EarthFest Exhibits
Get a taste of what you'll find!
All Ages
ShakeKit
Become an earthquake engineer with ShakeKit! Design and build your own tall tower, and then put it to the ultimate test on our shake table. How long will it last before it topples? Find out as you design, build, and shake your way to becoming an earthquake engineer. ShakeKit is all about fun, learning, and problem-solving.
All Ages
Dunedin Rocks!
That’s the theme of our annual Wild Dunedin – NZ Festival of Nature event in 2025!
Last April 28,000 people joined in enjoying, understanding and protecting our special nature, and in 2025 geologists and other rockhounds will help us celebrate the rock solid foundations our city is built on.
All Ages
Water Worlds
From the deepest oceans to the highest skies, and all the coastlines, estuaries, rivers and lakes in between, dive into science with the team from NIWA. Experience Antarctica through Virtual Reality and play interactive games to discover the causes of (and possible solutions to!) township flooding and sea-level rise.
All Ages
Our Energy Future
What is "geoheat" and how could it be used to heat (and cool) our homes and other buildings?
How might hydrogen generated from renewable energy power transport?
Could we make solar panels from silica deposits in Southland?
Find out and have your say on our energy future!
All Ages
DEVORA
Curious about volcanoes? Join us for an exciting interactive experience where you'll discover why some volcanoes ooze lava while others erupt explosively. Check out fascinating rock and mineral samples, and ask real volcano scientists all your burning questions. Fun for all ages - from young explorers to the young at heart!
All Ages
How cold was it?
Have you ever wondered what Antarctic oceans were like thousand (or even millions) years ago? How cold was it? Was it covered in ice? Come learn how scientists use tiny fossils to answer these questions... and use microscopic algae fossils found in ocean sediments to find out the answers for yourself!
All Ages
Find a fossil!
Vanished World is the heart of the Waitaki Whitestone Geopark. Discover 25-million-year-old ancient marine animals, the largest penguin and Zealandia. Dig a fossil from the local limestone and whatever you find you can keep! A range of books and products for you to explore too!
All Ages
Discover Geodesy
Explore the power of Geodesy! From studying tectonic plate motion and glaciology in Antarctica, to understanding sea level rise and hydrography, discover innovative research using positioning satellites and land surveying tools for a deeper understanding of our changing planet.
Preschool
Rocks For Tots
Hands-on activities for 2–6 year olds, but tons of fun for all ages! Dress up like a geologist, make an earthquake, construct a continent, use magnetism to tell rocks from chocolate, and explore our participatory science on why some leaves are more magnetic than others (Hint: it has to do with cars and geology!).
8+ yrs
Ask Dr Rock
Not all rocks are grey, hard and boring. Come and explore Dr Rock's light, dense, laky, tough, coloured, glittery, fizzy, magnetic and see-through rocks and learn their uses. Plus, all rocks tell a story! Bring your favourite rocks, minerals and fossils from home for Dr Rock to identify and talk about.
All Ages
Gold Panning
Uncover the art of gold panning and try your hand at discovering nature's precious treasures. Explore the world of minerals and mining while experiencing the thrill of finding precious minerals. Gain insights into the techniques and skills involved in this ancient practice and explore potential careers in the mining industry.
All Ages
Make A Quake!
How do we know where an earthquake happened and how big it was? Come and make your very own earthquake to find out! See how big a quake you can make and how it's measured. Learn how we keep an eye on New Zealand’s earthquake, volcano and tsunami hazards.
All Ages
Become a Geotech!
Have you ever wondered what is below the ground and how it impacts how and where we build? This is a question that those in the geotechnical industry ask (and answer) every day! How do we go about answering this very important question? Come along and complete your own mini-borehole investigations to find out!
Teachers & Students
Making Geology Visible
Visible Geology is a free digital tool built to explore and discover the earth's processes and revolutionize how geological concepts are taught to students. Meanwhile, Mixed Reality Visualisation bring the subsurface to life with interactive visualisation of real 3D geological models using HoloLens mixed reality goggles. Come try it!
All Ages
We Love Rocks!
Check out the Otago Rock and Mineral Club display and learn about making geology a hobby by transforming ordinary rocks into artistic treasures. Ask about our monthly meetings and field trips, where you can learn about geology and also collect spectacular rocks and fossils. Find out how to make your own jewelry from your favourite rock.
All Ages
VolcanoFest
Come and play volcano card and computer and games, watch explosions and enjoy colouring your own volcano. Plus, talk to us about our free teacher PD online courses and links to curriculum-aligned volcano and geothermal teaching materials.
