Waikato Museum
Waikato Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Haere mai! Welcome to Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
371 reviews
Excellent
174
Very good
143
Average
40
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Ace_Traveller_NZ
Auckland, New Zealand246 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
This is not a museum in the traditional sense of the word. It is more of an art gallery, showcasing local and out of town talents. I think it is important to highlight this because if you visited expecting a regular museum, you would be disappointed. But if your intention was to visit an art gallery, then you would be pleased.
However, of the non-art exhibits, the highlight for me was to see the waka (Maori war canoe), Te Winika. The other highlight was an exhibit on museum exhibits, ie. on how exhibits are curated and maintained.
However, of the non-art exhibits, the highlight for me was to see the waka (Maori war canoe), Te Winika. The other highlight was an exhibit on museum exhibits, ie. on how exhibits are curated and maintained.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Would 100% recommend taking young kids to 'excite' at the museum.
My 2 year old and 4 years old were easily entertained for a few hours and would have happily played all day if they could have. There is a decent range of activities spread over 2 floors, the car racing and bridge building were a big hit.
Perfect way to get the kids out of the house on a rainy day, and the staff at the front entrance were very welcoming and friendly.
Also love that you can trade your entrance sticker for a packet of kowhai seeds on your way out.
My 2 year old and 4 years old were easily entertained for a few hours and would have happily played all day if they could have. There is a decent range of activities spread over 2 floors, the car racing and bridge building were a big hit.
Perfect way to get the kids out of the house on a rainy day, and the staff at the front entrance were very welcoming and friendly.
Also love that you can trade your entrance sticker for a packet of kowhai seeds on your way out.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveling RP
Hillsborough, NC10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Small museum, well worth a few hours to browse the history of the Waikato region. One floor was closed on our visit but the rest was still good. Beautiful Waka to see!
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul B
Chesterfield, UK1,586 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A good and well laid out museum. Free to enter. Close to the city centre. Spacious with many exhibits. Friendly and helpful staff
Written 21 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jess
Timaru, New Zealand17 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Our only regret is that we didn’t leave enough time in our trip to fully explore this beautiful museum. An absolute treasure to the community, it’s a “must do” activity while visiting Hamilton.
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara A
5 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a great museum for children of all ages! Amazing for a smallish city. The displays change occasionally and are very interesting.
Written 24 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellemay 🍹🐠🐳
Sydney, Australia47,363 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
Excellent museum located overlooking the Waikato River on Grantham Street. It’s very informative with local history , cultural traditions and artefacts.
Written 20 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and taking the time to leave a review! We hope you'll visit again in the future 😊✨
Written 27 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alice K
Noumea, New Caledonia241 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Very well done, great way to spend a rainy day. The where children sleep exhibit was very moving. Very informative of the history of the area.
Written 24 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear you enjoyed your visit! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience 😊💕
Written 27 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
batchhen2017
Timaru, New Zealand94 contributions
Feb 2021
Enjoyed strolling through he museum to see the artefacts and art works on display. enjoyed the clean and tidy atmosphere, helpful staff if needing to know anything.
Written 14 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words, we're so glad you enjoyed your visit. Thanks for sharing ✨😊
Written 27 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elaine Yeoh
Auckland, New Zealand592 contributions
Dec 2020
A nice museum to visit whilst in Hamilton because whilst we were there the entry was free except for one section which was for kids.
Good insight into Maori culture, traditions and their interactions with the pakeha that lead to the events post signing of the treaty. Also interesting art and sculptural exhibits featuring iconic local NZ artists.
Good insight into Maori culture, traditions and their interactions with the pakeha that lead to the events post signing of the treaty. Also interesting art and sculptural exhibits featuring iconic local NZ artists.
Written 10 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingWAIKATO MUSEUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Waikato Museum
- Waikato Museum is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Waikato Museum:
- (0.53 km) Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
- (0.49 km) Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel
- (0.26 km) VR Hamilton Hotel
- (0.31 km) Hamilton City Inn
- (0.32 km) Victoria Hotel Suites
- Restaurants near Waikato Museum:
- (0.11 km) Gothenburg
- (0.10 km) Furnace Steakhouse
- (0.08 km) Madam Woo
- (0.16 km) Scotts Epicurean
- (0.18 km) Markyles Coffee and Food Establishment