Learning at Christchurch City Libraries
Self- guided visits and activities
Exhibitions
Find out about the current exhibitions at Tūranga, and what's coming up
Discuss options for a guided or deeper learning - email ExhibitionSpaces@ccc.govt.nz
Kura Takiura - Class Visits
Our Insect Neighbours exhibition: 21 March – 17 May 2026
Step into the world of our insect neighbours!
Your group can explore real insects, tools used by entomologists, and surprising stories about the creatures living all around us. There is a strong scientific focus, as well as conversations to be had about our environment and deep investigations into the particulars of entomology.
The exhibition is free to visit, and you can download an A3 zine to help guide your group’s discoveries. Print this ahead of time and your group can become bug hunters during their visit, plus carry on searching for insects in their own backyard afterwards.
Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Download the Insect Neighbours zine [12MB PDF]
Extra points to consider:
- The gallery is a relatively big space on the second floor of Tūranga. There are accessible doorways, lifts, and open space in the gallery to accommodate many visitors.
- We recommend spending at least 30 minutes in the gallery as there are hundreds of insects to admire – these specimens are courtesy of the Canterbury Museum and Dr Morgane Merrien.
- If want to include a library tour with your visit, please fill out our booking form
- If you want to explore some of our many resources before your visit, you can find related items on insects and entomology in our catalogue.
New Zealand insects
New Zealand insects
Entomology
Entomology
Insects
Insects
GoBots
Calling all explorers! Discover Ōtautahi-Christchurch one fun challenge at a time.
GoBots is a fun, interactive app, perfect for whānau. Learn all about Ōtautahi-Christchurch’s parks and nature reserves, and the state-of-the-art library, Tūranga. Complete a series of challenges and collect points to build your very own GoBot. Download the app and bring along iPads, tablets, or phones to explore with GoBots.
Self-Guided Scavenger hunts
Discover the library at your own pace with our downloadable scavenger hunts.
We welcome self-guided visits to the libraries. Kaiako and supervising adult helpers are asked to supervise and care for their ākonga at all times.
Please contact the library before your visit as a courtesy.
FAQ
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- Ākonga — Student, pupil, learner, protégé.
- Auahatanga — Creativity.
- Kaimahi — Worker, employee, clerk, staff.
- Kaiako — Teachers, instructor.
- Kura — School, a place where learning happens.
- Rangatahi — Youth.
- Takiura — Higher learning.
- Tamariki — Children.
- Tangata whenua — Local people, hosts, indigenous people.
- Tarapouahi — Shawl.
- Ōtautahi — Christchurch.
- Whānau — Family.
Please refer to Te Aka Māori Dictionary for further clarification.
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Self‑guided visits allow a class to explore the library at their own pace. We ask that kaiako and supervising adults remain with their ākonga at all times and contact the library before their visit as a courtesy. There are scavenger hunts downloadable from Kura Takiura for them to use.
Groups can explore exhibitions at Tūranga and interact with activities such as the GoBots Challenge or scavenger hunts.
