According to Te Papa director Courtney Johnston, charging admission was necessary to cover the museum's rising energy, insurance and staff costs.
She said it was only partially government-funded and needed to generate an additional $30 million annually.
“Te Papa is free for all New Zealanders – and it will stay that way,” she said.
“By charging international visitors, we help fund the incredible experience for everyone who steps through our doors.
“This is a considered and necessary decision to ensure Te Papa can continue to provide a world-class experience despite rising costs.”
The entrance fee is $35 and applies from September 17 to international visitors aged 16 and over.
With nearly 600,000 international visitors in the 2023/2024 financial year, Te Papa is expected to earn an additional $20 million annually from the move.
The remaining $10 million needed will come from commercial activities (cafes, shops and parking lots) and donations.
Johnston said visitors would self-declare their nationality.
“You walk into Te Papa and we say, 'Kia ora, how are you? Where are you from today?' And if you say, 'Oh, I'm from Johnsonville,' we say, 'Great, go up the stairs, go into the museum, have a great visit.'
“And if you say, 'Oh, I'm from France' or 'I'm from Germany', we say, 'Great, go up the stairs, there you will see the ticket office, there you can buy your ticket'.”