Discover Myths & Legends of the Sea at Voyager NZ Museum

Discover the Myths and Legends of the Sea at Voyager NZ Maritime Museum

For the October School Holiday Programme – Monday 30 September – Friday 11 October - Voyager NZ Maritime Museum is to present ‘Mythical Creatures, Discover the Myths and Legends of the Sea’. Venture into the depths of the deep blue sea and be transported into a magical world of its myths and legends. You will have the opportunity to create a giant Taniwha, become a deep sea creature and discover the wondrous stories of our oceans.

The ocean has always been an important part of many cultures and a great influence on Man. It has been reflected in a myriad of myths and legends from around the world. The ocean has always possessed an aura of mystique, adventure and intrigue; it was the great barrier that distanced exotic lands. This has contributed to much ocean related folklore.

Voyager is offering a potpourri of stories, performances and activities for these holidays steeped in the fantasy and magic of the sea. On arrival the kids are given a trail map that will guide them through the galleries and within each gallery they are challenged to discover a hidden mythical creature.

In the Te WakaTheatre there will be a special performance of the legend of Kupe and his search for Te Wheke. Long ago in the land of Hawaiiki, Kupe the legendary explorer was given the task of hunting the giant octopus Te Wheke-a-Muturangi and her children for stealing fish from his people. He chased Te Wheke from Hawaiiki across the Pacific Ocean to a new land that his wife named Aotearoa. The performers will be engaging the kids in this wonderful piece of our Maori history.

The major project on offer at Voyager is the chance to participate in the creation of a giant Taniwha. The head will be in place and the kids will make their own personalized scales to add to the Taniwha’s tail. As Voyager is expecting hundreds of kids to be attending this programme, one giant Taniwha will indeed grace the museum by the time the holidays are over..

The ever popular Photo Booth is back on deck. A host arrayed in a castaway costume will be delving the depths of a treasure chest filled with fantastic outfits replicating the mythical creatures of the sea. Kids may choose their favourite fantasy look. These will be complimented by accessories beyond belief. Looking like whatever creature they want, the kids will then have their photographs taken. These will appear on Voyager’s Facebook page where everyone may tag themselves in.

No exploration of the myths and legends of the deep would be complete without celebrating the myth of King Neptune – the Roman God of Fresh Water and the Sea. King Neptune plays a central role in the long standing tradition of the “line crossing ceremony” the initiation rite as a ship crosses the equator. It is our own legend that the late Sir Peter Blake always donned a King Neptune costume as he sailed across the equatorial line much to the amusement of his crew. It’s very appropriate, at this particular time that Voyager will feature Neptune in the Blue Water Black Magic Gallery. A Gallery dedicated to the memory of Sir Peter Blake.

‘Mythical Creatures, Discover the Myths and Legends of the Sea’ will take place every day from Monday 30 September to Friday 11 October with activities from 9.30am to 3.30pm. The programme is suited to children aged 4 to 12 years.

For further information please call 09 373 0800 or go to www.maritime museum.co.nz

ENDS

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