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The Mighty River Waikato: from Hinaki to Hydropower

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The Waikato River winds like an artery, bringing life to the land. Always a crucial food source, it now feeds homes hungry for electricity.

Tainui join with other Waikato iwi (tribes) in a saying, ‘Where there is water, people will settle.’ Meet the people, hear the stories, explore the wildlife and workings of the mighty river Waikato.

Come and experience a unique exhibition brought to you by Mighty River Power.  This is an exhibition for all the family to explore our iconic treasure, the Waikato River at the Waikato Museum.

Beneath the Surface

Waikato Museum’s “The Mighty River Waikato: from Hinaki to Hydropower” exhibition has received an update.  You can now explore “Beneath the surface” with the “River Explorer” – a new feature which takes its participant on a digital voyage of the Waikato River under the water line.

Whakamaru - Waikato River Trails image
Tui image - photographer Vanessa Moore
Kowhai image
Giant Kokopu image

Keeping Our River Mighty

Find out about our river crusaders.  These are the people who are doing their bit to keep our river mighty.  Learn how you can help too!

Exhibition highlights include:

  • A recreation of early Hamiltonians enjoying a moonlit cruise on the paddle steamer The Manuwai 
  • Learn about Caesar Roose and his great shipping empire
  • Hear stories of life on the river and try your hand at tying some sailors knots
  • See and hear the wildlife of the Waikato River, as it was in the past and how it is today
  • Get up close and personal with public enemy number one, the Koi Carp, and discover how much damage this nasty fish is inflicting on our waterways.
  • See live displays of pest fish.
  • Take a journey back in time to experience Waikato in the deep past.
  • See a huge long finned eel and marvel at the secret lives of these amazing river creatures. Keep an eye out for the taniwha!
  • Take part in our discovery trail and get to grips with an explosion of river creatures in the River Station.
  • Come and generate electricity from water. Discover how a toaster actually works.

This is a major exhibition for the Waikato Museum, and is not to be missed. The exhibition blends historical information, art, Maori knowledge and cutting edge design to deliver a world-class exhibition on the science behind the Waikato River.

The Mighty River Waikato is located in the Exscite Galleries.  Charges apply for this exhibition

* Concession entry applies to: Students, Waikato Museum Friends, Senior Citizens, and Community Services card holders - ID required.

Education programmes

On week days during the school term, education programmes are offered for “The Mighty River Waikato”. Through this lively interactive exhibition plus our Science educator’s exciting powerpoint theatre experience, students can explore and learn about many different aspects of the Waikato River: it's history and stories, the ecosystem surrounding it and ways that it's potential is harnessed.

There are two Science and Technology programmes: “Healthy Rivers” and “Working Rivers” and programmes with a History, Tangata Whenua or Arts focus.

Bookings are essential

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