Archaeology Kids Day
2025-04-26 11:00 - 14:30 UTC | Totara Estate, 565 Alma-Maheno Road, Oamaru, 0492, New Zealand
Free entry for all
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Wear old clothes, water and dirt involved!
Have a go at digging, cleaning, sorting & analysing artefacts with archaeologists from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga
Check out the exhibition of archaeology posters in the Granary.
Food & beverage available for purchase.
No booking required, just come along, and join in!

Location: Totara Estate, 565 Alma Maheno Road, Alma, South Island, 9492

Selfies with Sites
2025-05-03 09:00 - 2025-05-11 17:00 | Piha Community Library, 19 Seaview Rd, Piha, 0772, New Zealand
Come and explore Piha’s history on a self led scavenger hunt visiting key archaeological sites around Piha.
Visit Piha Community Library during Archaeology Week to collect your map and get hunting!
Prize for every completed map and spot prizes for #selfieswithsites!
PLUS – a ‘sandpit’ dig for the littlies on May 3rd from 10am at the Library.
For more information drop into the Library or visit www.pihaarchaeobotany.co.nz

Young Archaeologist's Workshop
2025-05-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Te Waimate Mission, 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North, Northland, 0472, New Zealand
Calling all young explorers! Join us for a free hands on archaeology workshop designed for kids aged 7 – 12 to celebrate Archaeology Week. In this workshop you will have the chance to excavate items from your own mini dig, just like a real archaeologist. In teams of two, you’ll carefully uncover hidden artefacts and learn about the tools and techniques used in the field. It’s a great way to get a taste of what archaeology is all about.
After you have found your items, you’ll move onto cleaning, sorting and cataloguing them. This part of the workshop will teach you how to handle artefacts with care and understand their importance.
Finally, you’ll analyse the results of your dig. What can these artefacts tell us about the past? You’ll work together to piece together the story behind your discoveries.
This workshop is free of charge and open to ten children only, reservation is essential.
https://collections.humanitix.com/archaeology-day
Wear old clothes and prepare to get mucky! Bring morning tea and a water bottle.
The event will be under cover of a marquee, but in extreme weather we will postpone to a later date.

Explore Kawatiri Coastal Trail
2025-05-03 10:00 - 2025-05-11 17:00 | The Museum of Kawatiri, 123 Palmerston St, Westport, New Zealand
Where History Flows (open to join- self-guided walk/bike track)
Travel the Carters beach to Kawatiri River trail -to find information on Māori Archaeological Sites – take a photo on the trail-upload to;
rama@kawatirimuseum.co.nz with your name and contact details receive a virtual certificate & drop into The Museum of Kawatiri for info. Images will be used for this event on our website and as part of The Kawatiri Trail marketing event.
Free to join – no booking required.
Show case of Māori Artefacts from Kawatiri Carters Beach. The Museum of Kawatiri & Pounmau Pathway Kawatiri – local $10 visit adult –local $5 visit children

Meet an archaeologist and have a go!
2025-05-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Highwic House, 40 Gillies Avenue, Newmarket, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
As part of New Zealand Archaeology Week, join us at Highwic to meet some archaeologists and learn about what they do. See some of the artefacts found on site and have a go at being an archaeologist. A fun hands-on session ideal for children 7-12, accompanied by an adult.
For more information contact highwic@heritage.org.nz
To book go through Eventbrite.
https://HighwicMeetAnArchaeologist.eventbrite.co.nz
Children $12, Adults Free (includes house visit) Bookings Essential

Walk Through Time Archaeology Tour
2025-05-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Te Waimate Mission, 344 Te Ahu Ahu Road, Waimate North, Northland, 0472, New Zealand
Discover the rich history of Te Waimate Mission on our guided archaeology walk, perfect for all ages. Join us as we tour the remains of the 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 history to life as we wander through this significant location.
The tour also includes a visit to the mission house – the second oldest standing building in Aotearoa – where you can explore the preserved interiors and imagine what life was like in the 1800’s.
Tickets are $20 per person, or free for HNZPT Members, and spaces are limited to 20 people, so be sure to book your spot for this educational experience.
https://collections.humanitix.com/archaeology-day
Ticket price includes entry to the house (usually $10) and a tea break.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

For all ages, but aimed more at adults and children 12 and over.
Easy walk across flat, but uneven, terrain. Approximately 1km over an hour.
Wear comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for tramping around paddocks.
Please advise any dietary requirements when booking.
Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian.
In extreme weather we will postpone the walk to a later date (you’ll be notified by email)

Stone Wall Workshop
2025-05-05 10:00 - 2025-05-09 17:00 | TBC
A five day workshop on the conservation and repair of stone walls in Kerikeri, Northland. Day 1: Māori and European use of stone, looking at stone field sites and early European pastoral farming.
Day 2: Examination of three pre 1840 stone structures to look at stone type and building methodology.
Day 3-5: Practical skill workshops of repairing and conserving stone walls with a master mason at Edmonds Ruins.
Cost: $400 for 5 days
Please bring field clothes, boots, rainwear. Tuition, lunches, transport to sites and safety equipment provided.
For further details contact Jan Danilo or Bill Edwards
JDanilo@heritage.org.nz or bedwards@heritage.org.nz 09 407 0470

Quick Fire Archaeology Presentations
2025-05-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Te Awe Library, 29B Brandon Street, Wellington, New Zealand
Several quickfire archaeology presentations (5-10mins each), showcasing recent archaeology field work, sharing research interests and bringing old projects back into light.
Speaker panel TBC.
Free Entry.

The Museum of Kawatiri
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | The Museum of Kawatiri, 123 Palmerston St, Westport, New Zealand
Discovering What Lies Beneath: Shell Taxonomy at The Museum of Kawatiri
6th and 8th may shell taxonomy (fully booked)
PACT student inclusive learning module shell taxonomy /Māori middens Kawatiri (fully booked)
Shell images (realistic or hand-drawn)
Shell names (scrambled) including English and Te Reo Māori

Show case of Māori Artefacts from Kawatiri Carters Beach. The Museum of Kawatiri & Pounamu Pathway Kawatiri – local $10 visit adult –local $5 visit children

‘Wonders of Civilisation: Ancient Mexico’
2025-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Whangaparāoa Library, 9 Main St, Whangaparāoa, Auckland, New Zealand
Something a bit different…
Join us for an insightful talk exploring the rich history, culture, and legacy of ancient Mexican civilizations from an Indigenous Mexican perspective. A journey through time to discover the achievements, beliefs, and lives of the people who shaped Mesoamerica.
This is given by one of our librarians who is from Mexico and has studied Mexican history all her life. She explains the meaning of artefacts and Ancient Mexican culture from an Indigenous Mexican perspective.

When: Tuesday May 6th at 10am-11am
Where: Whangaparāoa Library

'Hidden Treasure and Resistance' Adult Presentation
2025-05-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Polish Heritage Trust Museum, 125 Elliot Street, Auckland, Auckland, 2014, New Zealand
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.
Koha – museum entry by donation.
No booking required unless you are a group. (Groups please book ahead – small fee applies).
Groups can book their own time and date to suit. Please contact Polish Museum staff to arrange.

Archaeology is Rubbish!
2025-05-06 15:30 - 2025-05-08 16:30 | Mercury Bay Library, 22 Victoria Street, Whitianga, New Zealand
The Mercury Bay Museum in conjunction with the Mercury Bay Library present an afternoon of archaeology to celebrate New Zealand Archaeology Week.
Can you discover who was here by their rubbish?
Join us for an interactive session at the Mercury Bay Library, Whitianga.
No booking required, free to attend – best suited for 5-15yr olds.
Tuesday 6th May 3.30pm-4.30pm https://www.facebook.com/share/16B4hGEiZq/
Thursday 8th May 3.30pm – 4.30pm https://www.facebook.com/share/16LC1ocXEM/

‘O Mahurangi (Penlink) and beyond: The work of an archaeologist in NZ’
2025-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Whangaparāoa Library, 9 Main St, Whangaparāoa, Auckland, New Zealand
Join Dr Caroline Phillips and her team for an insiders perspective of the work of an archaeological consultant in New Zealand.
Archaeology is both a method of investigation and process of discovery aimed at understanding how people lived in the past. Archaeological consultants investigate heritage sites that will be damaged by earthworks such as roading, housing or horticulture. The heritage sites may be of significance to Māori, European or others and date any time before 1900.
Caroline and some of her team will be presenting on the methods used and findings from three archaeological projects: Billing Road in the Bay of Plenty, Reitmann’s back yard in Thames and locally on the O Mahurangi (formerly known as Penlink) project. Members of the O Mahurangi Alliance will join the last session to give an overview of the project.
When: Wednesday, 7th May 2025 at 1pm
Where: Pōhutukawa Room, Whangaparāoa Library

Archaeology and Bioanthropology Lab Tours at the University of Auckland
2025-05-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Univeristy of Auckland, 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
The University of Auckland will be offering guided tours of the new Archaeology and Biological Anthropology Laboratories.
Small group tours will run every 30 minutes from 4pm and anthropologists will be in the atrium of Building 201 to answer your questions!
Please book in advance via EventBrite: https://uoa-anthro-tours.eventbrite.com
Anthropology Laboratories
University of Auckland – Building 201
10 Symonds Street
Auckland 1010

Conservation Open House
2025-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | TBC
Join Heritage Preservation and Field Support Solutions (HPFS Solutions) for a tour of their studio facilities where they will showcase some of the recent archaeological materials undergoing study and conservation. Location and details to be sent after registration. Maximum number of attendees is 15. Please note the spaces are wheelchair accessible with the exception of the toilet. Entry is free.
Please register your space using the form below. You can reserve a space for up to 5 people. Please email us at info@artefactpreservation.com for larger groups.
Once you register, you will receive a confirmation over email and the location will be provided as the event date nears. The information collected on the form will only be used for recording visitors to the venue and for contacting you in the event of changes or notifications.
To learn about heritage in the Taranaki region, visit the Heritage Taranaki Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Heritage-Taranaki-Incorporated-928047640593463. For more information about HPFS Solutions, visit us at www.artefactpreservation.com.

Registration is necessary at the following link https://forms.gle/HKFBnvsiLnAfFs5j8.

Trowel Throwing Competition
2025-05-08 12:30 - 14:30 | Albert Park, 33-43 Princes St, Auckland, New Zealand
The trowel is most commonly used by archaeologists for excavation, but how well can you throw one? This event is hosted by the Auckland Archaeological Society. Come and try your luck, and perhaps win a prize!
Find us in Albert Park (near the rotunda).

Ian Smith Memorial Lecture
2025-05-08 17:00 - 19:30 | Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Join us for an inaugural seminar series celebrating the kaupapa and inspiration of the late Ian W.G. Smith (1954-2020). Smith spent much of his notable career researching sealing in the Southern Ocean by Māori, Moriori and Europeans and, in the process, became a leading figure in the archaeology of marine mammals and in the establishment of systematic historical archaeology in New Zealand.
Emeritus Professor Atholl Anderson (CNZM) presents Hardy rascals of doubtful shame: sealing and sealers in southern New Zealand. Anderson will discuss Smith’s research in Māori sealing as an exemplary case of economic prehistory and his archaeology of European sealing as demonstrating more organisation in the activity and a broader intention to engage with Māori than has been often assumed historically. Offering some additional thoughts upon the historical perception of sealers and society in southern New Zealand.
Recognised as of one New Zealand’s most distinguished scholars, Anderson has made significant contributions to Pacific and New Zealand archaeology and Māori history.
This is a hybrid event. If you would like to join online, please register by booking a hybrid ticket.
Doors open and cash bar available from 5pm.
Register (for online or in-person attendance) via https://otagomuseum.nz/whats-on/ian-smith-memorial-lecture
This event is organised by Christchurch Archaeology Project, Tūhura Otago Museum and the University of Otago. It has been made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Australasian Society for Historical Archaeology, the New Zealand Archaeological Association, the Anthropology programme at the University of Otago and Tūhura Otago Museum.

Friends of the Museum Talks with Brigid Gallagher
2025-05-08 17:15 - 19:00 | The Arts Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati, New Zealand
“Brigid is highly qualified in archaeology and anthropology and has a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science as a Cardiff degree in Conversation and Museums – she has worked with Time Team UK and Heritage Rescue Aotearoa. Come and listen to her talk about the importance of local archaeology; why modern day museums are the foundation stones of communities and the importance of telling our shared histories honestly.”
This event is part of the ‘Friends of the Museum Talk’ hosted by Western Bay Museum
Everybody welcome
Free Event for member – koha donation for non-members.

An Archaeological Quiz Night!
2025-05-08 19:30 | The Bog, 387 George Street, Dunedin, New Zealand
Join us for an exciting evening of exploration and discovery at our Archaeology Week Pub Quiz! Whether you’re a seasoned archaeologist, casual enthusiast, or simply curious about the past, this event is for you! Come with your friends, enjoy a pint, and see who can dig up the most answers.

To register a team contact jasmine.weston@nzarchaeology.org
0221669142

Look at My Thing! An Archaeology Week Event
2025-05-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Dunedin Public Library City, 230 Moray Place, Dunedin, 9058, New Zealand
A series of short talks by Dunedin archaeologists, each presenting their favourite find. Talks will be followed by a relaxed meet and greet session when the audience can have a closer look at the finds and have a chat with the archaeologists.
Location: Dunningham Suite, Dunedin Public Library
Free Event

Arch Soc Pub Quiz
2025-05-09 18:00 - 21:00 | Shadows Bar, 8 Alfred St, Auckland, New Zealand
This year we continue the tradition of an Archsoc pub quiz. Get together a team, and participate for a chance to win the golden trowel. RSVP can be found here
Open to all
Venue – Shadows Bar

Archaeology Week Kids Day
2025-05-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be an archaeologist?
For Archaeology Week 2025, join Heritage New Zealand staff to try your hand at sorting, cleaning, cataloguing, and investigating some Dunedin artefacts that are over 100 years old!
We’ll also try out dressing up as an archaeologist—photos encouraged!
There will be a range of activities on offer, including:

Sorting Station
Cataloguing Artefacts Station
Cataloguing Animal Bone Station
Dress Up as an Archaeologist Station
Shoe Box Archaeology

This is a hands-on workshop, and children may get a bit dirty, so wear old clothes.

Kā taoka o Tiwai – Treasures of Tiwai
2025-05-10 10:00 - 2025-05-11 16:00 | Tūhura Otago Museum, 419 Great King Street, Dunedin, 9016, New Zealand
Stone Artefact Cataloguing
Please Note the Change of Date for this Event.
Around the time of the 1969-1971 construction of the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter, the McFarlanes, a young family interested in archaeology, explored Tiwai Point and recovered numerous stone artefacts. Treasured by the family for many years, these artefacts are now finding their way south again. To help that a team of the family, curators and archaeologists will be sorting, catalgoguing and repacking the artefacts. This work will be open for the public to come and see the taoka close up and learn what archaeologists look for in the artefacts. You are also welcome to bring in any other artefacts that you’d like to have identified and explained. This workshop is a partnership of the McFarlane family, Te Rūnaka o Awarua, New Zealand Aluminium Smelter and Tūhura Otago Museum.
Free Event
No Booking Required
Location – Hutton Theatre, Tūhura Otago Museum

Ōtautahi Christchurch Festival of Archaeology
2025-05-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, 83 Clyde Road, Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Christchurch Archaeology Project bring you the Ōtautahi Festival Archaeology on 10 May 2025 at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House.
This will be a FREE outside event for families celebrating our national Archaeology Week and will run from 11am-3pm Have a go at excavation, sorting, and assembling broken china. Take part in archaeology themed art activities. Learn about and examine real artefacts, including a moa bone. There will be professional archaeologists on hand to answer your questions so bring along something you’ve found in your backyard or find out how you can become an archaeologist.
Bonus: complete your archaeologist passport and you’ll have the chance to create your own Festival of Archaeology badge with Canterbury Museum.
Thanks to our stall holders and partners: Canterbury Museum, Pūtaringamotu Riccarton House & Bush, Te Ūaka The Lyttelton Museum, Underground Overground Archaeology, Ngāi Tahu Kā Huru Manu and the Department of Conservation.
N.B. While the outside archaeology events are free, entry to Kate Sheppard House museum (11am-3pm) is $15 for adults, $7.50 gold cards/students and community cards and free to children. The New Zealand Portrait Gallery exhibition, Background Matters, is free to enter.
Carparking in UC Arts carpark is free in the weekends.
Photo credit HNZPT

[POSTPONED] Digging Into the Past: Become an Archaeologist for the day! [POSTPONED]
2025-05-11 10:00 - 15:00 | Auckland Museum, The Auckland Domain, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED

Have you ever wondered what it is like to be an archaeologist? What is archaeology? What do archaeologists do?
Join us at Auckland Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira during Archaeology Week! This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to become an archaeologist for the day and explore the fascinating world of uncovering history.
Archaeology is all about putting together clues from the material left behind to understand the past. Learn about the methods and technology used by archaeologists to solve puzzles and discover how people used to live, what they ate and what tools they used. Meet archaeologists and try hands on activities such as sorting shell and bone, reconstructing pottery vessels, and so much more!
Find us in the Orientation Space of the South Atrium.
Read more about what Auckland Museum archaeologists do here

Archaeology Day Fyffe House
2025-05-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Fyffe House, 62 Avoca St, Kaikoura, New Zealand
“Finders Aren’t Keepers” Discover the archaeology of our area and the underlying principles of what you do if you find something and why.
Hands on activities which include navigating an archaeology trail on site, making cyanotypes and exploring our archaeology collection. In partnership with Kaikoura Museum.
Suitable for all ages
Free Event
No bookings required, find us in the Pink Shed!

Who lived on the site of the new hospital development? A guided walk of Dunedin’s Northern Cemetery
2025-05-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Dunedin Northern Cemetery, 40 Lovelock Ave, Dunedin, New Zealand
In the nineteenth century, the site of Dunedin’s new hospital was one of the most densely occupied residential areas in the city. Come for a guided walk of Dunedin’s Northern Cemetery to hear about the lives of some of the block’s earliest inhabitants, and to learn what our ongoing archaeological investigations have revealed.
Free event
Booking required – limited spots
Contact – Bree Wooller, bree@heritageproperties.co.nz

Discover Hidden Treasures - family craft workshop
2025-05-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Polish Heritage Trust Museum, 125 Elliot Street, Auckland, Auckland, 2014, New Zealand
Discover an Iron Age lake fort, Vikings and the hidden jewels of an emperor in Poland as part of NZ Archaeology Week 2025.
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 working museum in the slideshow presentation. Then construct your own craft work treasures to take home.
Ages: 5-adult (All children are to be accompanied by an adult please)
Cost: $10 per person, including adults. Materials provided. Cash or internet banking (sorry no Eftpos or credit card)
Free off-street parking, seating, tables, restrooms and wheelchair access available

NZAA Annual Conference 2025
2025-07-15 - 2025-07-18 | Club Mount Maunganui, 45-47 Kawaka Street, Mount Maunganui, 3116, New Zealand
Tai timu, tai pari: the ebb and flow between people and place, engaging and shaping of environments through time.

The 2025 New Zealand Archaeological Conference will be held in Mount Maunganui from Tuesday 15th July – Friday 18th July.

Registration
Registration has now closed.
For late registration enquiries please email archaeologistln@heritage.org.nz
Venue
Club Mount Maunganui
45-47 Kawaka Street
Mount Maunganui 3116
Conference Programme
Full Conference Programme
Tuesday 15 July 8:30am – 4:15pm

Mihi Whakatau, welcome, keynote speaker and paper sessions
Welcome Event: Drinks at Astrolab Brew Bar | 82 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui | 5:30pm | Sponsored by CFG Heritage.

Wednesday 16 July 8:30am – 4:45pm

Paper sessions and AGM
Evening Event: “Tatai Arorangi – Māori Navigation by Astronomy”| Mount Maunganui College Marae | 7:30-8:30pm.

Thursday 17 July 8:30am – 4:00pm

Paper sessions
Conference Dinner: Latitude 37 | 181 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui | 7:00pm

Friday 18 July 9:00am – 4:00pm

Conference Field Trip: The field trip will visit the Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park and the Mauao Historic Reserve. You will need good walking shoes and a reasonable level of fitness for the Pāpāmoa Hills as it is a steep walk, but the archaeology and the views are worth it! If you have concerns about the walk, please contact Rachel Darmody BEFORE booking the fieldtrip (archaeologistln@heritage.org.nz).
A picnic lunch will be provided
Bus transport will run from the conference centre, leaving 9:00am and returning at 4:00pm.

The New Zealand Archaeological Association gratefully acknowledges the support of the following sponsors:

Exhibition: Uncovering Katherine Mansfield's House
2026-03-04 - 2026-03-24 | Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, 25 Tinakori Rd, Thorndon, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
One upon a time… A little girl lived in this house and she grew up to be a famous author named Katherine Mansfield.
About 90 years after her family moved out of the house, a society was formed to buy this house and restore it to celebrate her. But how did they know what to put in the house? Archaeology!
An exhibition suitable for all ages with activities for children.
Curated by Kelly Gwynne.
Entry Included with admission fee, children under 18 free.
