Travel Time South Pacific

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!

Set on five acres, Hadleigh is accessed down a rural lane, the setting belies its proximity to the city’s renowned Hamilton Gardens and busy night life. We were particularly drawn to the areas natural beauty, as was Peter Jackson when he chose to film his magical Hobbits near here. However, it was the mighty Waikato River, woodland walks and verdant fields that drew us in. This new ‘Hadleigh’ is really quite superb, there are 2.5 acres of stunning gardens which featured in the prestigious House & Garden publication, a garden we are proud to share. The Arron Haddocks designed Lodge on the grounds offers refined accommodation for garden lovers and those who seek tranquillity from busy lives.

Opening in 2013, Bucking Boar Cornfield Maze has designed and cut new maze designs each year into a 5 acre field. Designed for all to try and navigate their way through, with hidden stations and puzzles to be found and deciphered throughout. Afterwards whizz down and cool off on Waikato's best outdoor waterslides, there are 3 to enjoy. A fiberglass 55-meter slide complete with twists and turns, dual race inflatable slide and a kids 40 meter inflatable slide that allows people of all ages to experience the fun of sliding through the countryside. Make sure you enjoy a real fruit ice cream from the café at the end of the day. There's something for everyone at this stunning yet relaxed countryside theme park.

Avoid the crowds and travel at your own pace with our custom private day tour departing from Hamilton. This premium experience combines the North Island’s most iconic sites with hidden natural wonders. Begin your day at the Hobbiton Movie Set for a fully guided tour of the Shire. Next, enjoy a relaxed, custom lunch at the local-favourite Fat Kiwi in Ōtorohanga or a café in Matamata. Discover the crystal-clear beauty of the Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway) before heading underground to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You’ll travel in a modern, late-model vehicle selected for space and comfort. With door-to-door Hamilton pickup and a flexible itinerary, this is the ultimate way to see the Waikato’s best highlights in a single day.