He Koorero Maataatoka – Fossils Tour
02 May 2026 - 30 June 2026
Saturday's at 2 pm
Region(s): Waikato
Type(s): exhibitions
Discover the fossils that shaped Waikato’s past at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. This immersive experience takes you through the Waikato region’s prehistoric landscapes and the fossils left behind. Explore shifting land masses, changing climates, and the powerful geological forces that have shaped the region.
Perfect for curious minds of all ages, the tour blends science, storytelling, and hands‑on discovery to bring the prehistoric world of Aotearoa to life.
What to expect
This free tour starts with the essentials:
what fossils are
how fossils form
why Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique geology creates a distinctive fossil record.
Hear the story of local fossil enthusiast Rex Williams, whose collection is at the heart of the exhibition. Built throughout his lifetime, hear how the museum team undertook detailed research to understand, document, and share his incredible collection with the public.
Encounter marine fossils such as ammonites and belemnites, explore evidence of petrified forests and get hands-on with 3D printed fossils from the exhibition.
Ammonite fossil
Fossil ammonite from the Mesozoic era. Ammonites, which became extinct at the end of the Cretaceous period, are one of the fossil groups geologists use to help date rocks.
Discover how changing environments determined which species thrived, which vanished, and which were preserved in stone.
The tour culminates with a visit to the penguin fossil in Exscite, offering another story of discovery and the chance to hear practical guidance for budding fossil hunters. Learn about where fossils can be found, why certain regions are fossil hotspots, and the important rules that protect New Zealand’s natural heritage.
You will leave with not only a deeper appreciation for the stories written in stone beneath your feet, but also the confidence to explore and ask questions, both during the tour and long after you have stepped back into the present.
Location: Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery, 1 Grantham Street, Hamilton
For more information: https://tewharetaonga.nz/whats-on/events/fossils-tour.
Related content
Browse the range of content under our fossils topic – there are articles, activities, videos and more.
Researchers have long tried to discover more about moa species from their fossil remains. There have been studies on their feathers, coprolites, impact of hunting, DNA from bones and what we can learn from oral traditions.
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