Helicopter Flight Simulator (Hire)

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.

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.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an aspiring pro, our forge is the perfect place to shape hot steel into a one-of-a-kind creation you can take home. Located in the beautiful Waikato countryside, this is an all-weather activity - rain or shine, it’s always a great time to get forging. Plus, all classes are fully catered, so you can enjoy delicious refreshments while you work. Our team of skilled blacksmiths, led by Rob - one of New Zealand’s few time-served blacksmiths with over 30 years of experience - are passionate about sharing their craft. With their combined expertise, infectious enthusiasm, and friendly Kiwi humour, they create a welcoming environment where every class is memorable.

Set on 114 hectares of beautiful natural surroundings, our venue offers versatile indoor spaces, plenty of free parking, and a seamless setting for events of any scale. Conveniently located just two minutes from Hamilton Airport and close to the Waikato Expressway, it’s ideal for conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, corporate functions, multi-day festivals, camps, weddings, gala dinners, and celebrations. Guests also enjoy easy access to nearby accommodation and popular attractions, including Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, and Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

Gather up friends or family and treat yourself to your own personal helicopter flight to your destination of choice. Travel to a destination of your choice in a helicopter via a scenic route. Relax and soak up the local attractions and eateries followed by a return flight.

This permanent exhibition features images and costumes from the film ‘Ka Whawhai Tonu’ – ‘Struggle without end’ directed by Michael Jonathan. Come in and visit the exhibit and immerse yourself in the local history of this story today. Please note the film has an M rating, hence parental supervision is recommended when viewing this exhibition with young children.