SUN 15 MAR 3PM,
SUN 12 APR 10AM,
THU 16 APR 2PM
Take a theatrical journey deep into an ocean full of amazing sharks, from the prehistoric past to today. You won’t need diving gear to swim with these majestic creatures - just come as you are!
Our Relaxed Performances have a reduced audience size, pre-visit information, and a Relaxed Welcome.
Relaxed Performances are open for all, but may be especially welcoming to autistic and neurodivergent people, people with sensory sensitivities, and those who enjoy a calmer Museum visit.
While you're here don't forget to visit our Sharks special exhibition. Please note exhibition tickets must be purchased separately.
Click here for standard tickets to Swimming with Sharks
Created in collaboration with the internationally renowned puppet theatre company Erth, Swimming with Sharks is an immersive live performance that will transform how you think about sharks and the oceans they call home. Discover the diversity of sharks that live in the seas around Aotearoa, all brought to life through expressive puppetry.
Meet small sharks and the largest of them all; super speedy swimmers and those who hang out on the seafloor. Hear stories and fascinating facts about these misunderstood ocean creatures, and explore the essential role they play in the delicate balance of ocean life.
Take a deep breath and prepare to dive into their world.
Each show is approximately 20 minutes long. Children are invited to get up close on floor cushions. Adults are welcome to join them, or sit on sofas at the back of the space.
For Swimming with Sharks, production elements remain the same, which includes amplified soundscapes and large-scale projections and puppets. You're very welcome to bring ear defenders, fidget spinners or other comfort items as needed.
Two of our Swimming with Sharks Relaxed Performances align with Relaxed Sessions for the Sharks exhibition – Sunday 15 March at 3PM is followed by a Sharks Relaxed Session, and Sunday 12 April at 10AM is preceded by a Sharks Relaxed Session. You can click here to view the Sharks Relaxed Session information, and please note you will need to book for both events separately.
For further information about our Relaxed Performances please email bookings@aucklandmuseum.com or call +64 9 306 7048.
Frequently asked questions
No, please note tickets to our special exhibtion, Sharks, need to be booked separately.
We believe there is something for visitors of all ages in this performance, however, the most suitable age group is between 5 and 12 years.
The best entry is via Te Ao Mārama South Atrium. Parking is available in the underground Museum car park; the first 30 minutes are free. Parking is also available in the Domain, subject to availability and posted time limits.
The performance venue is the Orientation Space, which is part of the South Atrium – you can find it by heading towards the Tāmaki Herenga Waka gallery – the entrance is on your right where your General Admission tickets are checked.
Doors to the performance space will open fifteen minutes prior to the show starting. Latecomers will be admitted up to 5 minutes past the show start time.
Tickets for this event are ‘Pay What You Can’ tickets, which means we’re inviting you to set the price for your ticket yourself and pay what you can to attend. This enables us to keep ticket prices accessible for all Museum visitors.
We recommend tickets for children aged 0 – 4 are free, and for children aged 5 – 15, and adults, you choose! You can enter any dollar amount and select the number of tickets you need. Each ticket will be charged at the selected amount. We appreciate any contribution you can make – big or small.
Thank you for your continued support of your Museum. Any contribution will enable the development and preservation of collections, the delivery of new exhibitions, important research, and educational programmes. It will also ensure the continued restoration of the historic Museum building, a touchstone for remembrance and home to sacred taonga.
Please note, all attendees will require a ticket.
The show will be approximately 20 minutes long.
Children are invited to get up close on floor cushions. Adults are welcome to join them, or sit on sofas at the back of the space.
Yes, there will be space to park pushchairs provided. If you use a wheelchair, we recommend you stay in your wheelchair for the performance.
Of course! Take lots of photos for memories of the event, but please try not to interfere with the performance taking place. You can tag @aucklandmuseum if you post your photos to social media!
Yes, you are free to leave the Orientation Space at any point during the performance, and to return at any point too.
We do expect the Museum to be quite busy, as the Sharks exhibition is popular, especially during weekends and school holidays.
We do not have a break-out space set up for these Relaxed Performances, but there some suitable spaces for taking a break nearby. The Kai Room, which is located in the South Atrium is the closest, which features bathrooms and tables and chairs. Or directly above Orientation is the Imaginarium, which has soft seating and is often quieter than the South Atrium. Our staff are on-hand to direct you to these spaces at any time.
Swimming with Sharks was created in collaboration with Erth Visual & Physical Inc, an Australian puppetry-based theatre company, recognised internationally for their innovative, immersive and free-spirited work for children.