Archaeology: Beneath Your Feet Exhibition

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. 

Play in 3D! Loop, Roll, Slide and Experience the edge-of-the-envelope flying that is aerobatics. Can you handle 30 minutes of adrenaline rush? FREE Youtube in-cockpit video of your flight experience to share with friends.

Take a class with one of the world’s best - Gail Jones NZPFA (NZ), AIFD (USA), PFCI (USA) Master Florist, 2nd place at Interflora World Cup, International Designer and Head Referee Interflora World Cup China. A unique opportunity to enjoy some time & create a dried flower treasure to take home. Exclusive flowers dried, colored and treated on the property. Gails of Tamahere has been in operation for 38 years & has 6 acres of landscaped gardens, fully operational restaurant (by appointment). An absolute destination for weddings and functions, is an iconic spot for your dream event. This year an opportunity arose to reintroduce the floral schools as quality flowers became available.

Set in rural Waikato, the Tree Church and Gardens are a haven for those who love gardens, love trees and love nature. At the heart of the 2.5 hectare (6 acre) garden is a living chapel made of trees grown over an iron frame and adorned with red roses. Visitors find peace and serenity here in the Tree Church, walking the labyrinth or simply resting on the lawns and gazing up at the trees. Joy and beauty are found in the flower beds, the avenues of blossoms and trees, the waterlilies in the pond, the circles of trees. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, to walk or to sit on the park benches and marvel at the beauty of the garden. Many couples are married in the Tree Church and then celebrate in the indoor and outdoor reception spaces.