Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington’s award-winning teaching and research facility Te Toka Tū Moana—Coastal Ecology Laboratory in Island Bay is hosting its annual open day on Saturday 7 March from 10 am–3 pm.
Part of Seaweek, Aotearoa New Zealand’s annual celebration of the sea, the annual open day provides a rare chance to explore the lab, as it is only open to the public once a year.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or are interested in marine biology as a potential field of study, this educational open day offers engaging activities for all.
Visitors will have the opportunity to discover aspects of Aotearoa’s marine world, with displays showcasing marine biology research conducted at Victoria University, live local marine organisms to look at close-up, and a virtual reality diving experience. Staff, researchers and students will be on hand to answer questions and run a free sausage sizzle.
The laboratory, which supports coastal ecology research within the University’s School of Biological Sciences, is known for its award-winning facilities and world-class research.
Laboratory director Dr Alice Rogers says, “Everyone at the Coastal Ecology Laboratory is excited about opening the doors on Saturday 7 March to reveal the nature of our work here. There is a lot for people of any age to discover, and it’s a great opportunity for our PhD students to showcase some of the innovative research projects that are made possible by the lab’s flow-through seawater system.
“This equipment allows our team to ask important questions—for example, about ocean warming or extreme temperature events, and their impacts on marine organisms.”
New research vessel Kauneke, which has been custom-built for the School of Biological Sciences’ unique teaching and research requirements in coastal ecology in the Taputeranga Marine Reserve, will also be on display.
There is plenty of free street parking close by or take the No. 29 bus to stop 7156. The laboratory has wheelchair access and a mobility carpark.
Learn more about the Victoria University Coastal Ecology Laboratory.
When: 10 am–3 pm, Saturday 7 March 2026
Where: Coastal Ecology Laboratory, 396 The Esplanade, Island Bay, Wellington
