Daily Events
Upcoming Events
Incredible, Edible Seaweed (Sold Out)
A workshop to recognise and taste local and introduced seaweeds
Wildlife Kōrero at Orokonui
Why are tuatara so still? Find out this and more from wildlife talks throughout the day.
Fire, Clouds & Local Weather
James Knapp talks on minising fire risk with the trees we plant, and Paul Gorman talks clouds and his passion for weather.
Weather Day
Explore the wilder side of the weather with hands-on activities, a film screening, and demonstrations.
Wildlife Kōrero at Orokonui
Why do takahē do so much poo? Find out this and more from wildlife talks throughout the day.
Weathering Life as an Artist (Free)
Join artists Kerry Mackay and Janet de Wagt as they give a colourful insight at how they respond to our wild world.
Blue Duck Station
Start at 5.30pm with soup and sausage roll , then journey into the heart of wild New Zealand with Dan Steele from one of the country's most environmentally significant stations.
Birds NZ: The Legendary Moa (Sold Out)
Quinn Berentson talks about Otago as home to the largest and most diverse populations of Aotearoa’s big bird, the moa.
Growing Our Own in a Changing Climate (Sold Out)
Growing local in a regenerative way with gardeners Rory Harding, Sue Novell and Jason Ross.
Secrets of the Past
Forensic experts take a journey through time with ancient DNA to explain how weather has shaped Aotearoa.
A Wild Thirst for Knowledge
Ten University of Otago post-graduates pitch their research to convince the judges and audience that their ‘wild study’ rules.
Raising Royal Albatross Chicks
Join Wildlife Ranger Sharyn Broni as she shares stories about working with the northern royal albatross at Taiaroa Head.
Sci-Comm Student Films: Meet the Filmmakers (Sold Out)
Enjoy three short nature documentaries and hear from the student filmmakers from Otago’s Department of Science Communication.
Eyes in the Lives of Penguins
How are penguin eyes different to those of other animals? Join ophthalmologist Francesc March de Ribot for an exciting talk about the eyes of penguins.
Discover your Sea Lions
Family-friendly activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary since Mum the sea lion gave birth to a pup on the Otago coast in 150 years.
Wildlife Kōrero at Orokonui
What does a kākā eat? Find out this and more from wildlife talks throughout the day.
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Talks Climate (Sold Out)
NEW TO THE PROGRAMME: Dr Jim Salinger, Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year talks climate.
A Change in the Weather (Sold Out)
Festival Guest Dr Timothy Naish talks on how Antarctic ice sheets respond to climate change and influence global sea levels.
Gardening with Climate Change
A talk, a walk with Fiona Eadie, whilst pondering gardening in a changing climate, finishing with a tasting of Sandymount Gin.
7x7 Wild Talks (Sold Out)
Seven expert speakers each present a 7-minute talk with a connection to huarere/weather and climate. Subjects dip into science, arts and culture.
Wildlife Kōrero at Orokonui
Why are tuatara so still? Find out this and more from wildlife talks throughout the day.
The Science of the Sanctuary
Hear from researchers working within the living laboratory of Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
The Secret Life of Wild Plants
Do you love indoor plants? If you are obsessed with your house plants, this is the event for you!
Who’s the Genius in Your Garden? (CANCELLED)
Soil microbes and creatures in our soil introduced by Michelle Cox, organic garden educator. Suitable for age 14+
Native Bees vs Honey Bees
An interactive talk about some of our important insect pollinators by Dr Jenny Jandt.
The Good, the Bad and the Bugly
What are all the little critters in my garden? Are they good or bad guys? Cody Phillips will attempt to answer all these questions and more.
BUG DAY
Tūhura Otago Museum and the Entomological Society of New Zealand host a range of talks and activities celebrating bugs throughout the day.
Hector's Dolphins
Hear from University of Otago PhD student Steph Bennington on her research on the native Hector's dolphin, known also as pahu or tutumairekurai, and the potential for populations to recover around our coastline.
All About Hoiho
Hoiho – why they’re important, the issues they’re facing and what we can do to help Dunedin’s hoiho population.
My World of Penguins
Chat with penguin rangers , kick back with some penguin documentaries, and play penguin video games made by local developers Spookysoft Games.
Places to
Visit
WILD DUNEDIN – Video
Dunedin is like no other because of its unique southern ocean animals. Penguins, sea lions, albatross and fur seals love our ocean and they breed right here inside our city’s boundary.
You can see these wild creatures any time, but even better to come in the April school holidays when we celebrate our wildlife and wild places during the Wild Dunedin Festival.