The Curious Mates Itinerary: 3 Days of Discovery & Delight

Morning: Cultural Encounters in Hamilton

Start your day in the heart of the city with options to explore history, culture, and creativity:

• Te Ahurei Māori Tourism - join a guided river walk and hear pūrākau (stories) that bring the Waikato awa to life.
• Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery - dive into local and indigenous history, art and storytelling.
• Boon Street Art - take a self-guided wander past massive murals and bold outdoor art.

Afternoon: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Drive: ~50 mins to Matamata

• Step into Middle-earth with a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set - from hobbit holes to The Green Dragon Inn.

Evening: Hobbiton Evening Banquet Tour

• Stick around for the full banquet experience: feast on rustic fare in the Green Dragon Inn, then walk the lantern-lit paths of The Shire under a starry sky.

Morning: Hamilton Gardens

• Wander through award-winning themed gardens — each telling its own cultural, historic, or imaginative story. From the Surrealist Garden to Te Parapara, every turn invites wonder.

Midday: Woodlands Historic Homestead

Drive: ~30 mins to Gordonton

• Stroll through the beautifully restored Woodlands Estate, a colonial homestead surrounded by manicured gardens and rural charm.

Afternoon: Te Aroha Discoveries

Drive: ~45 mins from Woodlands

• Te Aroha & District Museum — uncover the town’s gold-mining and spa heritage through artefacts and local stories.
• Te Aroha Mineral Spas — wind down with a rejuvenating soak in naturally heated mineral waters, known for their healing properties.

Morning: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Drive: ~40 mins from Hamilton or 30 mins from Cambridge

• Begin the day immersed in the ancient ngahere (forest) of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari — one of Aotearoa’s largest predator-proof sanctuaries.
• Explore elevated canopy walkways, hear birdsong echoing through the trees, and gain deeper understanding of the ecological restoration happening here.

Afternoon: Te Ara Wai Journeys – Explore Waipā

• Follow the Te Ara Wai Journeys, a free, self-guided tour that brings to life sites of cultural and historical significance throughout the Waipā district.
• Explore key locations near Maungatautari and Cambridge where local experts share rich narratives of whenua (land), people, and pivotal moments in Aotearoa’s past.
• This immersive journey invites deeper connection with the region — perfect for curious minds and heritage explorers.

Optional: Mighty River Domain – Lake Karāpiro

• Wind down at Mighty River Domain, nestled on the shores of Lake Karāpiro.
• Enjoy lakeside strolls, relaxed lookout points, or simply take in the serenity of this scenic reserve - a beloved local gem.