Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Open every day 10am-6pm
(except Christmas Day)
Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Combining the expertise of scientists from NIWA and Te Papa, our latest touring exhibition invites the public to meet Aotearoa New Zealand’s most famous crustaceans!
Currently touring Aotearoa New Zealand
Check the tour schedule below for venues
Crabs, lobsters, shrimp – they are Aotearoa New Zealand’s most famous crustaceans. Now meet the wider gang, from barnacles with superglue to slaters in the backyard. Explore the unique features of five marine crustaceans and take a dive into their world.
Adapted for survival in water and on dry land, the intricacies of these curious creatures are revealed by a digital microscope. Digital labels and five physical interactives extend the experience for visitors young and old.
| Kaikoura Museum, Kaikoura | 5 Feb – 13 Apr 2026 |
| Kawatiri Pounamu Pathway Experience Centre, Westport | 7 Nov 2025 – 3 Feb 2026 |
| Coach House Museum, Fielding | 28 Aug – 4 Nov 2025 |
| Papakura Museum, Auckland | 8 Jul – 26 Aug 2025 |
| Warkworth District Museum, Warkworth | 29 May – 8 Jul 2025 |
| Western Bay Museum, Katikati | 1 Mar – 25 May 2025 |
| Whirinaki Whare Taonga, Upper Hutt | 7 Dec 2024 – 16 Feb 2025 |
| Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, Ashburton | 28 Sep – 24 Nov 2024 |
| South Canterbury Museum, Timaru | 29 Jun – 22 Sep 2024 |
| Te Awamutu Museum, Te Awamutu | 3 Apr – 18 Jun 2024 |
| Waikato Museum, Hamilton | 23 Sep to 3 Nov 2023 |
| Te Papa Tongarewa, Wellington | 29 May to 20 Aug 2023 |
Pat Stodart
Touring Exhibition Manager
Email: touringexhibitions@tepapa.govt.nz
Crustacea includes lobsters, crabs, shrimps, prawns, hoppers, wood lice, water fleas, and several other groups. Most crustaceans live in the sea but some are found in freshwater or on land. The one thing they all need to survive is water, or at least a moist habitat.
Primary
Crustaceans come in all shapes and sizes – from huge king crabs to tiny sand hoppers! Get to know them through movement, storytelling, puzzles, and more!
Activity book
Exhibition experience developer Dan Parke spoke with Tamati Stevens a kairangahau (researcher), kairuku (diver) and educator specialising in rocky reef ecosystems.
