The Oar & Paddle

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.

Discover Waikato’s world class facility, centered around a purpose built 250m wooden with a guided tour. A great opportunity to learn about the history of the Avantidrome and find out more about the facilities and programmes we have on offer. While you are here, grab yourself a spot in the stands and watch New Zealand’s track cyclists train or perhaps rub shoulders with one of the Waikato/BOP Magic players or All Blacks Sevens team in the tunnel. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of New Zealand’s Olympic heroes hanging around. Avantidrome Tours take place on a weekly basis. Private bookings of a minimum of 10 persons welcome outside designated tour times.

Our latest focused exhibition invites visitors to explore the remarkable life of Rahapa Te Hauata — a woman whose courage, resilience, and voice continue to resonate through Aotearoa’s history. To commemorate and remember the events at Rangiaowhia on 21 February 1864, this small focused exhibition is on show until 20 March. Discover her powerful first-hand accounts of the sacking of Rangiaowhia and the extraordinary ways her whānau endured and survived this devastating moment in Aotearoa’s history.

Your guided tour starts at the Shire’s Rest on a Hobbiton tour bus with a drive through New Zealand's picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai ranges. Take a look at Bag End, where Frodo & Bilbo’s adventures began. Walk into the real-world landscape on a walking tour of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and listen to the haunting echoes of the past at the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, one of the most visited archaeological site where stories of the 1886 Mt. Tarawera volcanic eruption come to life and telling tales of the 8th Wonder of the World, the Pink & White Terraces including a café style lunch along the way. Visit the mesmerizing natural Te Wairoa (Wairere Falls), plunging to the valley along our waterfalls.

See all the city sights from the air and the great views of the surrounding country side. Hamilton is a metropolitan city situated on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, its rich cultural mix and vibrant center makes it a perfect place to experience the friendly Kiwi lifestyle. The vibrant café and bar scene is making a name for itself, and plentiful open spaces mean the city is an easy place to spend time in. The city is also rapidly gaining a reputation as a business hub for creativity and innovation as well as a destination for world-class international, national and local events. Arts and culture form an important part of the city’s makeup with the Waikato Museum paying homage to Hamilton’s past and future.