Hamilton Lake Domain

Haere mai! Welcome to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you.

SkyCity Hamilton is situated inside the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise a superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River. With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger - voted the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse - the first Good George bar in the CBD, there is something for everyone at SkyCity Hamilton! Enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the Main Gaming Floor with over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games (R20 to enter the casino) or strike up a little competition on level two with Hamilton's only bowling alley, Bowl and Social, a world-class venue offering non-stop fun and state of the art technology!

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. 

Embrace the Challenge. Confinement's outdoor games engage you, your friends, and your family in collaborative efforts to unravel puzzles and solve clues. This is all while getting some exercise and fresh air and giving you the opportunity to explore the city in ways you have never seen. Enjoy the excitement of a challenging and fun game, while also gaining insights into local history, culture, and nature. We have a range of different scavenger hunts and outdoor games available for all ages.

Carve your own traditional Māori pendant - the roimata: a teardrop. This workshop is designed for entry-level carvers with next to no carving experience, and will take up to 4 - 6 hrs. In this workshop, we will cover the cultural history of the form, the tools and skills necessary for stone-carving and will guide participants through the process of creating a pounamu roimata. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a fully completed and bound roimata to take home.

Great North Tours is a New Zealand tour company based in Hamilton in the North Island, just over an hours drive from Auckland International Airport. We provide personalised, bespoke, private, small group tours to guests in the North Island of New Zealand. We tailor holidays to suit you, so you’ll get to see the sights and sounds in your own comfort and pace, take part in adventure activities and experience our unique culture. Tell us about your needs and preferences, and we’ll be back in touch with recommendations of things to see and do, places to stay and food to eat. Each multi day tour is individually designed with attention to detail in every aspect of your tour. Then, we’ll show you the best of what New Zealand has to offer.