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The Urban Activity Book

99 Ideas for Nature Activities in Urban Spaces around Aotearoa New Zealand
Brief Description
Nature isn’t just found in forests, on beaches, in rivers or on faraway mountains. It’s right here, living with us in our gardens, on our windowsills and in the cracks of a footpath. The Urban Activity Book centres outdoors fun and learning within the urban environments... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
Elsewhere:
$3500
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Releases 22nd October 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Urban Activity Book" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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AN ENGAGING ACTIVITY BOOK FOR YOUNG NEW ZEALANDERS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Nature isn’t just found in forests, on beaches, in rivers or on faraway mountains. It’s right here, living with us in our gardens, on our windowsills and in the cracks of a footpath.

The Urban Activity Book centres outdoors fun and learning within the urban environments of Aotearoa New Zealand with a view to making this series (The Nature Activity Book and The Beach Activity Book) even more accessible for tamariki living in our cities and towns. The 99 activities are designed to connect with nature in unexpected ways, to inspire young people to get outside and explore their community and urban environments, from experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness.

Written by a children’s learning expert, all sorts of learning styles are recognised, with each activity being open to children who like to draw and those who like to write. The book’s journal-like format and activities that range across the seasons make it a long-term and much treasured companion. Mātauranga Māori concepts and the theme of nature connectedness are an integral part of the activities.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781991072108

Publisher: Te Papa Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 October 2026

Country: New Zealand

Imprint: Te Papa Press

Illustration: fully illustrated throughout

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Pippa Keel Situ

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 200.0mm

Height: 270.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 160

About the Author

Rachel Haydon is a qualified primary school teacher and scientist with a zoology Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in marine science. She has more than twenty years’ experience of teaching science to children of all ages in schools, museums, zoos and aquariums around the world. She was the General Manager of the National Aquarium of New Zealand and is now CEO of Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch. Rachel is the author of The Nature Activity Book and The Beach Activity Book (Te Papa Press) and Kaewa the Kororā (Massey University Press). She is dedicated to motivating children of all ages to get outside and explore, connect with nature and have the best chance to protect the natural world and all that lives within it.

Pippa Keel Situ is an award-winning illustration designer, who has an Honours degree in illustration and a huge love of the outdoors. From her small studio in Wellington, Pippa has worked with a variety of New Zealand-based companies and publishers, including Zealandia Ecosanctuary and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. She has created four children’s books in collaboration with writer Rachel Haydon: Kaewa the Kororā (Massey University Press) and the Nature, Beach and Urban trilogy of activity books (Te Papa Press).


Also by Rachel Haydon

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  • The Beach Activity Book
    The 99 activities in this immersive book for children aged 7 to 14 range from experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness. Developed to inspire curious young minds to explore and appreciate our beaches, lakes, rivers, and streams. It is also designed to be taken out into natural environments and to be drawn and written in. Written by a children's...
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  • The Nature Activity Book
    A must-have natural science activity book for young New Zealanders and their families. From experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness, this appealing, activity-packed book stimulates curious minds and encourages children to relate to the natural world around them. Written by an expert museum educator, its beautifully illustrated pages develop budding research skills, awareness of the environment, and understanding of...
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