The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand's National museum is like no other - located in the capital city of delightful Wellington. Usually known as Te Papa (Māori for 'the treasure box'), it opened in 1998 after the merging of the National Museum of New Zealand and the National Art Gallery An average of more than 1.5 million people visit every year, making it the 26th-most-visited Art gallery in the world. Te Papa operates under a bicultural philosophy, and emphasises the living stories behind its cultural treasures. It is very inter-active and a"must see" when in the capital. Oriental bay is close by as are many cafes waterfront.