Whale Tales Art Trail

Whale Tales 2022, an incredible immersive public art trail, is surfacing in Tāmaki Makaurau this January!

80 Tails telling 80 tales will be dotted across Auckland streets, parks, and open spaces for 12 weeks starting 24 January 2022.

Each giant tail is inspired by a healthy ocean and designed by some of Aotearoa's most talented artists. Follow the outdoor trail for some fabulous family fun, or wander through with friends to find your own favourite.

WWF-New Zealand has partnered with Wild in Art, Auckland Unlimited, and Harcourts NZ to bring the trail to the City of Sails and raise awareness of the vital work WWF-New Zealand does to look after our ocean, including our beautiful Hauraki Gulf and its endangered resident, the Bryde's Whale. There are only 135 Bryde's whales left in the Hauraki Gulf, and it is a "Nationally Critical" species.

Together, we can help restore the Gulf and protect the future of this taonga species.

Explore the unique and stunning whale Tail sculptures, designed by talented artists and students, and sponsored by generous businesses and organisations. Every Tail has its own tale too, so soak up the rich stories as you journey through the trail.

And the legacy of Whale Tales continues long after the trail ends. The sculptures will be auctioned to raise funds for WWF-New Zealand's vital work to protect and restore the Hauraki Gulf and the Bryde’s whales that call it home.

How to participate:
- Download the Trail Map from Whaletales2022.org (available late December 2021)
- Download the Whale Tales 2022 App from App store or Google Play (Available early January 2022)

Share your tale with us on the Whale Tales App or social pages!

Check out the activations and experiences happening around our theme weeks through Whaletales2022.org or Whale Tales 2022 App!

Week 1: Of-Fish-ally launched (24 Jan - 30 Jan)
Week 2: Kia Ora Tāmaki Makaurau ( 31 Jan - 6 Feb)
Week 3: Blue Backyard (7 Feb - 13 Feb)
Week 4: Pod Pride (14 Feb - 20 Feb)
Week 5: Climate Action (21 Feb - 27 Feb)
Week 6: Health & Wellbeing (28 Feb - 6 Mar)
Week 7: Taste (7 Mar - 13 Mar)
Week 8: Arts & Culture (14 Mar - 20 Mar)
Week 9: Support WWF (21 Mar - 27 Mar)
Week 10: Tech & Innovation (28 Mar - 3 Apr)
Week 11: Friends & Family (4 Apr - 10 Apr)
Week 12: The Final Splash (11 Apr - 18 Apr)

A series of special events will be happening throughout the trail, including;

Pēpi Pod join the trail!
80 mini whale Tail sculptures, lovingly painted by students across Auckland will be at indoor locations in small pods.
- Mid-March 2022

Vector Lights present a Whale Tales light show across the Harbour Bridge!
- 7 shows per night 21-26 Jan 2022, every 30 mins from 9.00pm to midnight
- 12 shows per night 27 April – 3 May 2022, every 30 mins from 6.30pm to midnight

Auckland Maritime Museum present a live reading of Whale Tales inspired Children's book ‘Hauraki Broo’
- Saturday 29 January 2022, more details to follow

Earth Hour - an Hour that could change decades!
Held every year, Earth Hour engages businesses, communities, and individuals across the world to turn off their lights for the planet! Earth Hour 2022 is during Whale Tales – on March 26th at 8:30pm – and we’d love you to take part! Whale Tales is supporting WWF Earth Hour with a series of activities around Auckland, but if you cannot attend one of these, simply turn off your lights for one hour at home and support this world initiative.
- 26 March 8:30pm - 9:30pm

More events to be announced.