Stylized model of the maihi (barge boards) from Whitireia meeting house, Whangara, East Coast, New Zealand. The central tekoteko (carved figure) is Paikea, the famous whale-riding ancestor of the local tribe.
© Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, 2008 Reproduced with the generous support of Ngäti Konohi, 2007

Explore the dramatic undersea world of whales in this breathtaking exhibition—alive with stories, intriguing objects and interactive science for adults and children alike. See a sperm whale hunt giant squid, hear astonishing whale voices, crawl through a model blue whale heart, and be amazed by giant skeletons!

Scientific and cultural story-telling come together to explore the world of whales and the people who study, revere, and protect them. A life-size blue whale heart, rare whale skeletons, and interactives present the latest scientific research on whale anatomy, evolution, and adaptation. The cultural significance of whales to the peoples of the South Pacific is told from the Māori perspective through personal narratives and artifacts housed in a stylized pataka taonga, or storehouse of treasures.

Download Whales Tohorā Educator's Guide (PDF)

Developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. The exhibition was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government.

In conjunction with Whales | Tohorā, National Geographic Museum presents a complementary photography exhibition, "Whales: From the Depths of the National Geographic Collection." This exhibition is part of FotoWeek DC, the first annual gathering of the photography community in the nation's capital. FotoWeek DC runs from November 15-22, 2008.