You can’t do much for free these days, so keep in mind a visit to Western Bay Museum in Katikati.

Museum manager Paula Gaelic said there was lots to see and do inside the old red fire station building in the heart of Katikati during the upcoming school holiday.

The museum was open seven days a week – weekdays 10am to 4pm, weekends and public holidays 11am to 3pm, and closed only on Good Friday and Anzac day morning, Gaelic said in a statement.

“There are many new exhibitions and something for everyone to discover and reminisce about.”

See below for what the museum has on offer during the school holiday.

Ngā Toa Taiao – Environmental Heroes, Maunga ki te Moana

Mountains to the Sea showcases the work of iwi, volunteers and staff on restoring and protecting our natural environment.

“Get up close with kiwi and egg, bittern, little blue penguin, pest and predators; all taxidermy species with surround sound, so multisensory experience.”

Echoes of Exchange

This exhibit takes a look at communication in communities before the digital era.

The Echoes of Exchange communications exhibition continues. Photo / Rebecca Mauger

“Communities relied on the post office and telephone exchange to stay connected.

“A working telephone exchange with old-style phones before wireless. You can ask for an operator and enjoy this hands-on activity.”

Taonga Māori – Tūhua & Pounamu

The fascinating story through the eyes of our Northern Tauranga Moana Hapū with beautiful raw specimens of tūhua (obsidian) and pounamu (greenstone). Why did Captain Cook change the name of Tūhua to Mayor Island?

Mawhiti Tino Rawe – Clever Crustaceans

A touring Te Papa exhibition was a playful exploration of the bizarre and diverse world of five marine crustaceans, Gaelic said.

They can change their shape and circle the globe. Crabs, shrimps, lobsters, barnacles, slaters and other crustaceans are the stars of a new mini-exhibition presented by Niwa and Te Papa.

Sustainable Waihi Beach

This exhibit shows the great work done cleaning up rubbish at Waihī Beach.

“All this rubbish that pollutes our oceans and destroys our natural world.

“A shocking display of rubbish collected in three hours by one person after a storm.

“So come on in and if you haven’t been before – you are in for a surprise!”