Archaeology Week is back for its tenth year in 2026!

This annual week is dedicated to promoting Aotearoa’s unique archaeological heritage and is coordinated by the New Zealand Archaeological Association (NZAA). Events are organised by groups and individuals across the country.

Events in 2026 are taking place from 2nd-10th May.

Heritage Taranaki is coordinating events in the Taranaki and Whanganui regions this year, in collaboration with other organisations and individuals.

This is the first time events have been held in Whanganui for some years.

Events include:

2 May – Join archaeologist and heritage consultant Hamish Crimp, and historian and Whanganui District Council heritage planner Scott Flutey, for an archaeological walking tour of the historic landscape of central Whanganui. Explore significant sites including Rutland and York Stockades, the river frontage and reclamation, the locations of early European businesses, and many others.

6 May – Join Heritage Preservation for an engaging introduction to how archaeological collections are cared for in Aotearoa. Heritage Preservation are opening their studio for a special presentation and guided tour focused on caring for archaeological collections. Designed for the general public – with a particular appeal to those interested in history and archaeology – this session offers insight into both the theory and practice of conservation.

7 May – Join Whanganui based historian Scott Flutey for a presentation on the early 1850s single-roomed slab whare originally occupied by whaler-sawyer John Joseph Fluerty/Flutey, his wife Merehana Puaha (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe, Waitaha), and their large whānau in Banks Peninsula’s Okains Bay. Scott will speak about the significance of the whare and recent work to begin its conservation and restoration.

9 May – Join archaeologist and Heritage Taranaki chairperson Hamish Crimp for a walking tour of Pukekura Park & neighbouring Brooklands. Explore the many archaeological features that contribute to the rich history of this special landscape in the heart of Ngāmotu New Plymouth. Highlights include sites associated with the 1860s Taranaki Wars, the 1840s Brooklands homestead, and many others.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For full event details see: https://heritagetaranaki.com/archaeology-week-2026/

or our Facebook page.

For all events across the motu see NZAA’s website: https://nzarchaeology.org/news-events/national-archaeology-week-2026-2