Illustration of five children doing differnt things and looking cheerful.

School Holiday Kids’ ActivitiesNgā Mahi Whai Mā Ngā Tamariki

Free events for tamariki ages 3–12 years and rangatahi teens.

Jump into the fun at Te Papa these school holidays with our activities for little ones and older ones. Children under 14 must be accompanied by adults.

See if your mates are going: Te Papa events on Facebook

A woman is bending down to reach a basket that is sitting under a wooden structuire. A small child is standing beside her and looking at the basket.

Rā o te Whānau: Ngahuru kura kai kura tangata

Learn about ngahuru (autumn) for this Whānau Day with free family-friendly activities, workshops, and performances.

Sat 12 Apr 2025, 10.00am–12.00pm

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

A bracelet with seed pearls and charms with a gold clasp on a white background.

Teens’ bling jewellery workshop – Make a one-of-a-kind bracelet with Village Beads

Let your rangatahi (young people) get creative making their own special jewellery these school holidays!

Mon 14 Apr 2025, 11.00am–12.00

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

Wearable art for teens – Make your own baroque brooch with Fifi Colston

Transform everyday recyclables into a stunning baroque-inspired brooch in this creative, hands-on workshop!

Tue 15 Apr 2025, 11.00am–12.00pm

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

A man with his hair tied back and wearing a bright pink suit is sitting in front of an orchestra. There are kids sitting on the floor looking at them.

Storytime for kids with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

A magical mix of music and storytelling, brought to life by the NZSO these school holidays!

Wed 16 Apr 2025, 10.30–11.15am

Wed 16 Apr 2025, 12.30–1.30pm

Thu 17 Apr 2025, 10.30–11.15am

Thu 17 Apr 2025, 12.30–1.15pm

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

A penguin puppet and a snowman puppet are sitting on white cloth which is imitating snow.

Pinguino and the Snowman – a puppet show about climate change

Presented by String Bean Puppets, celebrate Earth Day with a heartwarming puppet show for tamariki (children).

Tue 22 Apr 2025, 10.30–11.00am

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

A smiling man is holding four children's books in a fan and smiling at the camera.

Deano Yipadee: “Toot the Tow Truck!” show and book signing

Nee-Naw the Little Fire Engine has a new friend – Toot! Sing along with Deano and join the fun!

Sat 26 Apr 2025, 10.30–11.15am

Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake

Book cover with white space either side.

The Te Papa Activity Book

Fun activities about Te Papa Tongarewa and the taonga (treasures) we hold.

Haast's Eagle, Te Taiao | Nature, 2019. Photo by Jane Harris. Te Papa

Taonga and spaces included in The Te Papa Activity Book

Have you found the Haast's eagle? What about our wharenui? Find out more about parts of Te Papa that feature in The Te Papa Activity Book or explore the taonga (treasures) in our collections – which ones have you seen?

Te Taiao | Nature

You’re the explorer in our Te Taiao | Nature exhibition zone. Celebrate Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique natural environment – and get ready for our future as kaitiaki.

On now

Permanent exhibition

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Three carved wooden marionettes with cords and feathers attached on a white background.

Karetao-puoro

Visit three karetao-puoro (instruments that are figures too) created by artist James Webster to give karetao a voice by incorporating taonga puoro into their design. Watch the whānau of karetao in action in Tokotū (Rise Up), the story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku.

On now

Wed 5 Jun – mid 2026

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Discovery Centres

It’s play time! Families get hands-on with educational exhibits, games, and books.

A heart-shaped desert on a plate. The heart has gold leaf down the middle of it and one side is rough and one side is smooth.

Te Papa cafés

Find our two vibrant and cosy cafes nestled amongst Te Papa’s treasures and taste the chocolate raspberry mousse cake heart made especially for Share The Love annual appeal.

StoryPlace

StoryPlace is a space specially and exclusively for preschoolers and their caregivers. Here, toddlers can explore museum-related themes through play, games, storytelling, and song. Led by a friendly Te Papa Host.

Tangata o le Moana: The story of Pacific people in New Zealand

Celebrate the story of Pacific people, past and present, in all areas of life.

On now

Long-term exhibition

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

A man and two children standing on a suspension bridge look into the bush

Bush City

Step outside into a living, growing exhibition. Explore native bush and a volcanic landscape.

On now

Open daily until 5pm

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Manu Rere Moana

The navigation of the Pacific by waka hourua | double-hulled sailing waka is one of the great achievements of human technology. This exhibition celebrates the mātauranga of celestial navigation that enabled these extraordinary voyages.

On now

Permanent exhibition

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga

Free downloadable activity books

Our activity books are designed for use at home or in the classroom. We’d love to hear your feedback or ideas for other subjects.

Three kids make a rainbow from toys and other household items

Whānau challenges

Try some creative challenges at home with your whānau. Each challenge is connected to Te Papa’s collections or expertise.