ANZAC: Remembering War, Whānau & Home

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.

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.

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. 

Upon the setting sun, your experienced guide will take you through the pest-proof fence to experience the nocturnal forest wonders. Marvel at the twinkling lights of glowworms, see the brilliance of the undersides of silver fern fronds and gaze up at the stars from the top of the tower on a crystal clear night, away from the bright lights of the city. Search by torchlight for spiders, millipedes, beetles and the many species of wētā that venture out at night in search of food. Keep an eye out for the many native birds coming in to roost and discover the Sanctuary's important role as a kiwi stronghold as you listen for their distinctive, piercing calls along with the two-pitched call of the ruru (morepork).

Here’s what you can expect. Pocket Pets: Hold and cuddle guinea pigs, mice, rabbits and rats- See the chinchillas. Nursery: Meet our adorable baby animals (bottle feeding lambs Aug/Sep/Oct). Reptiles: Get up close and personal with our friendly reptiles. Stables: Enjoy some love and attention with horses, ponies, donkeys, and get a chance to brush and braid them. Farm Walk: Stroll through our farmyard loop, feeding hay and maize to cows, sheep, alpacas, and goats. Tractor Play Area: Have fun with ride-on tractors. Hen House: Visit and feed chickens and ducks. Barn: Book undercover parties in our farmyard or fairy garden. Scavenger Hunt or Finding Gumboots.

We offer scenic day tours to the local attractions, with the bonus of exploring some secluded spots and/or beautiful waterfalls while experiencing authentic Māori culture with our local guides. Our tours include snacks and refreshments for the budget wise traveler, allowing more time to visit some remote destinations and enjoy the beauty that New Zealand has to offer. Our guides are experienced to understand your needs and can take you to additional destinations while on tour to give you memories to last a lifetime. We can tailor each itinerary to meet specific individual needs.