Central Motor Lodge

Visit the Zealong Tea Room and indulge in our Signature High Tea, curated with a selection of hand-crafted gourmet sweets and savouries, or choose from our seasonal lunch menu. Enhance your experience with the perfect pairing of Zealong tea to - whether you prefer a refreshing green, a floral oolong, or a bold black, all our teas are 100% organically grown on-site and proudly made in New Zealand. All served with breathtaking views of the Estate’s rolling tea terraces and landscaped gardens. Make your visit even more memorable with a traditional tea tasting ceremony or a guided tour of our certified organic tea plantation.

From its source at the blue springs to where it enters the Hauraki Gulf, Te Waihou winds its way gently northwards. Your guide will take you on a tour of the historic town of Te Aroha where you will learn about some of the rich culture, history and wild geology of the area. The tour then travels to Waiorongomi to where a gold mining settlement used to thrive. Once at your departure point on the Waihou River you will be given expert instruction on how to navigate your kayak down the river safely. This section of river flows mainly through rural land, don't forget to look up and take in the majestic views of the mountain range a truly fantastic sight from the river perspective. Keep a sharp eye out for the wide variety of bird life.

With a stunning section of land in a rural settlement outside Hamilton, Lavender Backyard Garden has grown from scant to lush. “We are so proud of our work that’s made our empty fields, once full of grass, into our little dream”. This abundant block is now not only a bustling Pick-Your-Own (PYO) Blueberry and Lavender Farm, but a ‘Backyard Garden’ where anyone can come to sit down and relax among the fields of lavender with a cup of coffee and tasty blueberry and lavender foods. Lavender Backyard Garden developed their own natural aromatherapy items by using their lavender essential oil. Only a 10 minute drive from central Hamilton.

Great North Tours is a New Zealand tour company based in Hamilton in the North Island, just over an hours drive from Auckland International Airport. We provide personalised, bespoke, private, small group tours to guests in the North Island of New Zealand. We tailor holidays to suit you, so you’ll get to see the sights and sounds in your own comfort and pace, take part in adventure activities and experience our unique culture. Tell us about your needs and preferences, and we’ll be back in touch with recommendations of things to see and do, places to stay and food to eat. Each multi day tour is individually designed with attention to detail in every aspect of your tour. Then, we’ll show you the best of what New Zealand has to offer.

Located in the historic spa town of Te Aroha, Tintype Central is New Zealand's only portrait studio specialising in the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography. Meticulously crafted on plates of glass or aluminum, each portrait is a unique piece of art resonating with depth and character, reflecting the beauty of imperfection and the rich tones of silver. Whether you're looking to commemorate your visit to Te Aroha, honor your whakapapa, or simply experience a piece of history, this is your chance to own a portrait like no other, one that transcends the digital age and brings the artistry of photography back to its origins.

Carved out of a hillside, this 42 acre former hard rock quarry has been transformed into a magnificent park with collections of trees and shrubs from around the world. The dramatic landscape provides the setting for the more than 70 sculptures on display - the park is the most extensive outdoor sculpture gallery in New Zealand. Featuring three new curated exhibitions per year, the park is open every day of the year. All weather walking tracks (sturdy shoes recommended) and ample parking; most sections accessible by wheelchair. The self-guided tour of at least 2km, provides a full-on sensory experience.