FREE | Self-directed | 26 September – 11 October | 10am–4pm, 7 days a week
This school holidays, Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery is celebrating two things at once: New Zealand’s longest-running festival right here in Alexandra, and DreamWorks’ brand-new movie Forgotten Island, showing now at Central Cinema Alexandra.
The Alexandra Blossom Festival kicks off the holidays on 25–27 September, marking its 69th year of welcoming spring with a Grand Parade, Party in the Park, and more. And Forgotten Island whisks us off to the Philippines — the real-world home of Nakali, the movie’s tropical island setting.
We’ve woven both into one free, family-friendly holiday programme — clue hunts, craft activities, and a passport challenge with prizes to be won.
Grab an Island Passport
Pick up a free Forgotten Island Passport from the front counter and complete at least 5 activities during the school holidays — some exploring the Philippines, others uncovering decades of Blossom Festival history hiding in our museum. Get your passport stamped at the counter after each one you finish. Collect at least 5 stamps and you’re in the grand prize draw, with a chance to win a movie prize pack, including a double pass to the movies.
Activities range from museum clue hunts to hands-on crafts — think jeepneys, friendship bracelets, mythical birds, and a hunt through decades of Blossom Festival floats. Full details are on your passport and around the museum.
Once you’ve completed 5 activities, write your name, phone number, and age on the back of your clue sheet and pop it in the entry box at the front counter.
Spring Into the Blossom Festival
Alexandra’s Blossom Festival has been welcoming spring since 1957 — making it the longest-running festival of its kind in New Zealand. This year’s 69th festival runs 25–27 September, with a Friday night Mardi Gras, the famous Saturday Grand Parade and Party in the Park, and a Sunday Garden Tour. It lands right on the opening weekend of the school holidays, so there’s no better time to dive into our Blossom Festival activities and discover decades of local history.
Why the Philippines?
Forgotten Island is set on the fictional island of Nakali, inspired by the real landscapes, culture, and folklore of the Philippines.
Free & Family-Friendly
Everything in this programme is completely free and designed to be self-directed — come in any time we’re open, work through the activities at your own pace, and revisit as many times as you like across the holidays.
Lots of fun for the family!! Children- bring the family, grandparents or an older sibling/ friend and make a morning or afternoon of it — this is a hands-on adventure meant to be tackled together!
Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery is open 7 days a week, 10am–4pm, throughout the school holidays.
Watch the Movie Next Door
While you’re here, why not make a day of it? Forgotten Island is showing now at Central Cinema Alexandra, right next door.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This programme is proudly supported by Central Cinema Alexandra and The Finery Café, Restaurant & Bars.
Central Stories Museum & Art Gallery — Free entry. All ages welcome.
