Kids invited to Crack the Code

If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Sherlock Holmes or Inspector Gadget then Rotorua's Museum is the place to be these holidays.

Crack the Code tests children's investigative skills as they follow clues throughout the museum and try to work out the combination to a mystery safe.

The idea was the brainchild of Rotorua Museum public programmes manager William Yip, who said detective mysteries and scavenger hunts were not original ideas but Crack the Code was an exciting new way for visitors to explore the museum and enjoy the history and beautiful taonga (treasures) on display.

The story goes that while clearing out an old storage room, the staff at Rotorua Museum uncovered a very dusty safe. After giving it a good clean, they now face the challenge of working out how the safe opens.

Luckily, they also stumbled upon some strange clues that could conceal the secret combination number for the safe.

"The clues will take you right around Rotorua Museum, looking high and low at a range of exhibits in order to solve the clues and crack the code.

"It's open to everyone, but our main aim is to get families with children to work together, investigate the clues and explore the museum," Mr Yip said.

All successful detectives will go in to a draw to win prizes from a pool of goodies donated by local businesses. These include vouchers, posters and books.

So put on your deer-stalker hat, head to the museum and collect a copy of the clues to see if you can work out the secret combination.

It's free to enter.

Mr Yip said if anyone would like to sponsor prizes for the free family events happening at the Rotorua Museum, please get in touch with him on (07) 351 7829.

The museum will also run a range of workshops, at a reasonable cost, in January including wand making and tee-shirt decorating. For details on pricing and dates contact Mr Yip on the above number.