The Colossal Squid

Meet the only colossal squid on display in the world. Find her in the Te Taiao | Nature exhibition.

When | Āhea Permanent exhibition
Where | Ki hea Te Taiao | Nature, Level 2
Cost | Te utu Free exhibition
Ages | Te reanga All ages
Allow | Me whakarite 15 minutes
Accessibility | E wātea ana ki
- Wheelchair accessible
Find out more about accessibility at Te Papa

It’s the biggest colossal squid ever caught! Find it in the Ngā Kaitiaki | Guardians area in Te Taiao | Nature.

Colossal squid, the most massive invertebrates on the planet, make their home in the cold depths of the Southern Ocean.

Watch a video about how our specimen got from Antarctica to Te Papa, and learn about its bizarre anatomy – touch models of its beak and a tentacle hook.

Guide to the collosal squid in New Zealand Sign Language

Activities

Other: The colossal squid activity book
The colossal squid activity book

An activity book to help kids explore the bizarre anatomy of the colossal squid, where it lives, how it came to Te Papa, and what it eats. Suitable for ages 10+.