Bringing ancient Waikato back to life
Millions of years ago, the Waikato was home to extraordinary creatures. Giant squid-like belemnites hunted in the warm Jurassic sea. Forests of towering trees were swallowed whole by volcanic eruptions, their wood transforming into glassy ancient stone. A giant penguin waded through the waters of Kaawhia, leaving behind a fossil that would spend millennia locked in stone before being re-discovered by a group of children in 2006.
Fossil Fest is bringing these ancient worlds back to life. Join a guided tour, hear from internationally renowned experts, meet real-life fossil hunters and learn more about Waikato’s ancient history.
Full Schedule
Penguin Party
Friday 5th June, 5:30 - 8:15pm
Tickets from $10
Waddle on over to Exscite for an after-hours celebration of Waikato’s most famous ancient bird – the Kaawhia Giant Penguin fossil. Games, craft, and penguin-themed fun await.
He Koorero Maataatoka – Fossils Tours
Saturday 6th & Sunday 7th June, 10.15am
Free with registration
Step back millions of years and uncover the story of prehistoric Waikato with He Koorero Maataatoka, a guided tour of the Fossil Finds exhibition.
Fossil Finders Scavenger Hunt
5th - 7th June
A giant penguin's fossilised bones are scattered across the museum. Your mission is to find them all. Pick up your activity sheet at the front desk and explore Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum in a whole new way.
Ask a Fossil Hunter
Saturday 6th June, 1 - 3pm
Free entry
Meet Kerr Sharpe-Young, a real life fossil hunter who has made some incredible discoveries combing the beaches of Taranaki. Ask him anything, see some of his fossil collection up close, and learn what it takes to be a fossil hunter.
Weird & Wonderful: Fossils of Aotearoa
Saturday 6th June, 6 - 9pm
Free with registration
Join scientists, geologists, and fossil hunters for a public talk and panel discussion exploring what makes New Zealand’s fossils so distinct. Featuring Dr Bruce Hayward, Oliver McLeod, and Kerr Sharpe-Young with Caleb Maher as our MC.
What's In That Rock: Live!
Sunday 7th June, 1 - 3pm
Free with registration
Watch a real-life fossil hunter crack open rocks to discover what’s inside. Kerr Sharpe-Young brings his viral "What's In That Rock?" series to Kirikiriroa Hamilton for Fossil Fest.
free entry
Plan Your Visit