Rūaumoko: Restless Land

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. 

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.

The Waikato offers a mixture of picturesque coastlines and stunning farmlands. Experience the magnificent feeling of flying over some of New Zealand’s best scenery, whether it’s the breathtaking coastlines, including the surf famous black sandy beaches of Raglan, the untouched beauty of the rugged west coast, or flying above the Waikato river trails. Take a ride with our experienced helicopter pilot, Sam. He has close to 2,500 hours of flying of highly skilful agricultural and commercial operations. The HQ Rotor Work base in Kihikihi currently operates an AS350, a stable, high performance helicopter with comfortable seating for 5 passengers.

Our latest focused exhibition invites visitors to explore the remarkable life of Rahapa Te Hauata — a woman whose courage, resilience, and voice continue to resonate through Aotearoa’s history. To commemorate and remember the events at Rangiaowhia on 21 February 1864, this small focused exhibition is on show until 20 March. Discover her powerful first-hand accounts of the sacking of Rangiaowhia and the extraordinary ways her whānau endured and survived this devastating moment in Aotearoa’s history.

We specialise in exciting and inspiring New Zealand photography workshops, tours and expeditions with effective photography guidance from a New Zealand professional landscape photographer with 20 years' expertise. Wherever you are on your photographic journey we work with you to become a more skilful and confident photographer. Our photo workshops will take you on a journey through the natural wonders of this awe-inspiring country, while also providing guidance and instruction from a New Zealand professional nature photographer with 20 years' expertise. From generous and relevant photography instruction to quality private lodgings and fine New Zealand cuisine, we are committed to providing a premium experience which is second-to-none.