Matariki 2025

Visit the Zealong Tea Room and indulge in our Signature High Tea, curated with a selection of hand-crafted gourmet sweets and savouries, or choose from our seasonal lunch menu. Enhance your experience with the perfect pairing of Zealong tea to - whether you prefer a refreshing green, a floral oolong, or a bold black, all our teas are 100% organically grown on-site and proudly made in New Zealand. All served with breathtaking views of the Estate’s rolling tea terraces and landscaped gardens. Make your visit even more memorable with a traditional tea tasting ceremony or a guided tour of our certified organic tea plantation.

Haere mai! Welcome to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you.

SkyCity Hamilton is situated inside the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise a superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River. With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger - voted the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse - the first Good George bar in the CBD, there is something for everyone at SkyCity Hamilton! Enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the Main Gaming Floor with over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games (R20 to enter the casino) or strike up a little competition on level two with Hamilton's only bowling alley, Bowl and Social, a world-class venue offering non-stop fun and state of the art technology!

Experience riding on a velodrama with our Have A Go sessions. An accredited coach will fit you with a bike and helmet and will expertly guide you through your session on the track. The session is one hour in duration and no matter what skill or fitness level you are, our coaches are experienced in tailoring your experience that’s safe but challenging enough just for you. Bike, helmet and coach provided.

You don't need to worry about transport or gear while you're here.

Whether you're on one of our tours or doing your own thing, our shuttle service is available to pick up and drop off any adventurers at any river trail or alternate point in our surrounding areas.

If you're after gear hire, we have you covered too! We've got regular bikes, e-bikes and accessories to really make a day of it.

Shuttle service
- Te Awa River Ride
- Hauraki Rail Trail
- The Timber Trail

Bike & e-Bike Hire
Available from our shop at the Velodrome in Cambridge

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.

Yoour one stop Alpaca Farm Cafe, Shop & Venue. A fun thing to do in Hamilton and a great tourist attraction. Experience the kiwi alpaca lifestyle. We enjoy welcoming visitors to our beautiful Waikato farm in the picturesque Gordonton Village, New Zealand. Meet our friendly alpacas, visit our Alpaca Gift Shop, and enjoy a bite from our onsite Licensed Café. Our stunning country barn, Granero, is available for functions and weddings with onsite catering from Cornerstone Kitchen. The farm is conveniently located on a popular tourist route between Auckland, Matamata (40 min) and Rotorua (90 min). We're 1 hour from Auckland, 5 min from Zealong and 15 minutes from Hamilton Gardens. Ideal for a family day trip to rural Waikato.

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.

Welcoming Guests Through Our Doors Since 1872. Woodlands Estate was established as a 98,000-acre estate purchased from The Crown by The Piako Swamp Company for 2/6 (25 cents) an acre. The Homestead, restored to its former glory, was initially built as a Manager's residence between 1875 and 1881. It is primarily made of Kauri and still features some original weatherboards and roof iron. Woodlands Estate is looked after by a not-for-profit trust, with the gardens being well-maintained by the Waikato District Council. The overall historic and aesthetic value of the homestead and gardens has been maintained thanks to generous donations and voluntary time. The Trust extends its gratitude for the generous support of the community over the years.

From ancient Egypt to a 21-century Concept Garden. Admission to the enclosed gardens requires a paid entry fee for visitors who live outside of Hamilton, with children under 16 years of age free. Unlike any botanical garden, our unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on TripAdvisor. Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens with one of our tours. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a returning visitor, this immersive journey unveils fascinating tales, discovering the cultural significance woven into every petal and pathway.  Or opt for an Audio Guide to enjoy a narrated journey through the ages and across the continents, exploring at your own pace. 

Whether you join our famous Kayak & Coffee excursion or hire kayaks with friends, you are only a short paddle away from New Zealand's best kept secret. Raglan Kayak and Paddleboard offers you world class excursions that are suitable for the whole family. Discover Raglan's stunning Limestone Coast, secluded bays, black sand beaches and cultural sites filled with a colourful history. Imerge yourself in and enjoy. Top quality equipment and professional briefings.

JetPark Hamilton Airport New Zealand is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, located just a 6-minute walk from Hamilton Airport Terminal and close to Mystery Creek Events Centre. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, outdoor pool, sauna, and tennis court during your stay. Our rooms feature free WIFI, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities, with some offering air-conditioning and spa baths. For added comfort, our apartments include living rooms and kitchenettes. Room service is available for your convenience. Unwind in our casual restaurant and bar with seasonal garden seating, or host your next event in our conference centre, featuring 6 versatile meeting rooms.

The pantry and fridge are stocked with breakfast items that were produced and harvested from the Estate's own chickens, bees, Angus beef, vineyard, olive trees and market garden, making for a truly unique and memorable experience.

Whether you're looking to relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings or explore all that the region has to offer, The Lakehouse is the perfect place to stay.

Novotel Tainui Hamilton is perfectly located in the heart of Hamilton’s dynamic CBD. Only a short distance to Hamilton’s attractions, entertainment & major convention facilities and with easy access to the airport, the best of the city is at your doorstep. With this iconic hotel in the CBD, Hamilton is able to project itself as a destination for events & exhibitions, providing the service and quality required for its international travellers. The hotel provides 217 well equipped rooms as well as extensive conference facilities for up to 300 delegates. Featuring adequate onsite parking, gym, sauna, restaurant and bar, the hotel also has a strong commitment to the environment and is dedicated to achieve environmental and social activities.

Located in the heart of the city amidst shopping, entertainment and the CBD, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is within a short walking distance to Waikato Stadium, Claudelands Event Centre, Seddon Park cricket grounds and only 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport. Relax in one of 51 guestrooms all with complimentary WIFI, cool off in the pool, enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant and wander along the river boardwalks not far from here, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is the ultimate location for the corporate traveller to large sporting or tour groups looking for that iconic touch.

Enjoy ocean front studio or chalet accommodation. All accommodation has sea views, super king beds, wireless internet, Sky TV, kitchenettes as well as private decks.

Select one of Castaways Resorts popular Packages combining accommodation, dining and your choice of activities or pampering or just come and stay the night and relax. Facilities include: Castaways Restaurant & Bar - award winning cliff top restaurant open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner and afternoon dining experiences. Bookings required.

Bersantai Day Spa - for all of your pampering needs. Adventures - archery, clay shooting, combat arrow tag and frisbee golf.

Facilities and Features

Breakfast
Conference Facilities
Dinner
Disabled Access
Internet (Public Use)
Laundry
Licensed Bar
Lunch
Restaurant
Room Service

Te Karaka Station & Lodge is a boutique retreat set in the middle of a picturesque working beef and sheep farm in the Waikato. With ten premium guest rooms, each thoughtfully designed to offer stunning rural views and modern comforts, the Lodge provides an intimate and exclusive escape. Guests can indulge in delicious culinary experiences and unwind taking in the stunning views. We offer a range of different activities such as walking trails and private farm tours around the station, as well as an outdoor swimming spa and spa treatments. For those looking to explore the area, there are scenic bush walks, the West Coast beach at Port Waikato, art workshops and glow worm caves to name a few. There is something for everyone at Te Karaka.

Ibis Tainui Hamilton boasts the city’s best location, in the CBD on the banks of the Waikato River. The hotel presents the only restaurant in the city with breath taking views of the Waikato River - a great place to enjoy unique local flavours. Reopened in November 2022 after a full refurbishment, the hotel is the ideal choice for your next stay in Hamilton.

Hidden Lake Hotel is a boutique slice of contemporary New Zealand immersed in treed north island nature typical to the region. It’s difficult to believe you are so close to Hamilton Airport and all that the Waikato has to offer. Contemporary styling is a feature of rooms and apartments with superior appointments and technical luxuries. Everything is well thought out and delivered with on-trend hospitality. Expect a high level of service without fuss. Down to earth as is the New Zealand way. Enjoy the designer interiors and scenic outlooks while being pampered with share plates, local wines and spa treatments.