New Zealand International Science Festival
The NZ International Science Festival inspires and engages people of all ages and backgrounds about the importance science plays in our daily lives and the positive difference it makes.
Events of geological note include
University of Otago Science Expo (free)
University of Otago Business School, Union St East, Dunedin
Sat 28 June 10.00am - 4.00 pm
Sun 29 June 10.00am - 2.00pm
Ever wondered what scientists do all day? Come along and chat to Otago's real-world science researchers. Plus, roll up your sleeves and become a scientist in our interactive drop-in space. Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Department of Geology: Glow Gallery. Discover hidden colours invisible to the naked eye, and watch rocks, minerals and ordinary objects transform into glowing wonders under special ultraviolet lights in a dark room adventure.
School of Surveying: Measuring and Mapping Worlds. Discover the world of high-tech mapping and measurement. Build live landscapes in sand and experiment with virtual water flowing over your design. Robotically measure our 3D environments, and explore our changing world through maps and virtual reality using surveying and geospatial science.
Department of Marine Science: Coastal Connections. Dive into marine wonders with the Aquavan team. Meet live coastal creatures, explore our unique ocean, and discover how you can protect our amazing underwater world.
https://scifest.org.nz/programme/university-of-otago-science-expo
Dr Rock (free)
Science Festival Hub, top floor Meridian Mall, George St, Dunedin
Wed 2 July - Sun 6 July 10.00am - 12 noon
Dr Rock’s amazing rocks. Not all rocks are grey, hard and boring. Come and see all of Dr Rock's light, dense, flaky, tough, coloured, glittery, fizzy and magnetic rocks and minerals. And all rocks tell a story: bring your favourite rocks, minerals or fossils from home for Dr Rock to identify and talk about.
https://scifest.org.nz/programme/dr-rock
Exploring Dunedin's Extinct Volcano
Port To Port Cruises, Port Chalmers and Portobello
Sun 6 July 10.00am and 11.30am (60 min duration)
Cost $58 - bookings essential.
A special cruise for the school holidays. Explore the history and sights of Dunedin's extinct volcano by boat. Receive an explosive commentary from the skipper and a volcano expert as we go. A science educator and geologist will be onboard to help identify the different layers of lava you will see and the dykes of rock where lava had tried to flow and then got frozen in time. We'll also have a chance to make a volcano onboard the boat explode!
For bookings and further info go to https://scifest.org.nz/programme/exploring-dunedins-extinct-volcano
