The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa opening in Wellington in February 1998 could be the drawcard to entice Asians who have skipped the capital city in favour of popular destinations such as Rotorua and Queenstown.
Joanna Savage of the museum's tourism division said Te Papa, touted as the biggest national museum project in the world, is a unique product.
The museum is targeting more than 700,000 visitors for the first year, of which 100,000 will be international visitors. Through joint promotions with Tourism Wellington and operators, the museum expects the international market to go up to 30 per cent of its visitor mix in three to four years.
The NZ$317 million (US$230 million) museum on the waterfront is designed to educate visitors on all aspects of New Zealand through interactive experiences rather than through individual collections of items housed in glass showcases. Visitors will be able to participate in a formal Maori welcome ceremony on the marae at the fourth level overlooking the harbour.
The museum is also an entertainment centre where technological wizardry catapults visitors back to New Zealand in prehistoric days and into the future. Visitors can try virtual reality bungy jumping, sheep shearing or windsurfing.
The outdoor area will be an educational experience in New Zealand's natural environment and wildlife. Admission is free but fees are charged for some of the rides.