14 Sep 2020

A treasure hunt for kids that combines te reo Māori with learning about Ōtautahi Christchurch’s artworks, nature and heritage is launching this week.

Coinciding with Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week), this free Taonga Hunt, starts today and continues through the school holidays until Sunday 11 October.

The trail around Ōtautahi Christchurch helps kids learn words in te reo Māori and provides fun challenges for families to complete while they’re exploring Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, The Arts Centre, and Tūranga Central Library.

"Ōtautahi has always been full of treasures, and this activity is a great way to get kids and families out there hunting for them, discovering our city and our shared history while having a great time, keeping active and improving their te reo Māori" says Amy Harrington, Manager Visitor Services at Christchurch Art Gallery.

To begin the adventure, kids can pick up a map from any of the venues involved in the hunt, then follow the clues.

"Follow the map, complete the activities and collect stamps from each of the five locations,” says Ms Harrington. “Then take your completed trail to the Universo café at Christchurch Art Gallery and get a free kids’ hot chocolate. Namunamuā!"