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!
Swimming with Sharks
PREVIEW SESSIONS SAT 7 & SUN 8 MAR
SAT 14 & SUN 15 MAR, SAT 21 & SUN 22 MAR, FRI 3 - SUN 19 APR
10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 2PM & 3PM
PAY WHAT YOU CAN
RELAXED SESSIONS AVAILABLE
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 sharks of all shapes and sizes including, the kitefin shark, the largest bioluminescent animal on the planet; the "shaggy beard" shark that dwells on the ocean floor; and an impressive five-metre-long great white shark! 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.
While you're here don't forget to visit our Sharks special exhibition. Please note exhibition tickets must be purchased separately.
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 ten 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!
Swimming with Sharks is 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.