Premiering in New Zealand at Tūhura Otago Museum, this fascinating documentary tracks the rise and fall of moa and elephant birds, exploring their origins, adaptations, and eventual extinction.

To open the Wild Dunedin festival, seven expert speakers each present a 7-minute talk with a connection to rocks and geology. Subjects dip into science, arts and culture.

Forests can inspire, heal, astonish and relax us. Naturalist Peter Hayden will take you on a 90 minute journey into a foreign kingdom…

FULLY BOOKED

Join lichenologist Allison Knight on a walk in the Botanic Garden to take a closer look at the awesome miniature world of lichens living on rocks.

FULLY BOOKED

Join lichenologist Allison Knight on a walk in the Botanic Garden to take a closer look at the awesome miniature world of lichens living on rocks.

Paper Audit is a collection of mini paintings on paper covering a variety of landscapes in the Otago and Southland area – painted in situ by Janet de Wagt.

In this unique fundraising event for Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, explore the Orokonui forest at night and discover a glowing world.

School may be out, but the wild characters at Tūhura Otago Museum are still in, ready for a night of LEGO-inspired fun as part of the Wild Dunedin Festival.

Look to the vastness of the southern sky and learn about our solar system with telescopes and laser-guided tours of the night sky.

Step back in time for an unforgettable night of glitz and glamour at New Zealand’s iconic Larnach Castle! Dress to impress and immerse yourself in the dazzling world of the Roaring Twenties.

Held in the lush confines of the Tūhura Otago Museum Tropical Forest, join Wellbeing Way for an immersive journey into the captivating world of ecofocusing

Walk up a hill for a 1-hour yoga class in a natural setting with Jo Woolley - for seasoned yogi or beginners.

Guided by Mike Palin from the University of Otago’s Geology Department, peer into the fiery volcanic past that built today’s landscapes around Otago Harbour.

Come explore the wild and wondrous macrocystis kelp ngāhere (forests) along Dunedin’s stunning coastline. Bring your own wetsuit if you have one.

Join Izumi Uchida and the NZ Marine Studies Centre team for a workshop on how to recognise and prepare local edible seaweeds.

Enjoy a full day exploring the bee-utiful side of Dunedin. Includes a tour of Bee Supplies Otago, a delicious two-course lunch and a Saddle Hill Brewery & Distillery Tour.

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

An easy 60-minute walk to Sutton Salt Lake, New Zealand’s only inland salt lake, followed by a tour of Middlemarch.

Tours: 10am-11.30am & 1pm-2.30pm

Restored native forest, rare exotics, Gondwana plants, tamarillo and avocado trees in Hereweka Garden.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

At the turn of the tide in this dance performance, witness a movement chorus trace sinuous saltlines across the wet sand at the water’s edge.

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

A day of sensory work with creative writing and sand balls. Including two workshops with Madeleine Child and Michelle Elvy. Incl morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

Enjoy a meal at Careys Bay Historic Hotel before a boat trip to Portobello/Quarantine Island and return. Departs from historic Careys Bay Hotel.

Children are invited to join a nature focused photo scavenger hunt in our lower garden. Capture all the photo points and enter to win prizes awarded onsite.

Tours: 10am-11.30am & 1pm-2.30pm

Restored native forest, rare exotics, Gondwana plants, tamarillo and avocado trees in Hereweka Garden.

Join Candice Martin (University of Otago) and Nicole Foote (NZ Landcare Trust) on an eye-opening journey through the forces that shape our landscape.

Walk from Signal Hill Road to Reserve boundary then via regenerating podocarp forest to volcanic outcrop Gerry’s Rock and back during 2+ hours.

FULLY BOOKED

Join Judith from The Kelpery and the NZMSC to get creative using locally sourced rimurapa (bull kelp) to make vessels, baskets and light hangings.

A unique excursion that starts with 1.5 hours visiting selected locations at The OPERA focused on native flora. Then a 2-hour harbour cruise on the Monarch

The Dunedin Rock Choir will be performing covers of your favourite rock songs at Tūhura—don’t miss out on this celebration of music, nature, and community! 

Hear the story behind No8 and the process of making our fine gins, rums and liqueurs in this unique tasting experience.

Embark on a captivating journey through geological time aboard Dunedin Railways’ iconic Seasider, in partnership with the Otago University Department of Geology.

In this cruise, photographers of all skill levels are invited to get closer to unique Southern Ocean wildlife with stunning views.

Glenfalloch Garden’s uniquely wild Otago Peninsula dining experience in celebration of local flavours. Featuring Sandymount Distillery’s Richard Wilson and renowned forager Peter Langlands.

As twilight fades and night falls on our private eco-reserve, penguins make their way inland. This is the first ever publicly offered nighttime excursion offered at The OPERA.

In this unique fundraising event for Orokonui Ecosanctuary and Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, explore the Orokonui forest at night and discover a glowing world.

Look to the vastness of the southern sky and learn about our solar system with telescopes and laser-guided tours of the night sky.

Start your day with a tranquil and rejuvenating practice. Join us for Sunrise Yoga on the beach, where the rhythmic waves and mindful movement converge to elevate your wellbeing.

All are welcome at our Open Day at the community vegetable garden and orchard. Come along and paint some rocks to use as vegetable markers.

A fun-filled family day at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, highlights include: Anika Moa • Rocks for Tots • Suzy Cato • Artisan Markets • Amazing Science Demos • Food Trucks • Movie on the Big Screen • Live Music & More!

View birds up close using spotting scopes with members of Birds NZ. Bring binoculars if you have them and meet on the footpath on Tomahawk Road.

Enjoy an open day at Habitate Edible Garden, a well-established permaculture home garden. It features diverse fruits, berries, perennial vegetables, and more.

Walk from Signal Hill Road to Reserve boundary then via regenerating podocarp forest to volcanic outcrop Gerry’s Rock and back during 2+ hours.

Photographer Nick Beckwith presents highlights of some of the key species of birds and mammals that call Dunedin home.  

Look to the vastness of the southern sky and learn about our solar system with telescopes and laser-guided tours of the night sky.

Discover the fascinating world of rock hounding here in Otago. We invite rock enthusiasts, curious beginners, and seasoned collectors to explore minerals and geological treasures.

Fossil whales, sharks teeth, penguins, graptolites, ammonites, brachiopods, corals, ferns, bugs in amber, stromatolites and much, much more…

Enjoy a film screening of Flight of the Swans following Sacha Dench on a journey through the eyes of migratory birds.

A one-hour talk by Daphne Lee, Emeritus Professor in the Geology Department, University of Otago. Her research interests include fossils of all kinds.

Bring your teddy bear and find out how animals are cared for at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital with special guest Suzy Cato.

Bring your teddy bear and find out how animals are cared for at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital with special guest Suzy Cato.

Ever wondered what it was like to hunt for gold in Central Otago? What life was like for those men and women out in the goldfields in the 1860s?

A unique excursion that starts with 1.5 hours visiting selected locations at The OPERA focused on native flora. Then a 2-hour harbour cruise on the Monarch

Learn to make your own natural plant based skincare and raw juices with the founder of Ihi Skin, a Te Rongoa based skincare range.

Ever wondered what it was like to hunt for gold in Central Otago? What life was like for those men and women out in the goldfields in the 1860s?

In this cruise, photographers of all skill levels are invited to get closer to unique Southern Ocean wildlife with stunning views.

Explore gold then and now by looking back at Otago’s golden heritage with Toitū’s Sean Brosnahan, followed by a current day’s insight with experts from Oceana Gold.

Honorary Associate Professor Daphne E Lee, University of Otago, discusses recent fossil discoveries from Miocene Zealandia.

Explore the forest after dark with these special kids night walks. Join our expert guides and witness the valley changing as sunlight fades.

Look to the vastness of the southern sky and learn about our solar system with telescopes and laser-guided tours of the night sky.

We're celebrating the mighty moa with a day full of discovery, creativity, and a children's concert with Anika Moa!

Fossil whales, sharks teeth, penguins, graptolites, ammonites, brachiopods, corals, ferns, bugs in amber, stromatolites and much, much more…

A one-hour talk by Daphne Lee, Emeritus Professor in the Geology Department, University of Otago. Her research interests include fossils of all kinds.

An intimate foraging and cooking experience with The Reckless Foodie, published plant-based author Tracey Bennett and Foraging New Zealand author, Peter Langlands.

Get your hands dirty searching for gold in pure New Zealand soil brought in especially for the occasion from an area known for its gold properties

Panel discussion on how Aotearoa New Zealand’s geological record has influenced our plants, animals, and people.

Join us for a fascinating talk by Natural Science Curator Kane Fleury as he takes us on the journey of the Kyeburn moa footprints—from their initial discovery by Michael Johnston to the scientific research uncovering their age.

A hands-on exploration of art and art-making for children with educator John Neumegen. This programme is a drop-off workshop suitable for ages 7-13.

Get your hands dirty searching for gold in pure New Zealand soil brought in especially for the occasion from an area known for its gold properties

Join ophthalmologist Francesc March and colleagues for a series of exciting talks about the eyes of penguins!

Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust presents a talk about the nature reserves where the hoiho nest during the breeding season.

Hear the story behind No8 and the process of making our fine gins, rums and liqueurs in this unique tasting experience.

Take a walk on the wild side at Ombrellos to listen to post-grads from the University who will pitch their research to convince the audience that their research rocks.

Legendary wildlife cinematographer Max Quinn shares captivating stories from his global adventures, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his latest filming experiences.

Bring the family for a fun-filled day of gnome hunting. Set among the beautiful gardens of Glenfalloch on Otago’s stunning peninsula, this is an event for the whole family.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

Marine science and geology combine to bring you this awesome event. Learn about our local shore line with geologists and marine scientists.

Fossil whales, sharks teeth, penguins, graptolites, ammonites, brachiopods, corals, ferns, bugs in amber, stromatolites and much, much more…

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

Children are invited to join a nature focused photo scavenger hunt in our lower garden. Capture all the photo points and enter to win prizes awarded onsite.

This is a hands-on workshop with Michelle Ritchie to master hot and cold composting methods and learn how a worm farm and Bokashi system turns food waste into microbe-rich compost.

Ever wondered what it was like to hunt for gold in Central Otago? What life was like for those men and women out in the goldfields in the 1860s?

Join the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust and David Lytte from the Botanical Society for a talk at ‘Dunedin’s Pyramids’ then explore Okia Reserve.

Create your own spirit or liqueur from foraged Wild Dunedin plants and fruits. A 2-hour hands-on workshop where we take you through the basics of making botanical spirits and liqueurs.

Ever wondered what it was like to hunt for gold in Central Otago? What life was like for those men and women out in the goldfields in the 1860s?

Capture the natural beauty of life on the Otago Peninsula during this guided tour to select locations within our private eco-reserve.

Join Curator Dr Gerard O’Regan (Kai Tahu) for some fascinating insights into te ao kōhatu and living on this land with stone.

A special tour of Huikaau – where currents meet, themed around rocks and geology. Huikaau celebrates the past, present, and future of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery collection.

Join us to explore the forest after dark. Witness the valley changing as sunlight fades, and discover which creatures call te pō home. Moderate level of fitness is required.

Six Dunedin poets will read poems in celebration of Turner’s legacy, and what it means to live and be in wild Aotearoa. 

Enjoy a full day exploring the bee-utiful side of Dunedin. Includes a tour of Bee Supplies Otago, a delicious two-course lunch and a Saddle Hill Brewery & Distillery Tour.

Bring the family for a fun-filled day of gnome hunting. Set among the beautiful gardens of Glenfalloch on Otago’s stunning peninsula, this is an event for the whole family.

City Walks guide Athol Parks and local geologist Nick Mortimer lift the lid on Dunedin’s building stone and underlying geology on this engaging foray through Dunedin’s old downtown.

Visit the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre to connect with your coast and meet local marine species in touch tanks.

Fossil whales, sharks teeth, penguins, graptolites, ammonites, brachiopods, corals, ferns, bugs in amber, stromatolites and much, much more…

Enjoy a film screening of Flight of the Swans following Sacha Dench on a journey through the eyes of migratory birds.

A show and tell with artist Bruce Mahalski and items from his Museum of Natural Mystery.

Visit the New Zealand Marine Studies Centre to connect with your coast and meet local marine species in touch tanks.

Michelle Ritchie shares core ethics and principles of Permaculture Design, with hands-on session utilising the no-dig method to sow and plant a diverse and resilient Food Forest.

City Walks guide Athol Parks and local geologist Nick Mortimer lift the lid on Dunedin’s building stone and underlying geology on this engaging foray through Dunedin’s old downtown.

Join Neil Robinson at his vegetable farm in Outram for an informative look at his regenerative growing practices. This will be followed by a multi-course dinner at No7 Balmac.

Marshall Palmer will cover the exciting process of tracking and recovering the meteorite using the Fireballs Aotearoa camera network.

Associate Professor Nic Rawlence will guide you through how to collect fossils ethically and how citizen scientists can contribute to new discoveries, followed by a Q&A session.

Experienced nature photographer Paul Sorrell will share his tips and tricks for getting the perfect shot, with a focus on lighting, backgrounds, and composition.

Bring the family for a fun-filled day of gnome hunting. Set among the beautiful gardens of Glenfalloch on Otago’s stunning peninsula, this is an event for the whole family.

Pick one of 6 x 45-minute sessions

Meet and talk with Rory in his orchard-urban food garden. Be inspired!

Capture the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula during this guided tour focused on long exposure photo opportunities as you visit select locations within our private eco-reserve.

Look to the vastness of the southern sky and learn about our solar system with telescopes and laser-guided tours of the night sky.

Walk up a hill for a 1-hour yoga class in a natural hilltop setting with Jo Woolley - for seasoned yogi or beginners.

Usually hosted by a different club each time, this year the Wild Dunedin team of gardening enthusiasts will be your hosts in the beautiful grounds of the University of Otago.

Join photographer Paul Sorrell at Orokonui Ecosanctuary for a photography field trip and practical hints on photographing birds.

Enjoy a full day exploring the bee-utiful side of Dunedin. Includes a tour of Bee Supplies Otago, a delicious two-course lunch and a Saddle Hill Brewery & Distillery Tour.

Pick one of 6 x 45-minute sessions

Meet and talk with Rory in his orchard-urban food garden.

1hr tours departing from Port Chalmers at 10am and Portobello at 11.30am. Board the MV Sootychaser for a journey through the heart of Dunedin’s extinct volcano.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

Enjoy a film screening of Flight of the Swans following Sacha Dench on a journey through the eyes of migratory birds.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

Children are invited to join a nature focused photo scavenger hunt in our lower garden. Capture all the photo points and enter to win prizes awarded onsite.

We host the local primary school garden, nature and enviro clubs and have two collaborations running with masters students at Otago and Auckland Universities.

Walk from Signal Hill Road to Reserve boundary then via regenerating podocarp forest to volcanic outcrop Gerry’s Rock and back during 2+ hours.

Create your own spirit or liqueur from foraged Wild Dunedin plants and fruits. A 2-hour hands-on workshop where we take you through the basics of making botanical spirits and liqueurs.

Neil Robinson will guide you through a workshop demonstrating the techniques he uses as a successful no dig market gardener and how they can be applied to your home vegetable patch.

Hear the story behind No8 and the process of making our fine gins, rums and liqueurs in this unique tasting experience.

Capture the natural beauty of life on the Otago Peninsula during this guided tour to select locations within our private eco-reserve.

As twilight fades and night falls on our private eco-reserve, penguins make their way inland. This is the first ever publicly offered nighttime excursion offered at The OPERA.

Look to the vastness of the southern sky and learn about our solar system with telescopes and laser-guided tours of the night sky.

Join photographer Paul Sorrell at Orokonui Ecosanctuary for a photography field trip and practical hints on photographing birds.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

Help save out apples. Come and see for yourself this tree library or scion bank and consider helping with this amazing project.

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

This is a special opportunity to learn more about the hoiho and see the rarest penguin in the world up close in our Rehabilitation Centre. Ages 5 and up.

Enjoy a special 45-minute cruise for tamariki and whānau highlighting local wildlife, history, and geology of the peninsula.

Children are invited to join a nature focused photo scavenger hunt in our lower garden. Capture all the photo points and enter to win prizes awarded onsite.

Walk from Signal Hill Road to Reserve boundary then via regenerating podocarp forest to volcanic outcrop Gerry’s Rock and back during 2+ hours.

Join us to explore the forest after dark. Witness the valley changing as sunlight fades, and discover which creatures call te pō home. Moderate level of fitness is required.

Look to the vastness of the southern sky and learn about our solar system with telescopes and laser-guided tours of the night sky.

A guided bus tour with Neil Harraway to three very diverse and fascinating private gardens on the scenic Otago Peninsula. Meet and chat with the gardeners who are growing their gardens for beauty and restfulness, for food and nourishment, or to make spaces for wildlife to flourish.

Capture the natural beauty of the Otago Peninsula during this guided tour focused on long exposure photo opportunities as you visit select locations within our private eco-reserve.

FULLY BOOKED

Slow down and escape the everyday. Open up your senses and experience the health, mood, and energy enhancing benefits of a quiet wander in the forest.

A show and tell with artist Bruce Mahalski and items from his Museum of Natural Mystery.

Join Michelle Ritchie for an illuminating journey underground – discover soil creatures, their ‘superpowers’, how they grow healthy food and how burying your undies can help gauge the health of your garden.

FULLY BOOKED
Make an amber fossil. Collect a few dead insects and bring them along to the library. We’ll choose the most intact specimen and recreate what happens when an insect gets trapped in resin.

This presentation with Dr J Michael Palin and Associate Professor Dan Hikuroa will provide an introduction to mātauranga Māori and discuss differences and similarities with science.

Explore the forest after dark with these special kids night walks. Join our expert guides and witness the valley changing as sunlight fades.

Join Graeme Loh of Birds New Zealand for a presentation on 30 years of research on the only mainland colony of small seabirds known as fairy prions in Aotearoa.

A show and tell with artist Bruce Mahalski and items from his Museum of Natural Mystery.