We had a couple of hours free and wandered into Puke Ariki. I was surprised it was free and it was certainly better than the majority of provincial NZ museums. It had plenty to look at and a hands on exhibition too. Interesting history & insight into past & present in the Taranaki region.
We were able to spend some time here and enjoyed the exhibits and what it had to offer on local history. Worth visiting.
Kids 13yrs 11yrs and 9yrs had a ball doing scavenger hunt while I enjoyed coffee great activities things of interest. Very cool gift / i site shop. Good entertainment for all
Loads of books if you are into reading, huge shark & other animals in the museum side. Culture & history of the area is very interesting, well worth the visit if you have a couple hours to spare
Great layout and very informative. Good learning opportunity for children. Also next door to Tourism information.
A must see...great history on the area. Well laid out. Some interesting interactive things for children.
This is an absorbing museum in the modern style. There is a little bit of everything in the various display areas. iI loved the mMaori treasures and the unique presentation style. You certainly get an excellent insight into the region and its history. The Volcano exhibits are pretty interesting as well.
Travelled all over North and South Islands stopping in many museums along the way. This was definitely 3rd best after only Wellington and Auckland. Maori exhibit is great as is the geology exhibits about the area. Loved the surfing exhibit in 2014 that highlighted the Kiwi sense of adventure and ingenuity.
This museum is interesting and gave me a good overview of Taranaki. To its credit it has resisted the Te Papa theme park approach yet remains engaging. The bistro downstairs is excellent and can give you a break. The city information centre is also there, though I found its visual information service cumbersome.
for a public museum, this is an amazing place, well done New Plymouth council, we always come back to view new things, and old favourites..