Waikato Museum — Attraction in Hamilton

This is for the EXSITE part of the museum.

This used to be one of our favourite places to go to as a family. Between the EXSCITE displays and the balance between the free and other paid exhibits it was a great place to spend a good half a day or more.

Now EXSITE is an an extremely underwhelming experience for the kids. All , yes all, of the hands on science and engineering exhibits that made EXCITE great for primary school kids are gone and replaced by static displays and information that can be found on line or elsewhere in the museum.

The bridges, the ferromagnetic experiment, the optical display etc all of which encouraged kids to get hands on and understand how things work replaced by static, displays and faux trees. The only hands on is to push a button and listen to some one talk and a small light show. The microscope display is the only thing a kid can do that is close enough to being hands on and STEM related. They even took away the Mario racing carts.

This place probably suits preschoolers more as there is a bit to do on the lower level, until they “refurbish” that too , but for any older kids is a waste of time and money.

The LAWA and Soils display can be easily found on line. The liquids display is like staring at glasses full of water and the “forest “ is just boring, they could have at least put in some real plant species that could grow indoors.

The cultural section , waka, etc is available free in another part of a museum.

The only interactive part of this is to now push a button and listen to someone give you a story.

Sorry EXSITE but you’ve lost the plot and it’s obvious that you have shifted thinking away from a focus on what would get kids excited about STEM to other areas.

Please don’t call it hands on as except for the lower level the only hands on things are the railings to go up and...

The Waikato Museum in Hamilton is a captivating destination that offers a rich blend of art, history, and culture, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting the region. The museum showcases an impressive array of exhibitions, from local Māori history to contemporary art, providing insights into the diverse cultural tapestry of the Waikato area.

One of the highlights is the museum's focus on Māori heritage, featuring artifacts and stories that celebrate the region's indigenous culture. The displays are thoughtfully curated, allowing visitors to engage with the history in a meaningful way. The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities are particularly enjoyable for families, making learning fun for all ages.

In addition to its permanent collections, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, which adds to the excitement of returning for repeat visits. The layout is spacious and welcoming, with plenty of natural light enhancing the overall experience.

The on-site café offers a pleasant spot to relax, with a menu that emphasizes local ingredients. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to provide insights into the exhibits or recommend nearby attractions.

Overall, the Waikato Museum is a gem that beautifully reflects the spirit of the region. It’s well worth a visit, whether you’re a local or a tourist, as it provides a deeper understanding of the Waikato's cultural and historical...

Today was an educational day for me. At the museum today they had a workshop called- TOI Maaori - Huru Ataahua, beautiful feather. Learning about the use of feathers in maaori adornment where we created our own earings from chicken and roster feathers with additional ribbon added for a different effect. As you can see in the photo I posted. The Museum hosts maaori art and craft workshops the 1st Friday of every month and why not check.it out. It's free and it's interest. Our teacher Tui was very knowledgeable and helpful in this craft we learnt today. She is very passionate about the maaori arts and craft, you can tell this by the way she teaches the workshop. Everyone is welcome to participate no matter what level you are. I am a 1st timer and I found the workshop to be very therapeutic. The only exhibit that I go to see was the maaori floor which Iadmired the layout and the beauty in the craftsman ship of the totem poles. At the moment they have a dinosaur exhibit to take the kids to. It's always interest seeing history right before your eyes. I had a great day out and am.glad that I choose to make the trip.to the.museum today. Enjoy your time...