1. Visitors
  2. Things to do
  3. Wellness
  4. Wellness experiences in Waikato

Wellness experiences in Waikato

From getting out and “lost” in nature to emptying your mind in a local yoga studio, Waikato is the ideal destination for self-care and letting the world’s problems melt away.

Find yourself in nature

There is no better place to feel the soothing effects of nature’s balm than in Waikato.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Cave both show off the marvels of our subterranean world, with stunning limestone formations and dazzling glowworms that will take your breath away.

There is room to breathe and ample space across the Waikato to soak in nature with a number of walking trails, tracks and experiences dotted throughout - from casual strolls along the river to overnight bush excursions and winding mountain tracks with stunning scenic vistas.

And if serenity is what you seek, the Taitua Arboretum has that in spades, with shady bamboo groves and towering gum trees your only company much of the time. The 49-acre collection of trees just outside of Hamilton is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours letting nature wash over you to cure your ills.

Wellness and yoga

Visit Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and take part in a rongoā rākau – an introduction to Māori herbal medicine workshop or refresh your energy and renew your perspective on life as you appreciate your surroundings and yourself in a guided meditation workshop on the maunga.

Transform your mental, physical and spiritual health with breathing workshops in the Waikato. Local wellness therapists such as Sandro Mota offer one-on-one controlled breathing sessions to reduce stress and improve energy levels.

Or stretch away your woes in one of the many yoga classes or retreats dotted around Hamilton, Raglan and the wider region. Many offer spiritual yoga classes that train you to get in touch with your body and emotions as you immerse yourself in the present.

Healthy eating

There’s an abundance of Waikato restaurants that focus on healthy foods, sourced naturally and lovingly made with health and wellness in mind

Amor Café in Hamilton East is a great place to go for a quick nutrition fix, with a menu based around smoothies and superfood bowls but also featuring delectable bagels and gourmet toast. Also based in the foodie hot spot of Hamilton East is Two Birds Eatery whose ethos is based on flavourful food from scratch, using ingredients from local NZ producers and suppliers, sustainable living and community engagement.

Frank is another must-visit Hamilton eatery, offering honest food, as the name suggests. Upmarket yet comfortable, you’ll find options for all, with a long list of tasty gluten-free and vegan choices.

If fresh but fast is what you seek, then look no further than Fill A Bowl in Hamilton’s CBD and suburb of Te Rapa. Go healthy with a lighter Goal Bowl or opt for an OG Bowl if a fuller meal is required. You could even indulge with an Apple Crumble bowl from the Sweets Bowls menu.

When it’s time to take a mental breather and heal, to treat your body and mind with the reverence they deserve, then Waikato is the perfect place to wind down and to refill your cup.