Out in the Styx Guest House

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.

The bespoke 8-day New Zealand Luxury Photography Tour has been created with your absolute comfort in mind. Indulge your senses on this exciting adventure, the pinnacle of small-group photography travel currently available in New Zealand. In the style of a custom experience we have tailor-made this exclusive photography workshop for discerning travellers who seek the ultimate combination of breath-taking photography locations, world-class private lodge accommodation, and exquisite fine-dining cuisine.

This leisurely paced tour takes place in striking pest-free native forest dominated by towering tawa, rewarewa, pukatea, rimu and a wide variety of characteristic ferns. You will stand at the foot of a mature northern rata in the heart of the sanctuary and see the coalesced mass of roots that form the trunks of these magnificent trees. You’ll listen to the birdsong, take in the majesty of our indigenous forest and try to spot the numerous bird species that call the maunga their home. Spend time in the clearing where cheeky New Zealand forest parrots - the kākā - like to hang out then take an optional walk up the viewing tower for a unique perspective of the forest canopy from above.

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.

Explore the forest together and identify plants and trees used in traditional Māori healing and wellbeing, learning about the properties of local plants. They will introduce you to the tikanga associated with harvesting, preparing and using plants for rongoā from their own experiences. These tours are generally with small groups and offer the opportunity to ask questions.