A Weekend in Waikato: Gardens & Galleries
Day One: Woodlands Estate to Sculpture Park at Waikakaruru Arboretum
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at home before heading down the scenic expressway to the neighbouring Waikato region.
Late Morning
Woodlands Estate - Homestead & Gardens
Grab a hot or cold drink from the onsite Garden Grove café then explore the outdoor manicured spaces of this 5 star Garden of National Significance.
Indoors, be sure to take a self guided tour of the homestead itself, this category 1 historic place was built in the 1870s and is full of the area's history.
Midday
Gordonton Township
At your leisure, browse through a few of the local shops such as Mr Ralph and The Mandarin Tree before enjoying lunch at the Matte Black Café.
Optional Stop
Cornerstone Alpacas
Stop by for a unique and memorable experience with these adorable animals if time permits.
Afternoon
Inspirit Gallery
Visit this diverse collection of New Zealand art, there is something for every art enthusiast, with the gallery showcasing a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures and photography.
Sculpture Park at Waikakaruru Arboretum
Take a leisurely walk through this beautiful park and admire the array of sculptures set amidst the stunning natural Waikato landscape. A perfect blend for an afternoon of art and nature.
Late Afternoon
Bootleg Brewery Taproom at the Old Matangi Dairy Factory
Quench your thirst amounst the old Matangi Dairy Factory and enjoy the fantastic selection of local craft beers on offer.
Grab a bit to eat off the bar snacks menu, or the food truck that is set up on the weekends.
Pair your visit with checking out The Sunday Society for stunning homeware antiques and Tis the Season for crafting must-haves, also set amongst the diary factory site.
Evening
Woodside Estate Accommodation
Stay the night at this countryside property with beautiful rural landscape surrounds. Property is complete with 3 double bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and open plan kitchen and living.
Day Two: Zealong Tea Estate to Wairere Nursery
Enjoy breakfast and a morning stroll through the 15 acre garden estate, complete with waterfalls, a small private beach, a lake and many interesting native and introduced plant collections.
Morning
Gibbslang Contemporary Art Gallery & Studio
Explore a diverse range of contemporary artworks at this gallery and studio set in amongst Waikato farmland.
Late Morning
Zealong Tea Estate
Immerse yourself in New Zealand's only tea plantation, this organic tea estate is one of a kind and has beautifully manicured gardens and grounds as well as a number of copper sculptures and art pieces to admire.
Enhance your visit with a tea tasting ceremony, guided tour or a high tea experience during your time at this estate.
Midday
Wairere Nursery
Fancy a spot of shopping? Explore the wide variety of plants and garden supplies on offer at this well known nursery, perfect for any gardening enthusiast.
Lunch
Hopin Stopin Café
The perfect stop to enjoy lunch beside the Waikato River before heading back home along the Waikato Expressway.
If time allows, you could also visit:
- Kimihi Lake – take a picnic lunch
- Waikato Paa Sites (via Waikato Wars App)
- Glen Afton Railway (open Sundays)
- Rangiriri Hotel
- Lavender Backyard Garden
- Black Dog Furniture Showroom
