SWITZERS MUSEUM
SWITZERS MUSEUM & BOTTLEHOUSE
Waikaia owes much of its history to gold which was discovered here in 1862. At the peak of the rush Switzers (the town’s original name) had a population of around 2,000 including a large number of Chinese miners. Today gold mining is confined to recreational panning in Winding Creek. At Switzers Museum, Waikaia’s heritage is proudly displayed. Adjoining the Museum is the focal point of the town - a bottle house constructed of 20,000 wine bottles.
Summer hours:
Labour weekend through to Easter
11.00am - 4.00pm Daily
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Winter hours:
1.00pm - 3.00pm Weekends only
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Admission:
$5 per Adult and free to children under 13. Family passes $50 per year, individual yearly pass $20
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Enquiries during opening hours: 020 412 10180
Office Administrator Shirley Walker 027 2030 922
Archive queries Wendy Williamson 03 2027 809
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Email: waikaiamuseum@gmail.com
OUR NEW MUSEUM OPENED ON 7 DECEMBER 2018
Waikaia is very excited and proud to have opened the doors once again to the new $1.7 million dollar museum on December 7th 2018. It is the result of a lot of hard work, sweat and tears over 30 years.
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The following articles, and video to the right are a great read and will give you some insight into the effort and creation of this fantastic asset and what you can expect to see upon a visit.
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Celebrating True Grit in Waikaia
By Rachael Kelly
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The little town that could - Waikaia to open its $1.7m museum
By Rachael Kelly
