Waikato Helicopter Tours

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 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.

Explore the forest together and identify plants and trees used in traditional Māori healing and wellbeing, learning about the properties of local plants. They will introduce you to the tikanga associated with harvesting, preparing and using plants for rongoā from their own experiences. These tours are generally with small groups and offer the opportunity to ask questions.

The Te Awamutu isite Visitor Centre is part of New Zealand's official nationwide Visitor Information Network. Plan your stay in Te Awamutu with our friendly isite team. With four mountains of fun and lakes right on our doorstep, we offer fantastic walks with an abundance of birdlife. Try Maungatautari After Dark to experience native bush at night and hear the kiwi's call. New Zealand National Fieldays is just a 15 minute drive from our place at Mystery Creek Event Centre. Our rural farming community, mixed with walking and cycling tracks, Boutique Bed and Breakfasts, shopping and events. Come and visit.

Real Native offers an immersive, self-guided farm and forest hiking adventure through pristine South Waikato landscapes adjacent to the Pureora Forest Park. Explore lush rainforest, giant podicarp forests, hidden waterfalls and the striking Buried River as you hike through a private working farm rich with birdlife and history. With a thoughtfully prepared menu's, bespoke adventurers lodgings, Real Native is an unforgettable, soul-nourishing New Zealand experience for couples or groups up to 10.

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 ideal for this type of work.