Canopy Camping Escapes | The Yards Karāpiro

Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.

Located 40 min south of Hamilton in Kihikihi is a fully functioning full VR helicopter flight simulator. Great for the individuals, families and or as a team building activity. This helicopter flight simulator is the perfect way for people, young and old, to experience helicopter flying without the costs. It utilises real aircraft airframe and controls, making it an ultra-realistic simulator. It can be experienced on site or hired out for approved events.

The Matamata isite Visitor Centre is part of New Zealand's official nationwide Visitor Information Network. Centrally located in the busy rural Waikato town of Matamata and nestled at the base of the scenic Kaimai Ranges our isite staff are local experts and can assist you with all your enquiries. As well as being a departure point for the Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, Matamata offers a wide range of walking and tramping options, golf courses, and an extensive selection of cafes & accommodation.

Exhibition on now until Monday, January 26, 2026. Rūaumoko: Restless Land is our new and exciting interactive touring exhibition from Te Papa. Experience elements from Te Papa’s Te Taiao Nature zone that combines cutting-edge science with mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) to explore the powerful, natural forces that continuously shape Aotearoa. Te Papa and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake have teamed up to promote natural hazard awareness and preparedness through this exhibition. It introduces Rūaumoko to illustrate the forces of nature and presents a wero (challenge) for visitors to learn about natural hazards and ways to be prepared in our communities and at home.

Here’s what you can expect. Pocket Pets: Hold and cuddle guinea pigs, mice, rabbits and rats- See the chinchillas. Nursery: Meet our adorable baby animals (bottle feeding lambs Aug/Sep/Oct). Reptiles: Get up close and personal with our friendly reptiles. Stables: Enjoy some love and attention with horses, ponies, donkeys, and get a chance to brush and braid them. Farm Walk: Stroll through our farmyard loop, feeding hay and maize to cows, sheep, alpacas, and goats. Tractor Play Area: Have fun with ride-on tractors. Hen House: Visit and feed chickens and ducks. Barn: Book undercover parties in our farmyard or fairy garden. Scavenger Hunt or Finding Gumboots.