Auckland's War Memorial Museum

Auckland's War Memorial, what wars did New Zealand fight in you might ask! This museum featured exhibits about NZ's part in WWI, WWII, the Waikato War (between the native Maori & the British ) and the Anglo-Boer war in South Africa. The museum featured many exhibits on the life and times during these wars.

In the WWII exhibit. Kind of an interesting statement to pick from Roosevelt. In my experience so far, Kiwis are interested in the United States and it's politics. However I have heard hints of unfavorable views, particularly concerning foreign policy and wars.
A Spitfire.

The museum is much more than just a War Memorial though, it also features exhibits on natural and geologic history. There were also exhibits on Maori culture. Below is pictured a vaka, or canoe. This is an ancient one, the originals brought Maori from their original home in Hawaiki to New Zealand and other Pacific islands.

This is one of my favorite exhibits, on the Kiwi and Moa birds. NZ was once the land of quite giant birds, from the world's largest eagle with an estimated wingspan of 12 feet and the moa which stood over 10 feet tall.

The moa were absolutely gigantic! (See my reflection in the mirror?)

Kiwi birds! I had an opportunity to see live ones at Te Puia earlier this trip. They are how NZers get their name: Kiwis! (Not from the fruit!)

Thought this was pretty cool; the museum had a few dinosaur skeletons and here is a teradactyl type. Check out the "handbones."

These next few pictures I took in the plant houses, specifically the Wintergarden, outside the War Memorial Museum in the Domain. The Domain is a large greenspace outside of the city of Auckland with many gardens, fountains and these beautiful gardens.

If you're ever in Auckland, the War Memorial Museum and Domain are must-sees! :)