Ōtautahi Festival of Archaeology

Get hands-on with history at this fun, family-friendly 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.

On Saturday the 9th of May, Kate Sheppard House once again hosts stalls from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Christchurch Archaeology Project, Archaeological consultants Underground Overground and South Island Archaeology, Canterbury Museum, Riccarton House & Bush, Christchurch City Libraries and the Department of Conservation to offer a fantastic range of archaeology themed activities.

Enjoy new displays, archaeology-themed face painting and returning favourites like the Junior Archaeologist activity passport, badge-making and the popular 'cookie excavation' activity.

Entry is by koha and open to families and archaeology fans of all ages. Drinks and snacks available for purchase on the day!