Responsible Travel

Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

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. 

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.

Visit the Zealong Tea Room and indulge in our Signature High Tea, curated with a selection of hand-crafted gourmet sweets and savouries, or choose from our seasonal lunch menu. Enhance your experience with the perfect pairing of Zealong tea to - whether you prefer a refreshing green, a floral oolong, or a bold black, all our teas are 100% organically grown on-site and proudly made in New Zealand. All served with breathtaking views of the Estate’s rolling tea terraces and landscaped gardens. Make your visit even more memorable with a traditional tea tasting ceremony or a guided tour of our certified organic tea plantation.

Unique opportunity to visit the Karapiro Dam and see some of the amazing native bush and bird life in the Cambridge River Gorge. Ideal for you and your whole family, anyone who likes adventure, fun, speed or scenery. Speeding up the Mighty Waikato in a 450 hp V8 Jet Boat is going to get the heart pumping, adrenaline flowing and the faces smiling. If you are a thrill seeking adrenaline junkie then this is for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a game of golf, followed by a browse round a picturesque town and a latte, or a visit to the close by Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings, then give the team at Camjet Cambridge Jet Boat Tours a call and we can have a quiet cruise up our beautiful river.

Raglan Boat Charters is located at the Raglan Wharf on Whaingaroa Harbour, the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, 40 kms from Hamilton and approx 150kms from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. About our Cruises: Departing Raglan Wharf aboard the Wahinemoe to explore the charm of Whaingaroa Harbour – cruise past large conservation reserves, farmland and fishing villages. You will see marine wildlife and ancient limestone rock formations, and listen to fascinating tales about the history and culture of this very special area. Your friendly skipper and crew will take great care of you and make sure you have a magical experience. The sunset cruise is the best and its extremely rare on the west coast to find such an excellent viewpoint.

Camjet is certainly an amazing jet boat New Zealand experience along the mighty Waikato River. Therefore, you can enjoy the stunning and breathtaking scenery as you travel via jet boat from Cambridge to the base of the Karapiro hydro power station. Learn about the history of the region as your tour guide or his manager has a diploma in environmental management. Therefore, his knowledge for the flora and fauna in the area is second to none. Bird species you may encounter during the Ecological Jet Boat New Zealand River Cruise may include: fantail, kingfisher, tui, harrier hawk, New Zealand falcon, heron, shag, mallard. Also, you will see many fish species also, koi, rainbow trout, brown trout, mullet and many more.

Te Awamutu Museum Education & Research Centre is situated in Waipā district, within Waikato. A touchpoint for visitors to learn local history, social development and bi-cultural collaborations between Māori and settlers from 1823, through amazing objects and engaging stories. Understand the reasons why British soldiers invaded the Waikato 1863, the locations, who was involved, and its impact on the Waipā communities that are still being felt today. Do you know about Te Ara Wai Journeys? Start your journey with us. We also have our collections online.

Join our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides for a journey of hidden stories, secret symbols, interesting snippets, and new insights into some of our most popular gardens. Perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to uncover the deeper meaning behind our beautiful gardens. Book your tour today for the ultimate Hamilton Gardens experience.

Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike track was established in 1999 by owner and champion rider, James Fowlie and his family. We provide a totally unique experience. You can have a lesson with New Zealand's most experienced coach & try out the delights of dirt biking in a safe and friendly environment. Set in 750 acres of stunning, rolling countryside, the Park is a popular destination for visitors from all around the world, including first-timers, advanced riders, adrenaline seekers and families alike. No licence or experience necessary. When hiring one of our bikes full protective gear provided, as well as available to hire when riding your own bike. We look forward to welcoming you at the Park soon.

JetPark Hamilton Airport New Zealand is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, located just a 6-minute walk from Hamilton Airport Terminal and close to Mystery Creek Events Centre. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, outdoor pool, sauna, and tennis court during your stay. Our rooms feature free WIFI, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities, with some offering air-conditioning and spa baths. For added comfort, our apartments include living rooms and kitchenettes. Room service is available for your convenience. Unwind in our casual restaurant and bar with seasonal garden seating, or host your next event in our conference centre, featuring 6 versatile meeting rooms.

Bella Vista Motel Hamilton is the perfect base for your Waikato adventures. Only 90 minutes south of Auckland it is also a great stopover for both north and southbound travellers. The Bella Vista Motel Hamilton is Qualmark 4 Star endorsed and offers 18 self-contained and fully serviced units to choose from. Options include studio, one and two bedroom units all with the convenience of parking right on your doorstep. Choose from king, queen or single beds with electric blankets for the cooler nights. Free WIFI and options from tea and toast making only, to those with cooking facilities are available, we can also offer continental breakfasts. We look forward to meeting you.

Whether you are in need of a place to stay for a nearby event or a few days away in the countryside this property is just right for you. Close to Hobbiton, Cambridge, Lake Karapiro, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Hamilton Gardens and much more. Private cottage for your own comfort. The living area has a complete kitchen and comfortable lounge area. A ranch sliding door opens out to a larger decked area, outdoor table and chairs with unobtrusive view of Mount Maungatautari. The kitchen has everything you need to prepare a meal. Tea, coffee, sugar, milk, cooking oil, salt and pepper supplied. The electric heat pump/air conditioner will keep you toasty warm in winter, and cool and comfortable in summer.

Novotel Tainui Hamilton is perfectly located in the heart of Hamilton’s dynamic CBD. Only a short distance to Hamilton’s attractions, entertainment & major convention facilities and with easy access to the airport, the best of the city is at your doorstep. With this iconic hotel in the CBD, Hamilton is able to project itself as a destination for events & exhibitions, providing the service and quality required for its international travellers. The hotel provides 217 well equipped rooms as well as extensive conference facilities for up to 300 delegates. Featuring adequate onsite parking, gym, sauna, restaurant and bar, the hotel also has a strong commitment to the environment and is dedicated to achieve environmental and social activities.

Experience a hosted Country Stay with our rural properties available throughout the Waikato. Immerse yourself in the country lifestyle, where you can really get back to your grassroots. With a guided farm tour with your host you will learn about their farming life. Appreciate New Zealand's stunning rural landscapes, then relax for the evening with a 3 course New Zealand style meal, with complimentary beverage, prepared by your host. Enjoy conversation over the dinner table and find out all about the local hidden gems. Cooked/continental breakfast before you depart on your travels. We are NZ's largest Country Stay provider that is New Zealand owned & operated for more than 35 years.

Podium Lodge has been designed specifically for athletes to support their training or performance ambitions but we welcome anyone looking to stay in a spacious and modern facility with a sporting vibe. This 86 bed accommodation facility is situated on the northern fringe of Cambridge with access to local world class sporting and recreational facilities. 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport, minutes from Cambridge town and a gateway to numerous regional attractions. Whatever the reason for your visit, Podium Lodge is a complete accommodation experience with a team committed to ensuring your stay is a memorable one. We are not for profit and all proceeds are returned to the community.

Ibis Tainui Hamilton boasts the city’s best location, in the CBD on the banks of the Waikato River. The hotel presents the only restaurant in the city with breath taking views of the Waikato River - a great place to enjoy unique local flavours. Reopened in November 2022 after a full refurbishment, the hotel is the ideal choice for your next stay in Hamilton.

Located in the heart of the city amidst shopping, entertainment and the CBD, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is within a short walking distance to Waikato Stadium, Claudelands Event Centre, Seddon Park cricket grounds and only 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport. Relax in one of 51 guestrooms all with complimentary WIFI, cool off in the pool, enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant and wander along the river boardwalks not far from here, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is the ultimate location for the corporate traveller to large sporting or tour groups looking for that iconic touch.

Hidden Lake Hotel is a boutique slice of contemporary New Zealand immersed in treed north island nature typical to the region. It’s difficult to believe you are so close to Hamilton Airport and all that the Waikato has to offer. Contemporary styling is a feature of rooms and apartments with superior appointments and technical luxuries. Everything is well thought out and delivered with on-trend hospitality. Expect a high level of service without fuss. Down to earth as is the New Zealand way. Enjoy the designer interiors and scenic outlooks while being pampered with share plates, local wines and spa treatments.

Te Karaka Station & Lodge is a boutique retreat set in the middle of a picturesque working beef and sheep farm in the Waikato. With ten premium guest rooms, each thoughtfully designed to offer stunning rural views and modern comforts, the Lodge provides an intimate and exclusive escape. Guests can indulge in delicious culinary experiences and unwind taking in the stunning views. We offer a range of different activities such as walking trails and private farm tours around the station, as well as an outdoor swimming spa and spa treatments. For those looking to explore the area, there are scenic bush walks, the West Coast beach at Port Waikato, art workshops and glow worm caves to name a few. There is something for everyone at Te Karaka.

Experience a farmstay with our rural properties available throughout Canterbury. Immerse yourself in the farming lifestyle, where you can really get back to your grassroots. With a guided farm tour with your host/farmer you will learn about their farming life. Appreciate New Zealand's stunning rural landscapes, then relax for the evening with a 3 course New Zealand style meal, with complimentary beverage, prepared by your host. Enjoy conversation over the dinner table and find out all about the local hidden gems. Cooked/continental breakfast before you depart on your travels. We are NZ's largest farmstay provider that is NZ owned & operated for more than 40 years. Contact us to see if we have a farmstay in a location you are travelling to.

Our vision is rooted in our unique position as the gateway between the vibrant heart of Auckland and the serene beauty of Waikato. Nestled between these two worlds, we offer a haven where history and modern comfort converge. Our commitment to sustainability, local excellence, and active community engagement is the foundation of our identity. We take pride in being a catalyst for local growth, and in embodying the spirit of genuine local hospitality. Whether serving corporate guests seeking the comforts of home or leisure travelers eager to explore, we offer them the opportunity to immerse themselves in our local are before continuing their journey to their next destination.