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Wildlife Photographer of the Year

9 December 2022 - 23 April 2023

Open daily 10am to 5pm

Entry fees apply

Nature like you've never seen it before

Discover the natural world in all its wonder and diversity at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, where 100 remarkable photographs illustrate the precious beauty of our planet.

Coming to Waikato Museum direct from the Natural History Museum in London, UK, this is an exclusive opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking photography and discover the fascinating stories behind the photos.

Ticket prices

Please purchase your exhibition entry at the Museum. No advance booking is required.

Adult	$15
Child 5 – 15 years	$5
Child under 5 years	FREE
Concession*	$12
Groups of 10+	$12
Family (Two adults, up to three kids)	$37

Children aged under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult.

*Concession price is available with presentation of current SuperGold card, Community Services card, or student ID.

Events

We'll be running a series of events, activities, and workshops alongside the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition. See below and stay tuned to find out more!

ABC Trail - Free Activity Sheet

Can you find the fascinating animals, plants, and countries on the list as you explore Wildlife Photographer of the Year? Learn more...

Beneath The Lens

Dive into the world of award-winning photojournalist Richard Robinson as he shares his professional journey. Learn more...

Education programme

Kia ora teachers! An Education Programme is available for this exhibition. It can be tailored to all ages and is available in person and online. Find out more.

Content warning

Visitors may find some images upsetting. Please speak with one of our staff members if you have any questions.

Frequently asked questions

When can I see Wildlife Photographer of the Year?

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is on show at Waikato Museum from Friday 9 December 2022 to Sunday 23 April 2023. The exhibition is open during our normal hours, 10am to 5pm daily.

Waikato Museum is open on all public holidays but will be closed on Sunday 25 December for Christmas Day.

How do I buy tickets?

You can buy tickets in person on the day of your visit from the Museum's information desk.

Online bookings or advanced reservations are not available, unless booking for a group of 10 or more people.

We’re operating a timed system with exhibition entry between 10am to 12pm, 12pm to 2pm, and 2pm to 5pm each day. These tickets are available until the session is fully booked due to space capacity.

You can enter at any time within your booked session and there is no limit to the length of time you spend in the exhibition. The Museum closes at 5pm daily.

If you miss your booked session, talk with one of our Museum kaimahi [staff members] to find another available session.

Will I have to queue?

While you may be able to enter Wildlife Photographer of the Year without needing to queue, if you visit us on one of our busier days and times, there may be a wait for entry to the exhibition.

Our busiest time is in the mornings on weekends and public holidays. During the school term in February and March there may be school group bookings on weekdays.

Is Wildlife Photographer of the Year suitable for families and children?

We encourage and welcome families with children of all ages to visit Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Children aged under 15 years must be accompanied by an adult. Free activities for tamariki are provided in our gallery space next to the entry foyer.

Visitors may find some images in the exhibition upsetting. There are some depictions of dead or unwell animals. There are also images of animals mating. Please speak with Museum kaimahi if you have any questions about which areas of the exhibitions may be confronting.

Please note we don't allow food or drink in the exhibition and ask that you don't touch the photographs.

Is this exhibition accessible?

For wheelchair users and people with prams or pushchairs who require the lift to access the Wildlife Photographer of the Year gallery or other areas, just speak with our kaimahi (staff) at the front desk.

Please note that the gallery has a low level of lighting for this exhibition due to the presentation of the photographs on backlit panels.

A large-print version of the information labels on the walls is available for visually impaired visitors as a printed document while you view the exhibition.

There is a video loop with audio in the final portion of the exhibition which has open captions in English.

Do groups need to make a booking?

Yes. Bookings for groups (including adult education groups) of 10 or more people should be made by emailing museum@hcc.govt.nz with the details of your group, group size, and preferred date/s and time/s of visit.

Please book at least two weeks in advance of your visit to secure entry to this exhibition. Booked groups will be prioritised.

More information: Waikato Museum - Contact us

Can I take photographs in the exhibition?

In the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, photography is only permitted with hand-held cameras for personal use.

View Waikato Museum's photography guidelines.

Can I enter more than once with my ticket?

Tickets allow single entry to the exhibition. However, you are welcome to spend as long in the exhibition as you need. The Museum closes at 5pm daily.

How much time should I allow to view the exhibition?

We recommend allowing an hour to view Wildlife Photographer of the Year. The Museum closes at 5pm daily.

Why is there a charge for this exhibition?

Your ticket price contributes to the costs involved in mounting an exhibition of this scale and calibre and the expense of bringing international exhibitions on loan to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Is there a programme of events associated with Wildlife Photographer of the Year?

Yes, the exhibition will be accompanied by a schedule of events and activities. See our Current Events for more details.

You can also subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter to receive the latest information on upcoming events straight to your email inbox.

Where can I park?

There are various car parking options within a few minutes’ walk of the Museum. Take a look at the Hamilton City Council website for more information about free and paid parking options, and a map showing mobility parking spaces in central Hamilton.