Discover Waikato

18 enclosed gardens in Hamilton, a short boat ride through a glowworm grotto and a 12-acre movie set: Waikato offers a wide range of reasons to visit. When planning, it helps to decide whether you want to focus on landscaped garden settings, caves, native wildlife, culture or active time outdoors. The region offers both short experiences and a hike with an approximate duration of five to six hours.

Gardens in Hamilton

Hamilton Gardens comprises 18 enclosed gardens inspired by gardens from around the world. The international range of inspirations gives a visit a clear focus on garden design. You can choose a highlights tour or an audio guide; both options are suitable for the whole family and use different ways to share information. The enclosed gardens are open daily from 10 a.m., except on Christmas Day. Check the opening hours again before your visit.

Caves in the Waitomo area

The Waitomo cave network comprises three caves: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave. The Glowworm Caves include a short boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Ruakuri Cave is wheelchair accessible and contains extensive limestone formations and crystal formations. Each option has a different focus: the short ride through the glowworm grotto, or the formations and wheelchair accessibility of Ruakuri Cave.

Forest, wildlife and cultural perspectives

The native forest of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is home to more than 730 native species, including kiwis and kākāpōs. The Moa-Hunter experience offers a different focus at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari: it is an immersive cultural journey led by a mana whenua guide. Native wildlife and guided cultural interpretation are therefore different interests visitors can explore at this location.

Hiking and mountain biking

The Over the Mountain Track follows a historic route to Pukeatua Peak and includes the Te Raki Track and Te Tonga Track. The route runs from Hicks Road in the north to Pukeatua in the south; the hike takes approximately five to six hours. From the southern peaks, views extend across the forest and Waikato’s lush landscape. In your itinerary, the hike therefore represents a much longer block of time than the short boat ride through the glowworm grotto. Te Miro Mountain Bike Park offers varied terrain and trails for active families and particularly adventurous mountain bikers. The trails are surrounded by native and planted forest. The track therefore offers an approximate time frame and views of the landscape, while Te Miro focuses on terrain options for different groups of riders.

Movie set and tour experience

The Hobbiton Movie Set offers a guided walk through the 12-acre movie set. The Signature Tour includes a complimentary drink at the Green Dragon Inn, located within Hobbiton.

Discover more destinations: Thames-Coromandel District, Taupo District, Hamilton City, Waikato District, Waitomo District, Otorohanga District, Waipa District, South Waikato District, Matamata-Piako District, Hauraki District.

Return to the main travel overview: New Zealand.