Visit Switzers Museum & Bottlehouse in Waikato

Waikaia owes much of its history to gold which was discovered there 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.

When is the museum open?

You’re in luck; the museum is open every day of the week! The Switzers Museum & Bottlehouse is open from 11:00 to 16:00 seven days a week.

The nucleus of the collection held by Switzers Museum (Waikaia) Inc. was brought together for the Waikaia township’s 125th Centennial Jubilee. This nucleus has grown to around 2200 generalised social history objects including material relative to high country farming and the area’s gold mining past and associated Chinese settlement. The museum also holds 2800 bottles (not including the 20,000 bottles that have been used in the construction of a bottle house attached to the museum) and archives (including original documents and photographs) relative to the Switzer’s/Waikaia area).

  • Adults – $5
  • Children – FREE
  • Yearly Family Pass – $50
  • Yearly Individual Pass – $20