Get hands-on with history at Ōtautahi Festival of Archaeology
Discover what it takes to be an archaeologist in this hands-on family event for Archaeology Week 2026! Try your hand at excavation, take part in archaeology-themed activities and chat with real archaeologists about their artefacts and discoveries.
Date: Saturday 9th May 2026.
Times: 60-minutes sessions running every 30 minutes starting at 11am. Last session at 1pm.
Location: Kate Sheppard House (83 Clyde Road, Ilam).
Cost: Koha.
Come along to visit stalls and a fantastic range of activities from:
- Heritage New Zealand | Pouhere Taonga;
- Christchurch Archaeology Project;
- Archaeological consultants Underground Overground and South Island Archaeology;
- Canterbury Museum;
- Riccarton House and Bush;
- Christchurch City Libraries; and
- the Department of Conservation.
Enjoy new displays, archaeology-themed face painting and returning favourites like the Junior Archaeologist activity passport, badge-making and the popular 'cookie excavation' activity.
This event is open to families and archaeology fans of all ages. Drinks and snacks available for purchase on the day!