Te Papa named Tripadvisor’s top tourist attraction in NZ top 1% worldwide

Friday, 25 July 2025

For the second year in a row, Te Papa has been named by Tripadvisor as the country's top tourist attraction.

Te Papa Tongarewa has been named the number one tourist attraction in Aotearoa in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards — and ranked among the top 1% of attractions globally.

The Wellington-based national museum also placed fifth in the South Pacific. The accolades are based on the quality and quantity of reviews from millions of Tripadvisor users over the past year.

“This Tripadvisor win cements our place as a must-see destination for visitors from around the world,” said Te Papa Tumu Whakarae Chief Executive Courtney Johnston.

Te Papa maintains a 4.7-star rating out of 5 from more than 14,000 reviews, including over 11,000 five-star ratings. It was also named New Zealand’s top attraction in the 2024 awards.

“To maintain our number one status in our first year of charging international visitors is just fantastic,” said Te Papa Kaihautū Māori Co-Leader Arapata Hakiwai.

Since September 2024, international visitors aged 16 and over have paid $35 for entry, while New Zealanders have free access.

Recent Tripadvisor reviews highlight the museum’s impact. One visitor called Te Papa “a world-class museum that masterfully weaves together natural wonders and rich cultural heritage”. Another described it as “an essential Wellington experience”, and “both a landmark and a living heart of the city”.

Visitors consistently praise the museum’s diverse offerings. “An immersive experience into New Zealand’s past, present and future,” wrote one couple. Another reviewer said: “This is a sensational cultural and educational experience, absolutely world class.”

In the 2024/25 financial year, Te Papa welcomed over 1 million visits, including 428,266 international visitors — primarily from Australia, the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, and France. International visitors spend an average of 121 minutes exploring the museum’s exhibitions.

Te Papa receives $44 million in annual government funding and must earn over $38m annually through commercial activities, partnerships, and philanthropy.