Nau mai, Haere mai – Welcome
The Te Awamutu Museum – Education & Research Centre is located at 55 Rickit Road, Te Awamutu, in the district of Waipā and the Waikato region.
Driving north to Hamilton takes approximately 33mins by car. Driving south to Ōtorohanga 24mins then onto Waitomo Caves, add on around 13mins.
ADMISSION:
General admission is FREE. Some creative programmes and special activities may have a minimal cost requirement, as advertised.
OPENING HOURS:
Monday – Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm
Sunday: Closed
Public Holidays: 10am-2pm
Christmas/ New Year: Closed Midday Tuesday 24th December 2024 – Monday 6th January 2025
Easter: Closed Good Friday 29th March
If you are a group of 10+ people, please contact us first before your visit, so we can make the necessary arrangements for you.
PARKING:
CARPARKING:
- Street parking is available in front of the centre on Rickit Road, and across the road
- Limited parking on-site approx. 15mt past the front door through the gate on Rickit Road, in marked spaces. It’s just a short walk back around to the front entrance.
- We can also direct you to parking areas in the town centre, only 5min walk from our new location. Please ask us if you’re not sure where to park.
BIKE PARKING:
We have an amazing FREE bike parking area located on-site. We can direct this to you when you arrive.
BUS STOP:
A bust stop is available for schools and visiting groups. Please make sure when placing your group booking to let us know if you need to use the bus stop and for how long.
Note: The Bus Stop park is for buses or light van vehicles only.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING:
There are 2 accessible carparks on-site. Please let us know if you need accessibility parking.
We have a sheltered park for your accessible scooter outside under the front door verandah at the right of the Museum doors.
ACCESSIBILITY
WHEELCHAIRS, PRAMS, PUSHCHAIRS, MOBILITY SCOOTERS, ETC.:
The Te Awamutu Museum – Education & Research Centre shares the building with Council staff, the on-site parking, accessibility entrance/exit and ablutions are shared spaces. The main entrance is sign posted via Rickit Road.
It is preferred that mobility scooters remain outside at the front entrance.
Prams and pushchairs are welcome, however, there are two stairs into the centre and four steps into the lower level spaces. We try to locate as many workshops, events and exhibitions in all spaces within the centre to ensure accessibility for visitors.
TOILETS:
Accessible toilets are located on the lower level of the centre, with a baby cane table. Note: these toilets are also used by staff members, please ensure children are supervised in this area.
HEALTH & SAFETY
IN AN EMERGENCY:
Please follow the instructions of staff members who are trained in first-aid and evacuation procedures. The assembly point for the centre is at the back of the building located in the main carpark.
FIRST AID:
A defibrillator and First Aid Kits are available with the centre, please notify your Visitor Host or a staff member if you require any assistance. If you witness any behaviour or hazard that has the potential to place yourself or any other visitor at risk, please alert any staff member immediately.
Other recommended Museum and Heritage Spaces to visit in Waipā
Cambridge museum is small and filled with histories about the people and places in the Cambridge district. Your visit could last between fifteen minutes and an hour depending on what triggers your interest.
For family-fun, grab an activity sheet to use as you investigate each corner of the Museum. Our clues change regularly depending on the displays we have, so keep coming back to test your scavenger skills.
Located at 24 Victoria Street in Cambridge town centre, within an easy walk of the local shops and cafes.
Open on weekdays 10am to 4pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am to 2pm
Closed Good Friday and 25 December
Email: admin@cambridgemuseum.org.nz
Phone: 07 827 3319
Website: www.cambridgemuseum.org.nz
Facebook: @cambridgemuseum
Free Entry: Koha donations are appreciated
The Pirongia Heritage & Information Centre offers visitors information about Pirongia and its district. Advice is available about places to visit and things to do. We have a variety of brochures for local attractions along with DOC track booklets available.
A variety of displays in the Centre tell the story of the Pirongia settlement from its military beginnings to the present day. They include artefacts and stories of local families, institutions, and the changing landscape. Particular attention is paid to Mount Pirongia, which dominates this landscape, as it was of great significance to the original Māori occupants of the area. Today it provides outstanding recreational opportunities including a variety of tramps and walks that cater for any fitness level.
Information may also be obtained from the centre about visiting several local historic sites including the East Redoubt and the Armed Constabulary Redoubt, described by the Historic Places Trust as the best-preserved redoubt in the country, both of which are within easy walking distance.
Located: 789 Franklin Street (SH 39) in Pirongia Town Centre within an easy walk of the local shops and cafes.
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10.30am – 3.30pm
Closed Mondays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day
Email: pirongia.hvc@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 07 871 9018
Website: www.pirongiaheritage.org.nz
Facebook: @pirongiaheritage
Free Entry: Koha donations are appreciated
The Kihikihi Police House was erected in 1907 and is the only remaining example of its type left on its original site in public ownership in the country. The Edwardian combination station and residence, which is a local landmark thanks to its elevated setting, was in use by the police until 1967.
Temple Cottage located on the reserve near to the Police House dates from c.1870 and originally stood on the Alexandra Stockade Reserve in Rolleston Street. The cottage was built by Charles Temple (c. 1830-85) a forest ranger under Major Jackson and a member of the armed constabulary. The cottage is named for his granddaughter Isabella Temple who was born in the cottage in 1898 and lived there until her death in 1990. Having been bequeathed to the Te Awamutu Historical Society, the cottage was moved to the reserve in c.1992/93.
The Police House and Cottage are great examples of the built heritage of their time. Visitors also have the opportunity to view and interact with artifacts related to the domestic history of the period including games, books and costumes. It’s a great place for people of an era to revive memories.
Located: 20 Lyon Street in the centre of Kihikihi
Open: First Sunday of the month 11am – 2pm, Third Wednesday of the month 1pm – 3pm
School and Community Groups welcome by appointment.
Email: templepolice2019@gmail.com
Phone: 07 871 3685
Free Entry: Koha donations are appreciated
Kōrero mai
Get in touch
+64 (07) 872 0085
Te Awamutu Museum
Education & Research Centre
55 Rickit Road, Te Awamutu
Aotearoa New Zealand
Opening Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10am-4pm
Saturdays: 10am-2pm
Sunday: CLOSED
Public Holidays: 10am-2pm
Christmas & New Year: Closed midday Tuesday 24th December 2024 – Monday 6th January 2025
Easter: CLOSED Good Friday 29th March 2024
Haere mai
Visit us
FREE ENTRY
Koha Donations are appreciated
Group visitors – please call reception one week prior to book your visit.
This will ensure staff have confirmed your booking and will make the necessary arrangements you require.