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.

Set on 5 acres, Hadleigh is accessed down a rural lane, the setting belies its proximity to the city’s, renowned Hamilton Gardens and busy night life. We were particularly drawn to the areas natural beauty, as was Peter Jackson when he chose to film his magical Hobbits near here. However, it was the mighty Waikato River, woodland walks and verdant fields that drew us in. This new ‘Hadleigh’ is really quite superb, there are 2.5 acres of stunning gardens which featured in the prestigious House & Garden publication, a garden we are proud to share. The Arron Haddocks designed Lodge on the grounds offers refined accommodation for garden lovers and those who seek tranquillity from busy lives.

Te Awamutu Space Centre is an inspiring educational attraction for all ages. Experience the world of space and astronomy through displays and interactive activities. Our centrepiece exhibit is a small but fascinating collection of artifacts from the American and Russian space programmes. You'll find informative displays about the Universe, the history of space exploration and scientific research. Use the interactive screens to see what's in the night sky, tour the Solar System, create your own orbital systems and more. Watch videos, ask us questions and just hang out chatting about space. See our website for details and opening hours.

Join our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides for a journey of hidden stories, secret symbols, interesting snippets, and new insights into some of our most popular gardens. Perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to uncover the deeper meaning behind our beautiful gardens. Book your tour today for the ultimate Hamilton Gardens experience.

Get a group of 4 to 8 people together and walk our secret back country trails away from the crowds. Visit picturesque farms and take in all their rugged seclusion on private walks. Explore the lands that time forgot on some tracks even the locals don't know about. Walk through the forests of the largest mainland ecological island in the world, where the air is filled with bird song in a forest alive with some of our rarest native birds. Meander along a river that leads to a pure spring and sample some award-winning cheese produced from the rich pastures of the Waikato region. Admire the limestone bluffs that line the gorges of middle earth like lands and admire the rural resilience and beauty that is the heart of our North Island.