Begin your journey at the Tangaroa-themed entrance walkway, an evocative retelling of the pūrākau (ancient legend) of Tamaahua, his waka Tairea, and how his wives tragically turned to pounamu. Enjoy modern artworks, lighting effects, and a soundscape of taonga puoro and natural sounds.

Take the challenge from a wahine toa of Ngāti Waewae, one to one and kanohi-ki-kanohi (face to face), as she lays down the taki (ritual challenge), before you enter the amazing natural world of the Paparoa.

Then get ready to rumble in the immersive theatre as the story of the formation of the Paparoa range unfolds in a large-screen animation. Hear the pūrākau from Ngāti Waewae about formation of their whenua (land) by the elemental forces of the atua (gods), amidst details of the incredible fossil records and tectonic forces that raised the ranges which now frame this rugged coast.

Spend time exploring and interacting with treasure hunters and trail-blazers – the people, plants and animals of the Paparoa range and Punakaiki coast. Surrounded by the alpine tops, and the dripping rainforest, follow a pathway of displays and touch-screens that introduce the locals. It is an entertaining zone of self-exploration and discovery, that leads to the cliff wall – where the face of the ancestor Te Ruahuanui is writ large – before you head underground.

Enter the flowing river into the rock face and find the hidden 3D screens, alive with bugs that inhabit the darkness, ‘splashing’ through the projection of kōura and tuna, your own echoing voices leading you into a glowworm grotto and out into a large cavern. You’re going caving!

Find your own personal guide in a ‘squeeze’ in the rock, as she takes you on a virtual journey into the chasms and hollows of the karst landscape beneath your feet. Find a real whale-backbone that is 30 million years old, learn about the human uses of ana over the years, and marvel at the beautiful close-ups of stalactites and stalagmites being formed.

Then find your way out onto the rugged coast, where the roar of the tide surrounds interactive touch-screens that let you explore the rockpools and ocean currents of the Punakaiki Marine Reserve – one of the largest in the country. Special dolphins, cute clingfish, and watch a pāua fighting off a starfish. But look out for the blowhole! The life-size rocks and 4m high projection put you right inside the surge chamber for a blast of wind and waves. It’s the perfect selfie spot.