4 minute read
7 New Zealand Places to Inspire Young People
Rutherford's Den, Art Centre, Christchurch
Pam Carmichael Photography
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1 NUCLEAR FISSION: Rutherford’s Den, Christchurch
Think your sprogs could do something as profound as split an atom? Lord Ernest Rutherford’s parents probably didn’t either, but that he did. Regarded as ‘The Father of Nuclear Physics’ this wee Kiwi lad grew up to name Einstein as a peer and pocketed himself a Nobel Prize. His vast successes can be admired at Rutherford’s Den, a hands-on museum located within The Arts Centre in Christchurch. Rooms where Rutherford once worked while he studied at Canterbury University have been transformed into fascinating exhibits, complete with a restored Victorian lecture theatre. Stand in the presence of genius and hope that some of it rubs off.
2 KICK-ASS WOMEN: Kate Sheppard’s House, Christchurch
Imagine not knowing you lived in the same house as the most prominent member of New Zealand’s women’s suffrage movement. The Burbury family didn’t have a clue. It wasn’t until 1993 that they realised Kate Sheppard – responsible for Aotearoa becoming the world’s first country to grant women the right to vote – was a former house dweller. The Burburys have since sold the house and in 2020 it opened as a heritage venue, public space and educational centre. Located on Clyde Road next to Canterbury University, explore the home where Sheppard spent 15 years of her life and step inside the dining room where many world-changing campaigns were conducted.
3 TOMB RAIDER: The Honeycomb Caves, Karamea
Ōpārara Arch © West Coast Tourism
If you thought your kids were good at setting a booby trap, wait til they learn from the best – Mother Nature. The West Coast conceals such great gouges in its dense, Jurassic-like forestry, they’ve been known to swallow the now extinct Haast’s eagle whole (and yes, that is the largest known eagle in the world). One of these huge cavities is The Honeycomb Caves. Easily Karamea’s best-kept secret and just a short walk from the region’s Ōpārara Arches, entry is only permitted with a certified guide. Inside this labyrinth of colossal limestone grottos – a 35-million-year cave system in the making – visitors are led to a full-size, perfectly preserved moa skeleton. Prisoner for eternity, it fell victim to nature’s hidden hole centuries ago; today you can still see its broken leg bone.
4 CREATIVE MINDSETS: World of WearableArt Show, Wellington
© World of WearableArt Show, Wellington
One for all the budding artists in your clan, the World of WearableArt (WOW) show is held annually in Wellington and features a mash-up of art, sculpture, craft and choreography that’s guaranteed to spur creative juices. Following a COVID-19 cancellation in 2020, it’s all set to explode back on to the Wellington events’ calendar from 30 September to 17 October 2021. An event that sits somewhere on the spectrum of artworkmeets-stage show, featured designs are brought to life by models, dancers, aerialists, musicians and performers. SPORTING LEGENDS:
5 SPORTING LEGENDS: All Blacks Experience, Auckland
All Blacks
James Coleman
Celebrate New Zealand rugby magnificence at the All Blacks Experience located at SkyCity in central Auckland. Detailing exactly what it takes to shape an All Black, this hugely interactive venue includes a fun, 45-minute guided tour and a dressing room experience with players’ pregame rituals. Stand in the middle of a virtual pitch, come face-toface with a life-size (albeit digital) All Blacks’ haka and test your ball skills against the world’s best players. This one’s bound to leave aspiring players dead-set on being the next McCaw, Nonu or Carter.
6 MOUNTAINOUS AMBITION: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Aoraki Mt Cook
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Aoraki Mt Cook Village
The Hermitage
Understand the man behind the legend at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre in Aoraki Mt Cook Village. A tribute to one of our most inspirational home-grown heroes, learn about Hillary’s lifelong achievements, the history of the mountainous area and stories from Mountain Rescue, who regularly venture through the Aoraki Mt Cook region in perilous conditions. Tickets are valid for 48 hours allowing for double-whammy learning, or a few extra shows at the 126-seat theatre. Several films play here throughout the day, including a cinematic celebration of Hillary’s life.
Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, Aoraki Mt Cook Village
The Hermitage
7 THE FUTURE IS NASA: Rocket Lab, Māhia
Make like Jeff Bezos and blast off into space, or at least watch while a brand new satellite does. Rocket Lab is New Zealand’s only rocket-launching company. Straddling the Māhia Peninsula coastline, minimal air and ocean traffic makes it a prime launch pad. Keep your eye on Rocket Lab’s website and Facebook page for upcoming launch dates then pack your binoculars, head to Blucks Pit Road and perch your derrière on the sand for take off.
Rocket launch, Rocket Lab © Sam Toms and Simon Moffatt
