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

Mystery Creek Events Centre

A beautiful turn-of-the-century church, a picturesque setting, flexible and comfortable reception lounges, and great places for photos – the historic Heritage Village at Mystery Creek Events Centre is the perfect wedding venue. With its cobbled terraces overlooking the lake and village, The Bledisloe caters for al fresco entertaining, while it’s inside reception areas can be adapted to suit either intimate or extensive wedding parties. To help make your day the best it can be the Mystery Creek events management team are on hand to help with anything from pre-planning to looking after guests and catering.

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.

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.

Budd Videography

Tree Church and Gardens

Set in rural Waikato, the Tree Church and Gardens are a haven for those who love gardens, love trees and love nature. At the heart of the 2.5 hectare (6 acre) garden is a living chapel made of trees grown over an iron frame and adorned with red roses. Visitors find peace and serenity here in the Tree Church, walking the labyrinth or simply resting on the lawns and gazing up at the trees. Joy and beauty are found in the flower beds, the avenues of blossoms and trees, the waterlilies in the pond, the circles of trees. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic, to walk or to sit on the park benches and marvel at the beauty of the garden. Many couples are married in the Tree Church and then celebrate in the indoor and outdoor reception spaces.

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 Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum 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.

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.