ExhibitionsClosed

Unique NZTe Ika Whenua

See all Te Taiao | Nature exhibitions

When | Āhea

Permanent exhibition

Where | Ki hea

Te Taiao | Nature, Level 2

Cost | Te utu

Free exhibition

Ages | TE REANGA

All ages

Allow | ME WHAKARITE

30 minutes

Accessibility | E wātea ana ki

Wheelchair accessible
Subtitles on all videos
Enclosed entry, opens to large space with high ceiling
Sounds of nature, some sudden noises
Tactile exhibition, opportunities to touch and smell
Small nook with seating
Variable lighting

How did species here become unique – or downright odd? Why are so many of our animals and plants gigantic, flightless, or a bit drab (until you get to know them)?

Sniff a kākāpō, and feel around for a kiwi’s dinner. Weigh in against a giant moa, and discover the abundant whales and dolphins in our seas. Take a leap as Zealandia splits from Gondwana – don’t get left behind!

Highlights

Mauri Activator: Work together to nurture mauri [life force], and see nature flourish around you.
Only in NZ: A mass display celebrating hundreds of species found only in Aotearoa, from croakless frogs to oversized kina.
Haast’s Eagle: It’s huge, so look out!
Moa Weigh-in: How many friends and whānau add up to a giant moa … and by the way, did that moa just move?

**Te Ika Whenua | Unique NZ**
Looking at insects under a microscope, 2019. Te Papa

**Unique NZ | Te Ika Whenua**
2019. Te Papa

**Te Ika Whenua | Unique NZ**
Looking at moths, 2019. Photo by Maarten Holl. Te Papa

**Te Ika Whenua | Unique NZ**
Moa, 2019. Photo by Maarten Holl. Te Papa

Discover moreKia kitea ake

Watch: Making the moa
Moa are the tallest birds ever known, and were completely unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. See how the team overcame the challenges of putting male and female moa skeletons on display.
Watch: Making the Haast’s eagle, pouākai
Model maker Jake Yocum and curator vertebrates Alan Tennyson explain the science and process that went into recreating a full-size model of the huge extinct Haast’s eagle, pouākai.
Watch: Recreating bird smells
Did you know that many New Zealand manu (birds) have strong odours? Bird expert Colin Miskelly and perfumer Francesco van Eerd describe how they recreated smells for Te Taiao | Nature.
What would Māui do? Playing with tough topics in Te Taiao | Nature
Experience Developers Jen Craddock and Ralph Upton explain how the Te Taiao | Nature exhibition team used mischief-maker Māui as their guide and inspiration.
Let’s Go Build: A Festival for LEGO Lovers
A festival for LEGO® lovers of all ages. This summer, go on a journey around the world through huge LEGO models – then pick up some bricks and start building!
Closed
9 Dec 2017 – 18 Feb 2018
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
How to pronounce the exhibitions in Te Taiao | Nature
Kaiako (teacher) Joan Costello takes us through how to pronounce each of the Te Taiao | Nature spaces.
Watch: Walk-through of Te Taiao | Nature
This video has been produced for those who would like to know what to expect before visiting.