WHALE TALES 2022
Whale Tales was an immersive arts trail in Auckland, presented by WWF-New Zealand, in partnership with Wild in Art and Auckland Unlimited. Artists, both well-known and undiscovered, translated their talents on to one of these tails, creating a wonderful sculpture for us all to enjoy.
80 individually designed tails were on display through the streets, parks, and public spaces of Auckland, for 12 weeks until April 2022. We had eight wonderful sculptures right here in Parnell. Check out the artists and their designs below!
After the art trail closed in April, the tails took centre stage at a charitable auction in May 2022. Funds raised from the auction went to WWF-New Zealand and their work. In particular, for their efforts to protect and restore Aotearoa’s marine environment, particularly in and around the Hauraki Gulf.
Scroll down to check out our very own sculpture trail map where created a walk highlighting all of the sculptures in our neighbourhood. We pointed out three locations within the walk where people could experience our very own augmented reality whale available to encounter through the screen of their phone.
On this page you will also be able to check out our various events we hosted during the campaign.
FEATURED ARTISTS IN PARNELL
PARNELL WALKING MAP
Make sure to check out our very own walking map to help guide you on your Parnell journey discovering the tails from Whale Tales 2022. You can find this information by clicking the link below or find a printed copy around some of your local spots in our suburb!
THE WHALE TALES APP
You can download the Whale Tales 2022 app on your phone to find and collect the various sculptures all around Auckland. You can check stats of each Tail by seeing the most visited and most voted for. Each Whale Tales sculpture also unlocks some great rewards at participating nearby restaurants and cafes. Just enter the four digit code at the bottom of the Tail to check them out.
AUGMENTED REALITY EXPERIENCE
Bring your whales to life with our Augmented Reality experience, only in Parnell. When walking our Parnell Whale Tale 2022 trail you will come across a few checkpoints between sculptures where you can scan the QR code to your phone, and film our whales in the wild. Make sure you have Instagram or Facebook to check it out, then feel free to share it to your account and tag @parnellauckland. We can’t wait to see your snaps!
PARNELL SCHOOL MINI TAIL
We are happy to present that we have sponsored Parnell District School a mini whale tail sculpture to bring to life, with Resene is generously providing paint and brushes for our young artists. The mini whale tail will be exhibited at the Auckland Museum as part of the Auckland wide art trail and at the conclusion of the event, it will be returned to the school to keep forever!
WALK TO WIN: SCAVENGER HUNT
We’ve created an exciting outdoor scavenger hunt around Parnell, with up to $3,000 worth of vouchers up for grabs. Using the Action Track App, our scavenger hunt will take you around our Whale Tail sculptures, outdoor spaces, and key historic landmarks. Complete trivia questions and photo challenges to earn points and enter the draw for daily spot prizes. You’ll have a from the 26th March to the 3rd April to complete the scavenger hunt at your own pace.
PARNELL WHALE TALES ART WALKS
Join a professional local guide for an art walk through one of New Zealand’s most creative suburbs. Discover the wonderful Whale Tales scattered throughout the neighbourhood and meet Whale Tales artist Wei Lun Ha (pictured).
These guided walks are free, but registrations are essential as places are limited. Click on the links below to book:
WHALE TAIL DAMAGE
Each Whale Tail is a work of art, and deserves to be admired and appreciated as such. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that everyone will treat the Whale Tails with respect. If you come across a damaged Tail, please text the Tail name, location and a brief description of the damage to 022 042 9074.