The Waikato Museum has a diverse collection that brings to life the history of Hamilton and its surrounds. See the giant Māori waka taua (war canoe) in the Te Winika Gallery overlooking the Waikato River. You will be filled with awe as you imagine the journeys the Māori people made here on similar vessels from faraway Pacific Islands centuries ago.

The collection known as Tangata Whenua contains over 30,000 objects that depict the history of tribes in the Hamilton area. The Waikato Museum houses many more artifacts over its five levels. A dozen separate galleries host a range of frequently changing exhibits, with the areas divided into four distinct themes: social history, visual arts, science and the Tangata Whenua.

For a glimpse into the lives of New Zealand’s early European settlers, head to the social history section of the gallery. Letters and personal artifacts from those who made the long journey across the sea start off a story that takes you through the development of industry in the Hamilton region and ends with pop art and modern hobbies.

The display Never a Dull Moment traces the history of the Hamilton area, in which you can “listen in” on town gossip or take a seat in a cinema to learn about the city’s early residents.

You’ll also find a strong local presence in the Visual Arts collection, with works by local iwi (Māori) artists.

Children will love interacting with the displays in the Exscite science centre, which is designed to help them develop an understanding of the natural sciences. Among the permanent exhibits are the fossilised remains of a giant penguin, which was found just down the coast in Kawhia.

The Waikato Museum is centrally located on Grantham Street, by the banks of the river. The free central city shuttle runs past the museum gates approximately every 10 minutes. The museum is open daily, and there is a small charge for entry. All signs are in English as well as in the Māori language.