Pukemako Scenic Reserve / Maungakawa Scenic Reserve

What was once a TB Sanatorium for returned servicemen, the Maungakawa scenic reserve boasts regenerating native forest with a scattering of exotic trees, plenty of native birdlife and the 30 minute loop walk.

The Pukemako Scenic Reserve Loop walk is set in the Pukemako Scenic Reserve (also known as Maungakawa Scenic Reserve) near Cambridge. This easy bush walk includes descriptive signage identifying native trees along the way and is perfect for young families.

The nearby Gudex Memorial Park is a fitting picnic spot, with wide open space, clear views of the Waikato and Hauraki Plains and stunning flowering cherries in the spring.

The reserve also boasts a rich heritage, with a magnificent Japanese walnut tree, camellia hedge, rhododendrons, bluebells and snowdrops all a legacy of the Thornton Garden. Old concrete footings and the shell of an old building are also visible remains of the TB sanatorium that gave the reserve the name Sanatorium Hill.

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 from Cambridge, on Gudex Road, off Maungakawa Road

Activity Duration:

30 minutes / 1.2kms

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

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. 

SkyCity Hamilton

SkyCity Hamilton

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!

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

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.

Te Whare Taonga o Te Awamutu Museum

Commemorating Rangiaowhia

Our latest focused exhibition invites visitors to explore the remarkable life of Rahapa Te Hauata — a woman whose courage, resilience, and voice continue to resonate through Aotearoa’s history. To commemorate and remember the events at Rangiaowhia on 21 February 1864, this small focused exhibition is on show until 20 March. Discover her powerful first-hand accounts of the sacking of Rangiaowhia and the extraordinary ways her whānau endured and survived this devastating moment in Aotearoa’s history.

Leisure Time Travel

Leisure Time Travel

We operate tours around the whole of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island and everywhere in between. Our experienced and knowledgeable team know the best spots in New Zealand and work hard to incorporate these into an amazing range of tours and short breaks for our guests. Enjoy a truly inspiring experience touring New Zealand with us. Our own fleet of 4-5 Star coaches, plus our high standards and practices have been recognised by Tourism New Zealand’s quality assurance organisation; Qualmark, who have granted us a Gold Award. We take pride in being ethically and environmentally responsible and are one of the only New Zealand tour operators with an exclusive concession with the New Zealand Department of Conservation.

Shirley Warring

Hadleigh Boutique Lodge - Garden Visit

Set on five acres, Hadleigh is accessed down a rural lane, the setting belies its proximity to the city’s renowned Hamilton Gardens and busy night life. We were particularly drawn to the areas natural beauty, as was Peter Jackson when he chose to film his magical Hobbits near here. However, it was the mighty Waikato River, woodland walks and verdant fields that drew us in. This new ‘Hadleigh’ is really quite superb, there are 2.5 acres of stunning gardens which featured in the prestigious House & Garden publication, a garden we are proud to share. The Arron Haddocks designed Lodge on the grounds offers refined accommodation for garden lovers and those who seek tranquillity from busy lives.

All things to do

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