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. 

Unique opportunity to visit the Karapiro Dam and see some of the amazing native bush and bird life in the Cambridge River Gorge. Ideal for you and your whole family, anyone who likes adventure, fun, speed or scenery. Speeding up the Mighty Waikato in a 450 hp V8 Jet Boat is going to get the heart pumping, adrenaline flowing and the faces smiling. If you are a thrill seeking adrenaline junkie then this is for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a game of golf, followed by a browse round a picturesque town and a latte, or a visit to the close by Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings, then give the team at Camjet Cambridge Jet Boat Tours a call and we can have a quiet cruise up our beautiful river.

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.

The Waikato offers a mixture of picturesque coastlines and stunning farmlands. Experience the magnificent feeling of flying over some of New Zealand’s best scenery, whether it’s the breathtaking coastlines, including the surf famous black sandy beaches of Raglan, the untouched beauty of the rugged west coast, or flying above the Waikato river trails. Take a ride with our experienced helicopter pilot, Sam. He has close to 2,500 hours of flying of highly skilful agricultural and commercial operations. The HQ Rotor Work base in Kihikihi currently operates an AS350, a stable, high performance helicopter with comfortable seating for 5 passengers ideal for this type of work.

Take a class with one of the world’s best - Gail Jones NZPFA (NZ), AIFD (USA), PFCI (USA) Master Florist, 2nd place at Interflora World Cup, International Designer and Head Referee Interflora World Cup China. A unique opportunity to enjoy some time & create a dried flower treasure to take home. Exclusive flowers dried, colored and treated on the property. Gails of Tamahere has been in operation for 38 years & has 6 acres of landscaped gardens, fully operational restaurant (by appointment). An absolute destination for weddings and functions, is an iconic spot for your dream event. This year an opportunity arose to reintroduce the floral schools as quality flowers became available.

Karamu Trail Track offers safe unique & adventurous horse treks in the varied stunning surrounds of native bush, streams, limestone rocks, and rolling farmland. You'll often see our young horses & foals frolicking as well as cows, peacocks, turkeys, pheasants, rabbits, hares & birds as we ride along. With over 100 different tracks to choose from every trek is different, and allows us to cater for the very beginner to the advanced. Choose from 1, 2, or 4 hour treks, or for a really special treat try our 2hr twilight/glow worm rides. Scheduled treks go out every weekend, public holiday, and school holidays at 10am & 1pm, with 3:30pm available also. Weekdays by demand. Bookings essential. Accommodation is also available.