Whale Tales

WWF Whale Tales 2022 has o-fish-ally launched on 24 January 2022 in the City of Sails!  This free, family-friendly public art trail featuring 80 unique and stunning giant whale tail sculptures is aimed at celebrating Aotearoa, art and marine conservation. It’s the largest event of its kind ever held in New Zealand!

 

The trail includes 80 spectacular whale tail sculptures designed by well-known and emerging kiwi artists. There are also 80 Pēpi (mini) tails designed by local schools as part of the Whale Tales Learning Programme. The mini tails will be joining the trail in March.

 

The trail runs for 12 weeks, from 24 January – 18 April 2022. You can view the trail map on the Whale Tail official website and download the official Whale Tales app via App Store and Google Play. For every sculpture you visit on the trail, you can 'collect' your tail on the official app and unlock rewards and offers from the sponsors, including 20% off General Admission to SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's!

 

At the end of the trail, the sculptures will be auctioned off. The proceeds go towards WWF-New Zealand’s work to protect our ocean, and restore the Hauraki Gulf.

About Bryde's Whale

The sculptures on this art trail are inspired by Hauraki Gulf resident Bryde’s Whale. Pronounced Broo-dus, they are a species found along the north-eastern coastline of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Hauraki Gulf Marine Park/Tīkapa Moana/Te Moananui-āToi is unique as it is one of only three places in the world where these whales live as semi-permanent residents and can be observed throughout the year. It is also essential to recognise the spiritual, cultural and historic connections mana whenua have with the Hauraki Gulf.

Our Tail:

SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's partnered with Department of Conservation are proud sponsors of one of the 80 beautiful tails. Located across the road from our main entrance on Tamaki Drive, we are #78 on the Trail Map.

 

The tail is called 'Adorning our Taonga', designed by local artist Sherrill Bentley. The design honours whales by adorning the whale tail with a mosaic mandala embellished with shiny gems. This represents our love and respect, and acknowledges their value to our world.

How to get involved

• Explore the trail! It’s a fun way to get out and about around Tāmaki Makaurau and explore different neighbourhoods.
• Be inspired by all the stunning and unique whale tail sculptures. Discover the inspiration behind the works of art from the artists and students.
• Download the Trail Map or pick up printed Trail Maps at a location near you.
• If are are snapping a selfie or posting photo of your favourite tail, make sure you tag @whaletales2022 and add the official hashtag #whaletales2022.  
• Make sure you download the free official app so you can unlock rewards from various sponsors including SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's!

 

WWF-New Zealand’s Whale Tales presented by Harcourts is a Wild in Art event in partnership with Auckland Unlimited. Visit www.whaletales2022.org for more information.