The ultimate battle of young brains is to take place at Te Papa with the New Zealand Spelling Bee championship title up for grabs this afternoon.

Twenty-one of the country's best spellers between the ages of 13 and 15 are competing at the national spelling bee.

The winner will take home $5000, but most importantly the title.

Organiser Janet Lucas said it is about more than just winning.

"A big part of the spelling bee is the opportunity to take part, it's about celebrating their learning opportunity with language and to meet other like-minded children."

Lucas said it takes a lot of courage to take part in this type of competition.

"To put yourself in this position of taking part in what can be a nerve wracking competition, you know to spell on stage and be eliminated with a bell because you get one letter wrong is a really big thing to do."

The contest is being live streamed, for friends and family who can't make the journey.

You can watch the live stream here.