Bring your keen, young explorer for a hands-on archaeology workshop designed for kids aged 7 and up*. This year it’s all about ‘finds’. As well as making our own ancient artefacts, we’ll excavate our own mini digs, sorting all our finds into categories and examining their significance, just like a real archaeologist. Who knows what
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Piece together the past with an archaeological treasure hunt. Follow the clues to find hidden artefacts, find and identify Makers Marks and document your discovery. Suitable for children 5 – 15 years. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Food and beverages for purchase. Free event. Contact: Jacqui Allison totaramanager@heritage.org.nz
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Join us on a fascinating tour of the remains of Aotearoa New Zealand's fourth Anglican mission station and early theological college, still visible on the surface. Examine the surrounding landscape to gain a deeper understanding of the area’s cultural heritage and early Māori-Pākehā encounters. Our knowledgeable host will share stories about the site's past, bringing
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Walk through Time Archaeology Tour with visitor host Sandy Johnson. With archaeology displays, quizzes and afternoon tea. Small groups of 15-20 per tour. Cost: $28 adults; $18 members and children 12-18. Saturday 2 May and Saturday 9 May 1pm-4pm For urther information: Contact Jo Danilo- Garbacki at: jdanilo-garbacki@heritage.org.nz
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Brief Description: Central Whanganui has a rich history of occupation and use by both Māori, and European settlers, before 1900. Join archaeologist and heritage consultant Hamish Crimp, and historian and Whanganui District Council heritage planner Scott Flutey, for an archaeological walking tour of this historic landscape. Explore significant sites including Rutland and York Stockades, the river
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“Finders aren’t keepers” Discover the archaeology of our area and the underlying principles of what you do if you find something and why. Suitable for all ages. Free event. No booking required Contact : Ann McCaw at amccaw@heritage.org.nz
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Join archaeologist Caroline Phillips to view artefacts and learn about what has been found and what has not been found. This talk will be followed by a walk around Highwic. Cost: Adults $10, children and HNZPT members free. Booking required: Numbers limited. Bookings essential - https://Highwicarchaeologytalk.eventbrite.co.nz
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“All seems so lovely because all is home” wrote Katherine Mansfield to Ida Baker, April 1918. “Home” is both a physical place, and a concept of safety, comfort, and belonging. In her work as an archaeologist Mary O'Keeffe has explored the idea of “home”: what places and areas in New Zealand have different people called home
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Discover an Iron Age lake fort, Vikings and the hidden jewels of an emperor in Poland as part of NZ Archaeology Week 2026. Poland has a long and rich history of fossils and artefacts buried in its rich multi-cultural heritage. Learn how some fascinating discoveries were made by ordinary people. See a re-created open air
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Historian Elizabeth Cox will talk about the wonderful plan of Wellington created by surveyor Thomas Ward in the late 19th century. “Ward documented hotels, theatres, oyster saloons, brothels, shops, stables, Parliament, prisons, the ‘lunatic asylum’, the hospital, and remnants of Māori kāinga.” Archaeologist Mary O’Keeffe will also talk about other 19th century survey plans and
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Meet at the Little Shoal Bay entrance to the reserve, off Council Terrace, Northcote. Join our community parks team for a free guided walk through the beautiful Le Roys Bush. Discover the fascinating native flora and fauna that call this reserve home, and gain insight into the Māori and European history connected to this special
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Five short (10 minutes) talks by Wellington archaeologists on topics as varied as Wellington’s gold rush. Queer archaeology, and what archaeology can tell us about gender. From tiny house to Edwardian cottage. Archaeology and the environment. Free event.
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As part of Archaeology Week, we are open: Wed 6th May - Sat 9th May 10 am - 4pm with fossils on display and sand tables for children to explore being an archaeologist. Walk our mine tunnel and find the fossils embedded there! Also a special Virtual Reality Experience that takes you down under the
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Discover Polish archaeologists' work in Poland and around the world, from the Iron Age Biskupin Fort, Katyn Forest and Warsaw to Egypt and South America. Come and unearth links between World War 2, Resistance and Polish New Zealanders. Adults only, contains some sensitive content. Free off-street parking, seating, tables, restrooms and wheelchair access available. Cost:
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Join Heritage Preservation this Archaeology Week, in partnership with the New Zealand Archaeological Association, for an engaging introduction to how archaeological collections are cared for in Aotearoa. We’re opening our studio for a special presentation and guided tour focused on caring for archaeological collections. Designed for the general public - with a particular appeal to
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Speaker: James L. Flexner Venue: Hutton Lecture Theatre, Tuhara Otago Museum Time: 5pm for drinks and nibbles (cash bar) Talk starts at 5.30pm Fees: Free to attend - online option available Topic Ian Smith, along with his partner Angela Middleton, made a remarkable contribution to the historical archaeology of Polynesian missions, among many other accomplishments.
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Renowned Wellington archaeologist Victoria Grouden will give an illustrated talk about the archaeological investigations she’s undertaken at Turnbull House, as part of its strengthening project. Free event.
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A Stone wall workshop with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Area Manager Bill Edwards at Edmonds Ruins, Kerikeri. Lessons given in stonewalling, how to lay a stone wall that looks good and will be structurally sound. Need a good level of fitness, work boots and gloves. Cost: $250 for two days instruction, lunch and drinks
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An outside event for families to celebrate Archaeology Week, Have a go at excavation, sorting and writing up. Examine real artefacts from archaeologists and the Canterbury Museum. There will be archaeology theme facepainting for children and storytime. Complete your archaeologist booklet and you will have a chance to create your own Festival of Archaeology badge
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Led by local archaeologist and heritage consultant Patrick Harsveldt. The Ngāti Toa Domain includes the sites of Paremata Pā, Thom’s Whaling Station (est. 1835), and the Paremata Barracks (constructed 1847). Free event. Meet in front of the Ngāti Toa Sea Scout Hall at Ngāti Toa Domain. (Rain day Sunday 10 May at the same time)
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Walk through Time Archaeology Tour with visitor host Sandy Johnson. With archaeology displays, quizzes and afternoon tea. Small groups of 15-20 per tour. Cost: $28 adults; $18 members and children 12-18. Saturday 2 May and Saturday 9 May 1pm-4pm For urther information: Contact Jo Danilo- Garbacki at: jdanilo-garbacki@heritage.org.nz
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Image credit: Haylee Tehuia-ClaxtonThe 2026 New Zealand Archaeological Association Conference will be held at Takahanga Marae, Kaikōura from Monday 29 June - Thursday 2 July. The theme for the conference is “Mahi Tahi – Working Better Together” Venue Takahanga Marae, Takahanga Terrace, Kaikōura. Takahanga Marae is the standing place of our hosts, Ngāti Kurī ,
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