Off The Beaten Track - Cottage on Waimai

Raglan Boat Charters is located at the Raglan Wharf on Whaingaroa Harbour, the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, 40 kms from Hamilton and approx 150kms from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. About our Cruises: Departing Raglan Wharf aboard the Wahinemoe to explore the charm of Whaingaroa Harbour – cruise past large conservation reserves, farmland and fishing villages. You will see marine wildlife and ancient limestone rock formations, and listen to fascinating tales about the history and culture of this very special area. Your friendly skipper and crew will take great care of you and make sure you have a magical experience. The sunset cruise is the best and its extremely rare on the west coast to find such an excellent viewpoint.

Opening in 2013, Bucking Boar Cornfield Maze has designed and cut new maze designs each year into a 5 acre field. Designed for all to try and navigate their way through, with hidden stations and puzzles to be found and deciphered throughout. Afterwards whizz down and cool off on Waikato's best outdoor waterslides, there are 3 to enjoy. A fiberglass 55-meter slide complete with twists and turns, dual race inflatable slide and a kids 40 meter inflatable slide that allows people of all ages to experience the fun of sliding through the countryside. Make sure you enjoy a real fruit ice cream from the café at the end of the day. There's something for everyone at this stunning yet relaxed countryside theme park.

Test your personal limits as you top rope climb the ancient fossil limestone cliffs of Stone Valley. With spectacular views of the countryside, boulder valleys, and the extinct volcanoe of Mt Pirongia, it’s a high energy adventure. Your fully qualified and experienced guide will teach you the safest form of climbing there is and impart knowledge, such as rock identification, belaying, equipment selection and equipment checking. Not only are our guides excellent climbing instructors, but they are a dab hand of getting those awesome insta shots whilst you’re scaling the face, of all which you will receive for free. All equipment, photos and instruction is provided with free pick up and drop off available from Raglan.

UP Surf Coaching is all about providing high quality surf coaching for those that want more than a one off experience. Our aim is for you to actually feel like a surfer at the end of one of our surf courses – ready to surf on your own with confidence. On the 'Become a Surfer' course you will be equipped with all the skills and knowledge you need. Group sizes are always 6 or less people - you get a lot of personal attention and have space to move around without a huge crowd all around you. The course progresses in stages from mastering the basics in the whitewater, using your rails and starting to focus on surfing across small waves, then getting you out the back to catch bigger unbroken waves. You'll be surprised how fast you progress.

As you descend, you’ll climb and abseil the cascading waterfalls all whilst under the light of your head torch, and the luminescent shine of the glow worms! Feel safe in the company of an experienced guide, as they lead you on a great adventure. Throughout the trip hear the stories, history, and knowledge of the landscape and local area from your passionate guide. As darkness falls, you’ll begin to see the luminescent transformation take place. Witness new worlds of light being created by the native New Zealand glowworms who call this place home. Take a minute to stop for a moment of peace and tranquillity, with a hot cup of freshly made Kawakawa tea. All equipment, photos and instruction is provided.

A volunteer heritage railway group providing the public with steam &/or diesel train rides on 5km of the old Rotowaro to Glen Afton branch line 12km drive west of Huntly. Open days operate on the first Sunday of every month. For other dates or to charter a train for your group contact the Secretary by email. The Open Day ticket covers rides on the main train between 10.00am and 3.00pm. Rides on an old bush "jigger" are usually available at a small extra cost. Souvenirs, a sausage sizzle, other food items and drinks are normally available on Open Days. We have EFTPOS. As well as train rides, the railway has a significant collection of heritage industrial railway items on display, much of which came from the coal & timber industries.