maori culture and contributions as well as European settlements and modern times. The Gallipoli exhibition is overwhelming. You needn't have a relative who served to be brought to tears by the stories of the sacrifices and horrific conditions suffered in World War I in general and Gallipoli in particular. It's extremely educational and emotionally hard. But worth it. very worth it.

What an experience- the exhibition was very informative and also sad - what a waste of life. Anyway the exhibition is a must see!!

This place is huge and amazing. You either have to spend all day there, or visit several times to appreciate everything in the museum. Its fantastic, so well laid out and the Gallipoli exhibit was just mind blowing, never seen anything like it. Definitely go see for yourself

The real life images of soldiers are bigger than life and with amazing detail. The sound effects, the format of strolling on the path so informative, the music, it becomes a total experience. You feel the emotional impact. The end allows you to leave a poppy in remembrance. While in Wellington, not to be missed.