Villa Walton

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.

Experience Hobbiton™ Movie Set as you have never seen it before with a guided tour through The Shire™ at dusk. Your tour guide will escort you through the 12 acre site, recounting fascinating stories and anecdotes about the trilogies. The tour concludes at The Green Dragon™ Inn with a complimentary beverage from our exclusive Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range. Enter the Green Dragon dining room where the tables will be heaving with traditional Hobbit fare and, as is the tradition in the Shire, second helpings are encouraged. To conclude this premium experience, guests will re-join their guide to make their way back through the wandering paths of the Shire.

Carved out of a hillside, this 42 acre former hard rock quarry has been transformed into a magnificent park with collections of trees and shrubs from around the world. The dramatic landscape provides the setting for the more than 70 sculptures on display - the park is the most extensive outdoor sculpture gallery in New Zealand. Featuring three new curated exhibitions per year, the park is open every day of the year. All weather walking tracks (sturdy shoes recommended) and ample parking; most sections accessible by wheelchair. The self-guided tour of at least 2km, provides a full-on sensory experience.

Located in the historic spa town of Te Aroha, Tintype Central is New Zealand's only portrait studio specialising in the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of development that predates film photography. Meticulously crafted on plates of glass or aluminum, each portrait is a unique piece of art resonating with depth and character, reflecting the beauty of imperfection and the rich tones of silver. Whether you're looking to commemorate your visit to Te Aroha, honor your whakapapa, or simply experience a piece of history, this is your chance to own a portrait like no other, one that transcends the digital age and brings the artistry of photography back to its origins.

Relax and unwind in our private wooden tubs filled with naturally silky mineral water that flows from the Mokena Geyser. Each mineral spa is in a private room with changing area and en suite for ultimate relaxation. For your comfort you can adjust the temperature of the spa. Treat someone special to our Birthday Package or Romance package with all the added extras including a candlelit room & take home gift. Indulge in a beauty or massage treatment at the recently opened Domain House Beauty. The facility is set at the base of Mount Te Aroha in the beautiful Edwardian style Te Aroha Domain. For your safety remember to always bring a friend, there is a minimum of two adults per spa.

From its source at the blue springs to where it enters the Hauraki Gulf, Te Waihou winds its way gently northwards. Your guide will take you on a tour of the historic town of Te Aroha where you will learn about some of the rich culture, history and wild geology of the area. The tour then travels to Waiorongomi to where a gold mining settlement used to thrive. Once at your departure point on the Waihou River you will be given expert instruction on how to navigate your kayak down the river safely. This section of river flows mainly through rural land, don't forget to look up and take in the majestic views of the mountain range a truly fantastic sight from the river perspective. Keep a sharp eye out for the wide variety of bird life.