River Riders Ngāruawāhia

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.

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. 

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!

Carve your own traditional Māori pendant - the pekapeka: named after the native bat. This workshop is designed with entry-level carvers in mind, but some carving experience is highly recommended, and will take a minimum of 7 - 8 hrs. In this workshop, we will cover the cultural history of the form, the tools and skills necessary for stone-carving and will guide participants through the process of creating a pounamu pekapeka. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a fully completed and bound pekapeka to take home.

Carve your own traditional Māori pendant - the pikorua: a twist. This workshop is designed for entry-level carvers with next to no carving experience, and will take up to 7 - 8 hours. In this workshop, we will cover the cultural history of the form, the tools and skills necessary for stone-carving and will guide participants through the process of creating a pounamu pikorua. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a fully completed and bound pikorua to take home.

Embark on a premium 2-day journey through the heart of the North Island. This private tour connects New Zealand’s most iconic destinations with seamless door-to-door service. Day 1 features the magical Waitomo Glowworm Caves and an immersive tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, followed by an evening of Māori culture and a traditional Hangi feast at a Māori Village. Day 2 explores Rotorua’s Redwoods Forest, the colourful geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and the powerful Huka Falls. Traveling in our premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you receive the ultimate flexibility of a bespoke itinerary. We handle all transport and logistics, including surprise scenic stops through the Waikato, ensuring a professional and relaxed trip.