Awesome Forces

New Zealand is a young and active land, from a geologist’s point of view. Awesome Forces shows how plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and erosion have shaped one of the most dynamic landscapes in the world.

Starting with a model of the Earth’s inside, the exhibition explains through models, diagrams, and interactives the forces that drive the changing surface of the globe. New Zealand's position astride two mighty tectonic plates is graphically outlined.

The country’s origin in the gigantic southern continent Gondwanaland is traced back 120 million years. An animated projection illustrates the break-up of the continents and New Zealand’s drift to its current isolated position. Proof of these former connections comes from rocks and fossils, including the first dinosaur finds in New Zealand, and other unique biological treasures, both extinct and living, such as the flightless moa, the tuatara - a dinosaur-age reptile, insects such as wētā, and giant land snails.

New Zealand's seismic activity and volcanic eruptions, and their effects on people and the land, come to life through large screen projections, animation, an ‘earthquake house’, and high-tech interactive devices. The effects of rainfall and extreme weather events - another by-product of New Zealand's unique location - are also demonstrated.

The fact that anyone who lives in New Zealand is at high risk from natural hazards brings a strong human dimension to this exhibition. A unique agency, the Earthquake Commission (EQC) and its value to New Zealanders in the event of natural disasters, is explained on a computer interactive.

To complete the picture of the awesome forces so much a part of life here, a powerful sound and light show presents the Māori account of creation and explains the enduring relationship between the land, people, and the forces of nature.