Matariki Motor Lodge

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. 

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.

Camjet is certainly an amazing jet boat New Zealand experience along the mighty Waikato River. Therefore, you can enjoy the stunning and breathtaking scenery as you travel via jet boat from Cambridge to the base of the Karapiro hydro power station. Learn about the history of the region as your tour guide or his manager has a diploma in environmental management. Therefore, his knowledge for the flora and fauna in the area is second to none. Bird species you may encounter during the Ecological Jet Boat New Zealand River Cruise may include: fantail, kingfisher, tui, harrier hawk, New Zealand falcon, heron, shag, mallard. Also, you will see many fish species also, koi, rainbow trout, brown trout, mullet and many more.

Blastacars is not your typical go kart experience. Our karts are Kiwi made and have been developed here for over 25 years. With powerful karts and a custom track surface we are all about drifting sideways. With up to 12 racers on our 220 metre track in our 390cc karts you are in for a adrenaline pumping experience! We have different speeds for different needs. Children need to be 1.2 metres or taller to race. We also have a paraplegic kart. We not only have kart racing, we also have BBQ areas, party areas, vending machines, arcade games and other free games. We are open 10am till 10pm weekends and public holidays and 12pm to 10pm weekdays. We are closed on Mondays. So come to Blastacars and get sideways!

I help people experience the real New Zealand, not the one you find just by visiting the usual tourist spots. My vast travel experience means I know the best photography locations and I'm passionate about showing off our beautiful country, helping my guests to capture their own amazing images of our beautiful country while learning new photography skills along the way. My guided photography tours are available throughout New Zealand and can be personalised to your itinerary and the locations you wish to visit. Or you can choose to attend one of my scheduled weekend group workshops where you'll enjoy meeting other photographers and improving your photography craft at some of New Zealand's most unique and photogenic locations.

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.