Throughout Te Papa you will find some outstanding exhibits that are displayed on their own outside the exhibitions. They are of special interest because they show unique or unusual aspects of New Zealand’s identity and history.
The Endeavour cannon (Level 3) and de Surville’s anchor (on the wall inside the entrance, Level 1)
These link with Cook’s and de Surville’s voyages to the Pacific and the first significant contacts between Māori and Europeans.
Phar Lap (Level 4)
Phar Lap was a legendary racehorse and an adored animal hero for a generation of New Zealanders (where he was born and brought up) and Australians (where he mostly raced).
> More about Phar Lap, presented by What Now (video, starting at 1.51 minute)
Tiger Moth (Level 4)
This aeroplane has a key place in the story of aerial topdressing - the technology that revolutionised New Zealand’s agriculture.
Britten motorbike (Level 4)
This bike tells the story of a genius inventor who put together in his home workshop in Christchurch a racing machine that took on and beat bikes from the world’s biggest and best manufacturers.
Keep your eyes open for these treasures as you explore Te Papa.