Wharenui Harikoa – Step onto the Stage at The Civic for this Joyful Art Experience

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Wharenui Harikoa – Step onto the Stage at The Civic for this Joyful Art Experience

Visitors exploring Wharenui Harikoa, a brightly coloured crocheted wharenui installation on stage at The Civic in Auckland

The Civic is known for its grand chandeliers and velvet curtains, but right now the spotlight is on a house made entirely from crochet.

Wharenui Harikoa, which means “House of Joy”, is a vibrant large-scale installation by artist Lissy Cole. Set up on the stage at The Civic in the heart of Auckland city, this colourful crocheted wharenui invites families to step inside and experience colour, light and community in a whole new way.

Standing nearly six metres tall, the life-size wharenui brings together bright neon hues with traditional forms of Māori carving and tukutuku in crocheted form. With hand-stitched pou and bold panels, it blends contemporary art with cultural storytelling in a way that is playful, powerful and deeply engaging.

It is a rare opportunity for tamariki to walk onto the stage of one of Auckland’s grandest theatres and explore an interactive artwork up close. Families can take their time to wander through the whare, sit quietly and take in the intricate details, or listen to the immersive soundscape that plays at regular intervals with waiata, ambient sounds and spoken word.

Dates and Opening Times

Dates: Now open until Sunday 4 August 2025
Open daily: 10am to 5pm
Location: The Civic, Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Entry: FREE

Do I Need to Book

Walk-ups are welcome throughout the season, and wait times will be updated daily at the top of the Auckland Live website so you can plan your visit.

If you would prefer a set time, you can book a FREE priority entry ticket online in advance. This lets you skip the queue for your chosen day. Please note that bookings for priority tickets close at midnight the day before.

Good to Know for Families

  • Shoes off, please: Patrons are required to remove their shoes before entering the installation.

  • Hands off: For the protection of the artwork, touching the exhibition is not permitted.

  • Pram-friendly: Yes, but prams must be parked at the side before entering the stage.

  • Toilets and baby change: Available in the venue foyer, including accessible toilets.

  • Accessibility: The Civic has ramp and lift access to the stage. Staff are available to assist.

  • Photography: Photos are welcome and encouraged, but please be respectful of others.

  • Sensory note: A soundscape plays at intervals, but the space remains calm and suitable for all ages.

Make a Day of It

Wharenui Harikoa makes a wonderful addition to a family day out in the city. Combine your visit with:

Whether you make a special trip or include it in a bigger day out, Wharenui Harikoa is a joyful experience that celebrates aroha, creativity and connection. Kids will love stepping onto the stage, and the vibrant colours and textures will stay with them long after they leave.