Mighty River Domain,Lake Karapiro

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.

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.

Come on an electric adventure along the majestic Waikato Te Awa, New Zealand's longest river. Join us for a curated 1-3 day experience on Te Awa 'The Great New Zealand River Ride' or Waikato River Trail. This incredible journey begins or ends at the northern trailhead, just an hour from Auckland International Airport in Ngāruawāhia & takes you through key attractions such as The Hamilton Gardens, The Velodrome, and Cambridge before concluding or commencing at Lake Karapiro. Choose from our carefully crafted packages that include everything you need for a seamless Mighty Waikato River experience. From bikes to kayaks, thrilling jet boat rides, delicious meals, accommodation & transport – we have it all covered. Welcome to River Riders.

This is a woodland park where imaginations are inspired, creative exploration encouraged and mental and physical health restored. A place for the whole family or groups of friends to enjoy together - a great destination to meet up with others. It has many layers of interest to engage a diverse range of people. A destination that contributes significantly to the region by attracting national and international visitors and that also serves the local community and Waikato businesses as an outstanding venue for meetings, promotions, and staff training. A rehabilitated quarry site where care of the environment is a core driver.

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.

Walk into the real-world landscape on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, and continue visiting the mighty Whakarewarewa Valley, for a truly culture rich experience, the home to a living Māori village and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute including a Hangi Pie Meal. Set amongst a highly active landscape erupting with geothermal activity where you can experience bubbling mud pools and the 30m-tall Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts many times daily. Explore an authentic living Māori village where people live on a daily basis, using natural geothermal resources to cook, bathe and heat their homes as they have for centuries. Enjoy a Hangi Pie Meal cooked in our hot pool topped with rich homemade gravy.