Kakepuku Track Te Awamutu

Kakepuku Mountain offers an advanced 2-3 hour return hike inside the Kakepuku Historic Reserve near Te Awamutu.

Climb the mountain along a shared mountain biking track for part of the way before continuing along the mountain ridge through remnants of original forest in the ancient volcano’s crater before reaching the summit at 449m.

A viewing lookout tower at the top provides uninterrupted views over the Waipa and Waikato region, with panels offering historical and geological information on both the Kakepuku Mountain and surrounding area.

Native birdlife including tui, kereru and North Island robins, along with beautiful native fauna and stunning summit views make this advanced grade track well worth the effort.

Please Note: Many of the walking trails in the Waikato region do not allow dogs. Hamilton & Waikato Tourism recommend checking with the Department of Conservation before taking your dog on any of the trails in the region.

Pricing

Free

Proximity to Town:

15 minutes drive from Te Awamutu

Activity Duration:

2 – 3 hours return

Messina Waitaci

Tino Pai Tours Limited

We offer scenic day tours to the local attractions, with the bonus of exploring some secluded spots and/or beautiful waterfalls while experiencing authentic Māori culture with our local guides. Our tours include snacks and refreshments for the budget wise traveler, allowing more time to visit some remote destinations and enjoy the beauty that New Zealand has to offer. Our guides are experienced to understand your needs and can take you to additional destinations while on tour to give you memories to last a lifetime. We can tailor each itinerary to meet specific individual needs.

Te Papa Museum

Rūaumoko: Restless Land

Exhibition on now until Monday, January 26, 2026. Rūaumoko: Restless Land is our new and exciting interactive touring exhibition from Te Papa. Experience elements from Te Papa’s Te Taiao Nature zone that combines cutting-edge science with mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) to explore the powerful, natural forces that continuously shape Aotearoa. Te Papa and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake have teamed up to promote natural hazard awareness and preparedness through this exhibition. It introduces Rūaumoko to illustrate the forces of nature and presents a wero (challenge) for visitors to learn about natural hazards and ways to be prepared in our communities and at home.

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum

The Costumes of Ka Whawhai tonu mātou - Ake, Ake, Ake

The exhibition features images and costumes from the film ‘Ka Whawhai Tonu’ – ‘Struggle without end’ directed by Michael Jonathan. Come in and visit the exhibit and immerse yourself in the local history of this story today. Please note the film has an M rating, hence parental supervision is recommended when viewing this exhibition with young children.

Rotor Work

Helicopter Flight Simulator (Hire)

Located 40 min south of Hamilton in Kihikihi is a fully functioning full VR helicopter flight simulator. Great for the individuals, families and or as a team building activity. This helicopter flight simulator is the perfect way for people, young and old, to experience helicopter flying without the costs. It utilises real aircraft airframe and controls, making it an ultra-realistic simulator. It can be experienced on site or hired out for approved events.

Dave Owen

Te Awamutu Space Centre

Te Awamutu Space Centre is an inspiring educational attraction for all ages. Experience the world of space and astronomy through displays and interactive activities. Our centrepiece exhibit is a small but fascinating collection of artifacts from the American and Russian space programmes. You'll find informative displays about the Universe, the history of space exploration and scientific research. Use the interactive screens to see what's in the night sky, tour the Solar System, create your own orbital systems and more. Watch videos, ask us questions and just hang out chatting about space. See our website for details and opening hours.

Rotor Work

Waikato Helicopter Experiences

Gather up friends or family and treat yourself to your own personal helicopter flight to your destination of choice. Travel to a destination of your choice in a helicopter via a scenic route. Relax and soak up the local attractions and eateries followed by a return flight.

All things to do

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider complies with its safety obligations. Users should seek more information from the provider concerned. While Hamilton & Waikato Tourism will do its utmost to ensure the information contained within this website is accurate, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, offers or details of any information or operator listings. Prices, timetables and other details or terms of business may change without notice. The information included in this website is not advice and does not imply any endorsement by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism.