Tour

Post-Conference Tour - Rutherford’s Den

Date: Thursday, 24 September 2026
Time: 0930-1030, Lecture by John Campbell
1030-1130 Guided tour of the Den
Cost: AUD $35.00. You may register for the tour during the registration process or if you have already registered, please email Lucy Woodward to add the tour.
Venue: Rutherford’s Den
Walking Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7BoZ5Q6ihtDPkurZ8

Lecture by Dr John Campbell

Earnest Rutherford - Radiation Pioneer

Dr John Campbell
Physics Department (Rtd)
University of Canterbury

Rutherford, with 3 degrees from the University of New Zealand, left New Zealand in May of 1895 on a scholarship which he took at Cambridge University, England. There, he initially worked on an extension of his New Zealand work, and then used his magnetic detector of very fast current pulses to set a world record (Feb 1896) for the distance over which the new wireless waves were detected.
The announcement of the discovery of X-rays in January of 1896, and then Radioactivity in March of 1896, turned him towards the new radiations and his discoveries gave him enduring fame.
Throughout his life he was involved in radiation and its safety and protections.
This talk will give some examples of his life and work relevant to this conference.

Guided Tour

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, a charitable organisation, occupies New Zealand’s largest collection of heritage buildings – a unique landmark dedicated to the arts and creativity.
This tour shares stories of the site, highlighting remarkable people, historic achievements, and ground-breaking discoveries. The route begins in Rutherford’s Den, a museum dedicated to the Father of Nuclear Physics.
The exhibition shows a whole world of science, history, discovery, and wonder, brought to life through multi-sensory displays and hands-on experiences set in a stunning heritage building. Walking further through the site, you will learn about the city’s creation and development after the 2011 earthquake, immerse yourself in the beauty of Gothic architecture, and enjoy the views from the Observatory Tower, overlooking the Port Hills.