The Waikato Museum (Te Whare Taonga o Waikato) sits on the east bank of the Waikato River in the centre of Hamilton. Its permanent collection covers Tainui Maori history and culture, New Zealand art, and the region's European settlement history. The gallery dedicated to Tainui taonga is genuinely outstanding — it includes carved meeting-house panels, greenstone ornaments, and the magnificent carved canoe Te Winika.
The museum also hosts a programme of changing exhibitions, some touring from major international institutions, and runs a range of education programmes. Entry to the permanent collection is free; special exhibitions may charge. There is a decent cafe with river views.