The Waihi Museum operates as a place for the collection, display and preservation of items of historical interest to the Waihi District, particularly items relating to the underground mining history of the area.

Gold was first discovered in Waihi in 1878 and by 1905 Waihi not only possessed the most productive gold mine in New Zealand, but was the largest gold mining town in the country and the third largest inland town in New Zealand. We have several rooms devoted to underground mining history, and displays relating to the social history of the town.

Our Art Gallery room has a dual role as a gallery and a theatre.

As a gallery it hosts regular exhibitions of local and visiting arts and craft. As a theatre that seats 60, it becomes the setting for school groups to be shown a curriculum based Powerpoint presentation.

Opening Hours
Thursday to Friday: 10am - 3pm
Saturday, Sunday & Monday: Midday - 3pm

Extended hours during January.

Admission
Adults: $5.00
Children 5 - 15 years: $3.00
Under 5 years: Free
Family group (2 adults & 3 or more children):$15

Discounts available for groups of 15 or more people, pre-booked coach groups, and schools.