Akatea Villa

Haere mai! Welcome to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you.

SkyCity Hamilton is situated inside the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise a superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River. With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger - voted the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse - the first Good George bar in the CBD, there is something for everyone at SkyCity Hamilton! Enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the Main Gaming Floor with over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games (R20 to enter the casino) or strike up a little competition on level two with Hamilton's only bowling alley, Bowl and Social, a world-class venue offering non-stop fun and state of the art technology!

From ancient Egypt to a 21-century Concept Garden. Admission to the enclosed gardens requires a paid entry fee for visitors who live outside of Hamilton, with children under 16 years of age free. Unlike any botanical garden, our unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on Tripadvisor. Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens with one of our tours. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a returning visitor, this immersive journey unveils fascinating tales, discovering the cultural significance woven into every petal and pathway.  Or opt for an Audio Guide to enjoy a narrated journey through the ages and across the continents, exploring at your own pace. 

Come on an electric adventure along the majestic Waikato Te Awa, New Zealand's longest river! Join us for a curated 1-3 day experience on Te Awa 'The Great New Zealand River Ride' or Waikato River Trail. This incredible journey begins or ends at the northern trailhead, just an hour's drive from Auckland Airport in Ngāruawāhia, and takes you through key attractions such as The Hamilton Gardens, The Velodrome, and Cambridge before concluding or commencing at Lake Karapiro. Choose from our carefully crafted packages that include everything you need for a seamless Mighty Waikato River experience. From bikes to kayaks, thrilling jet boat rides, delicious meals, accommodations, and transportation – we have it all covered. Welcome to River Riders.

Avoid the crowds and travel at your own pace with our custom private day tour departing from Hamilton. This premium experience combines the North Island’s most iconic sites with hidden natural wonders. Begin your day at the Hobbiton Movie Set for a fully guided tour of the Shire. Next, enjoy a relaxed, custom lunch at the local-favourite Fat Kiwi in Ōtorohanga or a café in Matamata. Discover the crystal-clear beauty of the Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway) before heading underground to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You’ll travel in a modern, late-model vehicle selected for space and comfort. With door-to-door Hamilton pickup and a flexible itinerary, this is the ultimate way to see the Waikato’s best highlights in a single day.

Te Puna Wai Tours offers educational, interactive guided tours in the Waikato region showcasing local legacy and history. Our friendly, professional guides have a wealth of experience and knowledge of significance places, customs and practices in this captivating corner of Aotearoa. Enjoy exhilarating activities such as guided walking tours, E bike excursions, cultural competency workshops and the ever-popular West Coast Fishing Tour. There truly is something for everyone and we can’t wait to share our world with you – a unique adventure awaits, unlike any other cultural, historical, or outdoors experience you’ve had. Nau mai, haere mai.