Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum

Hours of operation

10am-4pm, Mon-Fri and 10am-2pm, Sat. Closed Sun. Open Public Holidays except Christmas and New Year. Closed 19 Dec 2025 and reopening at 10am Monday 5 January 2026.

Months of operation

All Year

Phone number

A doorway to Waipā’s past is open once again. Step inside and uncover the stories, taonga, and memories that have shaped our Waipā District. Our museum on Roche Street has reopened with a stunning new look and inspiring spaces to explore.

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum is situated in Waipā district, within Waikato. A touchpoint for visitors to learn local history, social development and bi-cultural collaborations between Māori and settlers from 1823, through amazing objects and engaging stories. Understand the reasons why British soldiers invaded the Waikato 1863, the locations, who was involved, and its impact on the Waipā communities that are still being felt today. Do you know about Te Ara Wai Journeys? Start your journey with us. We also have our collections online.

Pricing

Free

Proximity to Airport:

25 min drive to Hamilton Airport.

Proximity to Town:

5 min walk to Te Awamutu main township.

Proximity To Coach Terminal:

20 min walk from bus terminal in Te Awamutu.

Activity Duration:

Open Mon - Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-2pm. Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day.

Parking:

Bus parking if needed, free Museum carparks located at back of building, bike parking onsite.

Bus parking if needed, free carparks located across the road.

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

From ancient Egypt to a 21-century Concept Garden. Admission to the enclosed gardens requires a paid entry fee for visitors who live outside of Hamilton, with children under 16 years of age free. Unlike any botanical garden, our unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on Tripadvisor. Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens with one of our tours. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a returning visitor, this immersive journey unveils fascinating tales, discovering the cultural significance woven into every petal and pathway.  Or opt for an Audio Guide to enjoy a narrated journey through the ages and across the continents, exploring at your own pace. 

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Haere mai! Welcome to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. 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.

Malcolm Photography

Aerobatic Flight Experience

Play in 3D! Loop, Roll, Slide and Experience the edge-of-the-envelope flying that is aerobatics. Can you handle 30 minutes of adrenaline rush? FREE Youtube in-cockpit video of your flight experience to share with friends.

Te Awamutu isite

Te Awamutu isite Visitor Information Centre

The Te Awamutu isite Visitor Centre is part of New Zealand's official nationwide Visitor Information Network. Plan your stay in Te Awamutu with our friendly isite team. With four mountains of fun and lakes right on our doorstep, we offer fantastic walks with an abundance of birdlife. Try Maungatautari After Dark to experience native bush at night and hear the kiwi's call. New Zealand National Fieldays is just a 15 minute drive from our place at Mystery Creek Event Centre. Our rural farming community, mixed with walking and cycling tracks, Boutique Bed and Breakfasts, shopping and events. Come and visit.

Shirley Warring

Hadleigh Boutique Lodge - Garden Visit

Set on five acres, Hadleigh is accessed down a rural lane, the setting belies its proximity to the city’s renowned Hamilton Gardens and busy night life. We were particularly drawn to the areas natural beauty, as was Peter Jackson when he chose to film his magical Hobbits near here. However, it was the mighty Waikato River, woodland walks and verdant fields that drew us in. This new ‘Hadleigh’ is really quite superb, there are 2.5 acres of stunning gardens which featured in the prestigious House & Garden publication, a garden we are proud to share. The Arron Haddocks designed Lodge on the grounds offers refined accommodation for garden lovers and those who seek tranquillity from busy lives.

Wendy Kay

Kiwi Balloon Company

Enjoy a panoramic view over the beautiful Waikato area from a hot air balloon. We take off from Innes Common, by the lake in Hamilton, New Zealand. Flights are at sunrise when the air is still and quiet. Experience the breathtaking views of the mountain ranges, various lakes and green fields. The flight duration is around an hour. Plenty of time to soak up the surroundings. After the flight, enjoy sipping on a glass of champagne. What a way to start the day.

All things to do

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider complies with its safety obligations. Users should seek more information from the provider concerned. While Hamilton & Waikato Tourism will do its utmost to ensure the information contained within this website is accurate, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, offers or details of any information or operator listings. Prices, timetables and other details or terms of business may change without notice. The information included in this website is not advice and does not imply any endorsement by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism.