These New Zealand art activities are wonderful for getting to know New Zealand leaders and creators, and learning from their gifts and style. Keep reading until the end for some virtual field trips to some amazing museums in New Zealand!
Featured New Zealand Artist: Theresa Reihana (creator of Indigenous Maori art)
See more of Theresa Reihana’s authentic Maori art here.
New Zealand Activities for Kids: New Zealand STEM and Craft Activities
Nature in New Zealand
- Nearly all the land animals in New Zealand are birds and many of these species have lost the ability to fly. The Maori people and European settlers introduced animals to the islands and the flightless birds had no defense against them.
- In the last 1,000 years, half of all animals on the islands have become extinct. Deforestation and draining of swamp land is also threatening many remaining species, including the kiwi bird. Fewer than 75,000 wild kiwis remain.
- Bats are the only land mammals to have made the ocean crossing. Birds and insects, such as the weta, evolved to fill the gap of mammals on the islands.
- The giant weta, at 2.5 ounces (70 grams), weighs three times more than a mouse. It is a relative of crickets and is considered one of the world’s heaviest insects.
- Pilot and humpback whales visit the islands on their way to breed, and orcas come to feed on dolphins.
Holidays in New Zealand
- Waitangi Day, the national day of New Zealand, marks the anniversary of the initial signing – on 6 February 1840 – of the Treaty of Waitangi, which is regarded as the founding document of the nation. The first Waitangi Day was not celebrated until 1934, and it was made a national public holiday in 1974. (Source)
Kid Movies About New Zealand
- Lord of the Rings
