Auckland War Memorial Museum, Tāmaki Paenga Hira, is staying open late every Wednesday in July for a string of after-dark experiences. Running from 6–8pm, the free Wildlife Wednesdays series will give visitors the opportunity to explore the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition after hours, and enjoy a glass of wine and bite to eat in the stunning Grand Foyer.

The huge exhibition of nature photography is on show until 16 August direct from London's Natural History Museum, which has run the prestigious competition since 1965. Since then, the event has grown into one of the most important photographic events in the world, giving photographers a global platform to share their outstanding work — and giving us regular folk a peek behind the curtain (or lens) of mother nature at work.

This year's contest attracted nearly 50,000 entries from 92 countries. From that huge number, 100 winning pics were chosen for their creativity, originality and technical excellence. During the after hours events you'll rove your eyes over everything from up-close-and-personal shots of gorgeous creatures to astonishing visions of sweeping landscapes — all without the crowds.

Visitors can also make a night of it by purchasing food and beverages from the onsite cafe, 1929, or by pre-booking an antipasto platter. All of the ground floor galleries will be open, so you'll have the chance to wander the Māori Court, Pacific Lifeways and Pacific Masterpieces galleries, as well as grab a memento from the Museum Store.

The Wildlife Wednesdays events are free and suitable for adults aged 18 years and over. If you can't make it to one of the evenings, the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is open daily until 16 August, 2020.

Image: Max Lemesh.