One Flight to Discover the Best of Waikato and Bay of Plenty
Day 1: Waikato
Arrive at Hamilton Airport.
Land at Hamilton Airport via Jetstar - the heart of the central North Island and your gateway to nature and adventure. Pick up your rental car from RaD Car Hire Hamilton and get ready to hit the road.
Lunch: Made Hamilton
Discover Made Hamilton - the city’s creative food and retail hub where local makers, brewers, and chefs come together under one roof. Sample artisan bites, sip on small-batch coffee or craft beer, and soak up the buzz of Hamilton’s coolest new community space.
Evening: Hamilton Gardens
Your first afternoon in Aotearoa/New Zealand begins with a Guided Tour of Hamilton Gardens - uncover the stories behind its world-class themed landscapes, from Italian Renaissance courtyards to surreal fantasy gardens. A gentle, inspiring start to your New Zealand journey surrounded by beauty, creativity, and calm
Night
Stay at Novotel Tainui Hamilton - a contemporary riverside retreat overlooking the banks of the Waikato River. Blending modern comfort with a touch of nature, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of discovery
Dine at Gothenburg Restaurant - one of Hamilton’s most celebrated riverside restaurants. Savour seasonal tapas, local wines, and sweeping river views as the city lights reflect on the water - a fitting finale to your first evening in the mighty Waikato, New Zealand.
Day 2: Waikato
Morning: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Begin the day immersed in the ancient ngahere (forest) of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - one of New Zealand’s largest predator-proof sanctuaries. Wander beneath towering native trees as birdsong fills the air, surrounded by the stillness and serenity of untouched nature
Lunch in Cambridge
Head to Cambridge - the charming “town of trees and champions.” Enjoy lunch at Alpino Cambridge, a local favourite known for its warm Italian hospitality and rustic dishes crafted from the freshest Waikato produce.
Settle into the relaxed atmosphere and afterwards, wander the boutique-lined streets and uncover the town’s relaxed elegance.
Afternoon: Camjet Cambridge
End your day in Cambridge on a high with Camjet - an exciting ecological jetboat adventure along the mighty Waikato River. Experience the rush of 360° spins and scenic gorges, while learning about the river’s wildlife, history, and natural beauty.
A thrilling yet mindful way to connect with one of New Zealand’s most iconic waterways.
Night
Dine in the heart of Hamilton City and experience the region’s creative spirit come alive at the stunning new Waikato Regional Theatre. Catch a live performance, concert, or show in this new world-class venue.
Day 3: Waikato - Bay of Plenty
Morning: Hamilton
Wake up and start your day at Hayes Common - a riverside favourite known for its relaxed vibe and creative brunch plates. Enjoy barista coffee and locally sourced goodness before hitting the road and travelling east to the Bay of Plenty, where coastal adventures await.
Afternoon: Mount Maunganui
Start your Bay of Plenty adventure with a leisurely 40-minute walk around Mauao, the iconic mountain that holds special cultural significance, or challenge yourself with the 30-minute climb to the summit for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastline.
For lunch, treat yourself to refined cuisine at Solera (two hats), or keep it casual with some of our best burgers from Palace Burger on Maunganui Road.
Evening: Glow worm kayaking
As night falls, embark on an unforgettable glow worm kayaking tour with Waimarino Kayak Tours. Paddle across the tranquil waters of Lake McLaren as the sun sets, surrounded by native bush and the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.
Follow your guide into a narrow, hidden canyon where thousands of glow worms light up the rock walls like a star-filled sky.
Night
Stay at Tasman Holiday Parks – Papamoa Beach for beachfront accommodation – the perfect location for swimming, surfing, fishing and strolling along miles of white sandy beach.
Day 4: Bay of Plenty
Morning: Smoothie or coffee from The Sandbank
Sandbank Cafe is not your normal café. Coffee, smoothies, smoothie bowls and scones are served out of a purpose-built 1986 Bedford van, which can be found parked as close to the Pacific Ocean as possible at the Pāpāmoa Domain, and down the hill from your accommodation.
Afternoon: Muirs Tours
If cultural connection and crave-worthy cuisine are what you’re after, make your way to Maketū for Muirs Tours. Led by former Māori All Blacks captain Deon Muir, this is no ordinary fishing trip, it’s a hands-on journey into the heart of Māori culture and kai moana (seafood).
Head out on the water to catch your own fish, then return to shore where Deon fires up the grill and turns your catch into a feast infused with local flavours and stories.
It’s an unforgettable experience that blends adventure, authenticity, and the warm manaakitanga (hospitality) of coastal Aotearoa.
Evening: Dinner at Izakai Bar and Eatery
A local NZ twist on the Japanese Izakaya, Izakai Bar and Eatery brings together culture, tradition and flavours of Māori and Japanese to create a unique dining and drinking experience.
Day 5: Bay of Plenty - Waikato
Morning: The Historic Village
On your way back to Hamilton, stop in at The Historic Village - a collection of original and replica buildings from early Tauranga, set in gorgeous gardens and natural bush surrounds. These wonderful character buildings are home to over 50 businesses, including shops and community organisations.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the Historic Village’s cool new eateries.
Afternoon: Middle-earth Movie Magic
Travel to Hobbiton Movie Set - step into the lush pastures of the Shire and experience the magic behind Middle-earth. Join a guided tour and soak in the film set’s charm where imagination meets reality in the heart of the Waikato countryside.
Night: Rest and Relax at JetPark Hamilton
Stay at JetPark Hotel Hamilton Airport - unwind with dinner onsite, just moments from your next-day flight. Comfort, convenience, and easy access to the terminal make it the ideal finale.
