Overview
Whether you're one of the hordes of Aucklanders flocking to the museum on a weekly basis or you haven't yet introduced yourself to our oldest resident, you'll be thrilled to hear that 'Peter' the T-Rex skeleton is kicking it in the foyer for another year.
The 67-million-year-old dino delighted fans when he first set up residency in the foyer of Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum back in April. Twelve metres long and nearly four metres high, 'Peter' is one of only four almost completely fossilised T-Rex skeletons in the world — and the first to be exhibited in Aotearoa.
Since April, hordes have visitors have flocked to get up and close and personal with the giant predator — positioned in a cute and also terrifying hunting position, no less — and speculate on how he lived and died.
In fact, David Gaimster, Chief Executive at Auckland Museum, says the exhibition has contributed to a record number of visitors to the museum in recent months.
"Visitation in the first two weeks of opening was the highest since records began. We also know that families have returned to see the T-Rex over and over again," he said in a statement.
That's led to Peter's tenure being extended — by at least another year. He was originally supposed to say haere rā to New Zealand this month, but due to his enthusiastic reception, he'll remain in the museum foyer until the end of 2023.
Even if you've already seen Peter in the flesh (so to speak), fans of the giant prehistoric creatures will want to make another trip to the museum this spring. Recently Auckland Museum added to the experience by introducing six augmented reality dinosaurs, which visitors can track down through the museum and see come to life by scanning a QR code.
Free with museum entry, Peter the T-Rex will be on display at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum until the end of 2023.