"Ruiruia i runga, ruiruia i raro"
"Scattered to the skies, scattered to the earth, the seeds find their natural paths and are sown into the land"
What can I do
Ngā tamariki me ngā whānau
Children and families
Explore, learn, and play together in spaces designed for families and children.
Te taiwhanga tamariki
Children’s Space
Our dedicated library space for tamariki is on Te Papa Whenua | Ground
On the ground level you’ll find Taiwhanga Tamariki | Children’s Space – a colourful, welcoming area where tamariki can read, imagine and explore. From pūrākau and te reo Māori readers to multilingual books, early readers and audiobooks, there’s something for every stage.
Te taiwhanga tamariki
Children’s Space
Nōku te Ao Capital E Play
Nōku te Ao Capital E Play is a vibrant, community-focused space designed especially for tamariki under five. Grounded in whenua, local kōrero and play-based learning, it’s a place for curiosity, creativity and confidence to grow.
Play, crafting and interactive sessions
High and low energy play options
Pēpi area
Check when we're open
Ngā hāora tuwhera
Opening hours
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is open every day. Whether it’s a quick visit or an all day stay, we’d love to welcome you.
School holidays
During the school holidays, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui comes alive with activities for children, rangatahi, and whānau. Across the building you’ll find drop‑in and bookable programmes, creative workshops, play‑based experiences, and spaces to explore, read, make, and hang out together.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui comes alive with activities for children, rangatahi, and whānau.
Try hands-on workshops where tamariki and rangatahi can draw, build, craft and create during the school holidays.
Find welcoming places to read, play games, explore books or simply spend time together at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
Ngā pātai auau
Frequently asked questions
Only certified assistance dogs are permitted inside Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
All other pets are not allowed in the building.
If you have specific access needs, please speak with the team at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk or contact us at tematapihi@wcc.govt.nz. We’re here to help.
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own food and drink. We ask that food is cold (no hot foods) and that you dispose of rubbish responsibly. Please take extra care around equipment, collections and shared spaces.
Yes. Lockers are available on Ground, Level 1, and Level 2. If you need help accessing the lockers, please ask at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
Yes. Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui has been designed to be accessible for everyone.
Features include:
- Step-free entrances with wide automatic doors
- Lift access to all public levels
- Accessible toilets on every level
- Te Whaitua Mārū | Low Sensory Space
- A WiFi-based hearing assistance system
- Accessible car parks in the basement
If you have specific access needs, please speak with the team at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
Yes. Central Ground Café is located on the ground level and is open 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm Saturday to Sunday.
Yes. Free WellyWiFi is available throughout Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui.
To connect:
- Select WellyWiFi from your device’s available networks
- Accept the terms and conditions
If you need help getting connected, ask at a Pae Manaaki | Manaaki Desk.
Yes, visit Nōku te Ao Capital E on Te Papa Waenga | Mezzanine and spend time in their play space for tamariki under 5 years of age and then pop down to the Taiwhanga Tamariki | Children’s Space for more fun. All of the Library’s regular programmes for pēpi and toddlers continue during the school holidays. Visit our events page for specific events for tamariki under 5.
Yes, Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui includes a dedicated Te Rūma Kaitiaki | Caregivers' Room with baby changing and feeding facilities, on Te Papa Whenua | Ground, adjacent to the Taiwhanga Tamariki | Children's Event Corner.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui is open from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and from 9.30am to 5pm on weekends
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui welcomes kura, early learning centres and school groups.
We offer:
- Curriculum-linked visits
- Creative learning experiences
- Access to heritage collections
- Nōku te Ao Capital E programmes
- Makerspace experiences
To plan a visit, contact the library team or the Nōku te Ao Capital E team directly. You can view more at School Holidays.
Toilets are available on each level. You can find the exact locations at Floor Maps.
Tūnga Waka Pēpi | Buggy parking is available on Te Papa Whenua | Ground. You can view the exact locations at Floor Maps.
Places to ExploreNgā mea hei tūhura
Ngā mea hei tūhura
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Plan your visit
Make the most of your time at Te Matapihi — from getting here to finding your way around.
School holidays
Discover fun workshops and activities for tamariki during the school break.
Find out about our spaces for children and their whānau
Te taiwhanga tamariki | Children's space
Find out more