Our world on show at Te Taiao/Nature
The newest permanent exhibition at Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand in Wellington, is Te Taiao/Nature. Opened in May, at a cost of $12 million, it focuses on our environment and its wildlife, but not in a purely observational sense.
The theme is connection, and what can result from that.
There are the beautiful displays of our birds, reptiles, insects, plants, and sea life that you would expect, celebrating their idiosyncratic uniqueness, but there are also many ways to interact with the subjects, to explore, and to influence them.
There are no punches pulled about how we have caused species to become extinct, destroyed ecosystems, degraded our water. But, equally, the exhibition shows how we can help restore and renew, and celebrates the diversity that should inspire this.
Some features of Aotearoa are beyond even our influence, and there is a dramatic section on volcanoes and earthquakes, which only seems more pertinent now.
Many people will be happy to see the Earthquake House is back, better than before. It’s suitably realistic and serious, but funny, too.
Why go?
Because you can check out at a moa’s egg up close. You can watch an eruption, feel an earthquake, smell a kiwi, and use a powerful magnifying glass to see the beauty of an insect’s wings.
Discover why so many of our birds look somewhat drab, see the terrifyingly big holes a Haast eagle’s claws made in a moa’s pelvis, and try to build a house that will withstand a quake. Gawp at the colossal squid with a doughnut brain, relax in an enviably comfortable treehouse, stand underneath an orca, and create a tsunami.
There are so many things to do, touch, smell and feel, designed for children and adults, all of them so absorbingly entertaining that hours will easily disappear, and you don’t even realise how much you are learning.
Insider tip
As well as enjoying the fascinating exhibits yourself, take your overseas visitors to be wowed by our extraordinary wildlife and the riproaring violence of our earthquakes and volcanoes.
On the way/nearby
It would be foolish not to explore the spectacular Gallipoli exhibition, where there is always something new to discover and marvel at.
Outside Te Papa, there are all the delights of the waterfront, which include, on Sundays, an irresistible produce market. Or go the other way to check out the Wind Wand near Shed 6.
How much?
Entry to Te Papa generally, and Te Taiao/Nature, is free for everyone. Some temporary exhibitions, including Wonderland celebrating Lewis Carroll, require an entry fee.
Best time to go
Any time, as the museum is open every day except Christmas, 10am to 6pm. tepapa.govt.nz.