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Waikato District

Welcome to Waikato District, a patchwork of lush landscapes and charming towns in New Zealand! Explore the rolling hills of the countryside, indulge in local treats at vibrant farmers' markets, and discover adventure in the stunning wilderness. Don’t miss the breathtaking Waitomo Caves and the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set—perfect stops for any curious traveler. Get ready for fun!

From the Community

Recommendations

Landmark4.8/5

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

Matamata's Hobbiton tour winds through the Shire, past round-doored Hobbit holes, vegetable gardens and fruit trees from the films. You can step inside a Hobbit hole and see its furnished pantry.

Attraction

Waitomo

Get ready for an underground adventure like no other at Waitomo Caves in New Zealand! Explore an enchanting world of glowworms illuminating the darkness with their twinkling lights. Brace yourself for thrilling boat rides, awe-inspiring limestone formations, and jaw-dropping stalactite and stalagmite displays. Prepare to be amazed and leave with memories that will sparkle forever!

Landmark4.7/5

Hamilton Gardens

Tucked away in Hamilton East, Hamilton Gardens is a botanical treasure trove bursting with whimsy! Wander through themed garden collections that transport you from a medieval European paradise to a serene Japanese oasis. With vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and delightful paths, it’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. Plus, it’s free! Nature lovers, rejoice! 🌸🌿

Landmark4.8/5

Sanctuary Mountain - Maungatautari

Native forest and native birds fill this sanctuary, with walking tracks under tall trees. A predator-proof fence encloses the forest.

Cafe4.7/5

Alpino Cambridge

Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Alpino is a cozy little cafe serving up delicious coffee and pastries. The laid-back vibe and friendly staff make it the perfect spot to recharge before exploring the charming streets of this picturesque town. Don't miss out on their famous flat whites and freshly baked treats!

Eat3.9/5

Good George Head Office

Nestled in Frankton, Hamilton, Good George Brewing’s Head Office is a hop-lover’s paradise! Step inside this vibrant brewhouse to taste their crafty ales and lagers, all while soaking in the quirky decor. Enjoy a delicious bite from their menu, meet fellow beer enthusiasts, and soak up the local vibe. Cheers to good times in New Zealand! 🍻

Culture4.6/5

St Andrews Anglican Church

Nestled on Hamilton Road, St Andrews Anglican Church is a charming gem in Cambridge, New Zealand. With its stunning architecture and serene gardens, it beckons explorers for a peaceful moment. Don’t miss its vibrant community spirit and captivating stained glass windows! Perfect for a quick snap or a quiet reflection – this church promises delightful discoveries for every traveler! 🌟

Landmark

Te Koutu Domain

Looking for a fun day out in Cambridge, New Zealand? Check out Te Koutu Domain on Albert Street! This scenic park is perfect for picnics, frisbee games, and strolls along the picturesque Lake Te Koutu. With playgrounds for the little ones and beautiful gardens for the adults, this park has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

Culture

Church of the Good Shepherd Te Akau and Te Akau Cemetery

Welcome to Church of the Good Shepherd Te Akau and Te Akau Cemetery! Nestled in the charming village of Te Akau, this historic church and cemetery offer a glimpse into the past of this quaint New Zealand community. Don't forget to take a stroll down Te Akau Wharf Rd for stunning views of the coast. Happy exploring!

Eat4.5/5

Over the Moon Cambridge

Eat$$$$$4.7/5

Palate Restaurant

Tucked away in the vibrant streets of Hamilton, Palate Restaurant is a foodie’s dream! This trendy spot dazzles with a menu bursting with creative Kiwi flavors, all set in a chic, laid-back atmosphere. From farm-fresh ingredients to innovative dishes, every bite is a delight. Don’t miss their dreamy desserts—perfect for a sweet finish to your culinary adventure!

Cafe$$$4.3/5

Raglan Roast Food Department

Eat$$$4.4/5

NEW YORK HUNGER

Cafe3.5/5

Café Fusion

Cafe4.7/5

Manuka Brothers' Coffee Roastery

Cafe$$$4.5/5

Kahurangi Cafe (Village Green)

Cafe$$$4.4/5

The River Kitchen

Stays

Stay$$$4.15/5

Maple Lodge Motel

Surrounded by lovely gardens, Maple Lodge Motel is located in a quiet area of Matamata, just 1km from the town centre. It is a 14-minute drive from Hobbiton and Wairere Falls. Free WiFi access is available. Spacious rooms here will provide you with a terrace and a seating area. There is a kitchen area with a stovetop and a refrigerator. Featuring a bath or shower, the private bathroom also comes with free toiletries. Some rooms also offer a dining table and a sofa. At Maple Lodge Motel you will find a garden. Other facilities offered at the property include luggage storage and a children's playground. The property offers free parking. Hamilton International Airport is 40 km away.

Stay4.15/5

Waitomo Lodge

Waitomo Lodge in Te Kuiti offers spacious family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, dining area, and modern amenities such as a TV and streaming services. Guests benefit from daily housekeeping, room service, and a dining table. Additional features include a kitchenette, balcony with garden or river views, and a spa bath. Free toiletries and a tea and coffee maker enhance the stay. Located 62 km from Hamilton Airport, the motel provides easy access to local attractions. Highly rated for room comfort, size, and cleanliness, Waitomo Lodge ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay.

Stay4/5

Motel Te Kuiti

Motel Te Kuiti in Te Kuiti offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, free WiFi, and garden views. Each room includes a kitchenette, dining area, and essential amenities such as a tea and coffee maker, refrigerator, and TV. Guests enjoy free on-site private parking, a shared kitchen, and an outdoor seating area. Additional facilities include daily housekeeping, private check-in and check-out services, and free toiletries. Located 64 km from Hamilton Airport, the motel provides easy access to local attractions. Guests appreciate the convenient location, attentive staff, and impeccable room cleanliness.

Stay4.1/5

Mystery Creek Farm stay

At Mystery Creek Farm Stay, immerse yourself in stunning rural landscapes, enjoy authentic Kiwi hospitality, and experience farm life firsthand, making it an iconic destination for relaxation and adventure in New Zealand's beautiful countryside.

Stay4.8/5

Lake Karapiro Lodge

Stay4.6/5

The Henley- Events Venue, Meetings and Accommodation

Things To Do
Provided by

5/5

11 h

Waitomo Glowworm & Ruakuri Twin Cave - Private Tour From Auckland

Take a trip through the magical underground world of sparkling glowworms and fascinating caverns with a private day tour from Auckland to Waitomo Caves. Visiting the Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a must-do experience, with the Arachnocampa Luminosa species of glowworm only found in New Zealand. Get the most out of your visit with a package to explore more than just one unforgettable cave in Waitomo. The Most popular combo combines the famous Waitomo glowworm cave with a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave for the ultimate Waitomo experience including a delicious BBQ buffet lunch before we finish the trip.

$678.06

5/5

8 h

Hobbiton Movie Set Experience: Private Tour From Auckland

Travel in style and luxury on this private tour from Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set, set on rolling farmland, this is the world-famous movie set where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit holes', the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree, and so much more cinematic magic! Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies.

$573.34

5/5

11 h

Black Labyrinth: Black Water Rafting - Private Tour from Auckland

Experience the ultimate underground adventure as you journey from Auckland in a luxurious private vehicle to the spectacular Waitomo region. Dive into the thrilling world of black water rafting in the stunning Ruakuri Cave, where you'll float through an underground river, leap over cascading waterfalls, and marvel at thousands of glowworms illuminating the cave walls. This adventure offers just the right balance of excitement and accessibility, making it perfect for those seeking adrenaline without intense challenges. After the adventure, enjoy a delicious café-style, reflecting on an unforgettable day of exploration.

$730.42

5/5

12 h

Private Tour: Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua Mud Pool & Treewalk

Private Tour of the magical worlds of Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua. Embark on a private tour across the North Island of New Zealand, where every stop offers a riveting story of breathtaking scenery and diverse cultural offerings. From Hobbiton's fanciful vistas to Rotorua's geothermal delights, every part of this diverse land has a unique story. Tour Highlights: - Geothermal wonders of Rotorua where boiling geysers and bubbling mud pools abound - Redwoods Forest is an award-winning 700 meters long eco-tourism walk. spans over 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms. - The Hobbiton Movie Set is a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy, serving as a stand-in for the town of Hobbiton in the Shire in both trilogies. This private tour blends stunning natural beauty, thrilling experiences, and fascinating history, ensuring that your day in Hobbiton & Rotorua is nothing short of extraordinary.

$1,099.00

5/5

12 h

The Ultimate Canopy Zipline Experience Private Tour From Auckland

Embark on a private luxury tour from Auckland to soar through trees and experience New Zealand’s ancient forest like never before on an unforgettable zip line adventure. Step into a lost world and come face to face with towering trees and native flora untouched for centuries in one of the most intact native eco-systems you’ll find anywhere in New Zealand. Immerse yourself in this breath-taking country the way it once was and hear the inimitable birdsong of New Zealand native birds.

$782.78

5/5

10 h

Hobbiton Movie Set Banquet Experience Private Tour From Auckland

Drive through the scenic roads of Waikato on a chauffeur driven premium luxury vehicle to experience life as a Hobbit like never before! Join the Hobbiton Film Set at dusk with a guided tour of the Shire and a banquet feast fit for a Hobbit served inside the world-famous Green Dragon Inn. Eat like a King (Hobbit) before a gentle lantern-lit walk through the Shire with Hobbiton lit up. Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit Trilogies. Feast on a Hobbit-inspired dinner banquet and end the evening with an unforgettable lantern-lit walk through the village wandering paths of the Shire.

$811.58

5/5

13 h

Devil's Bath Experience - Private Tour to Wai-O-Tapu & Lake Taupo

Enjoy the surreal landscapes and mysterious appeal of a majestic and active geothermal site on this private day tour from Auckland on a luxurious vehicle. Soak in hot steam, marvel at boiling mud pools at one of New Zealand’s most impressive geothermal wonderlands. Look for the luminous green waters of the ominously named Devil’s Bath. Experience a land of fire and ice, Lake Taupō, a stunning natural cauldron, ringed by beautiful snow-capped mountains, and feel the thrill of cascading waterfalls at Huka falls. Be prepared to have your taste buds tingling, with the chance to try an array of exotic artisan honeys in a special tasting room.

$678.06

5/5

10 h

Hobbiton Behind The Scenes Experience Private Tour From Auckland

Discover Hobbiton beyond the traditional Movie Set visit on a premium private journey from Auckland. Travel through the beautiful Waikato countryside before exploring the famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set, including its Hobbit holes, Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn. Enjoy a memorable banquet feast at The Millhouse, followed by special access to the Art Department workshop, where the creativity and craftsmanship behind the Shire are revealed. Complete your experience with a Hobbit-inspired cheese platter overlooking the picturesque landscape before returning to Auckland. With limited availability, this immersive experience offers Tolkien fans a rare opportunity to discover more of the detail, artistry and stories behind Middle-earth.

$782.78

5/5

8 h

Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Private Tour From Auckland

Experience the moment of magic on a luxurious private tour from Auckland to Waitomo and marvel at thousands of glow worms located beneath the rolling green countryside of the Waikato, one of New Zealand’s prime farming regions. The subterranean cave system is most unforgettable sightseeing experience as you walk through majestic caverns, exploring limestone shafts, marvelling at the stalactites and stalagmites and ride a boat beneath thousands of tiny glow-worms inhabit the cave and put on a mesmerising light display likened to the twinkling night sky.

$573.34

5/5

13 h

Lake Taupō Private Day Tour from Auckland to Māori Rock Carvings

A journey from Auckland’s bustling cityscape to Taupō’s scenic lakes on a luxury private tour will lead you to marvel at the breath-taking geothermal scenery, stunning waterfalls, and World Heritage-listed Forest reserves. Located in the centre of New Zealand’s North Island lies the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo, is also a super volcano! Get right up close to explore lake Taupō on an eco-friendly scenic cruise around the Western Bays of the Lake to see the huge Māori rock carving at Mine Bay. Investigate the hidden bays, beautiful coastline and feel the thrill of cascading waterfalls at Huka falls. Be prepared to have your taste buds tingling, with the chance to try an array of exotic artisan honeys in a special tasting room.

$625.70

5/5

11 h

Private Tour From Auckland To Rotorua incl. Te Puia Valley & Haka

On this private day tour from Auckland, explore the geothermal wonderlands of Rotorua in one day. Experience a personal encounter with our people, culture, and place. Home to the world-renowned Pōhutu geyser and New Zealand's Māori Arts and Crafts Institute, Te Puia is one of Rotorua's top attractions. A place where mud pools bubble, boil, and geysers shoot steam high into the air. See two iconic native New Zealand kiwi birds in the Kiwi House and viewing enclosure. Experience traditional food Hangi buffet lunch infused with indigenous flavours and an authentic and traditional Māori concert, a truly wonderful New Zealand cultural experience for all the family.

$625.70

5/5

10 h

WAITOMO - Twin Caves Discovery - Private Day Tour from Auckland

The Waitomo Twin Caves Discovery combines two iconic caves: the Glowworm Cave and Ruakuri Cave. Glowworm Cave: Famous for its glowworms that light up the cave ceiling, this tour includes a guided walk through limestone formations and a silent boat ride under thousands of glowworms. Highlights include the Cathedral, known for its acoustics, and the mesmerizing glowworm grotto. Ruakuri Cave: This cave offers a more adventurous experience, featuring intricate limestone formations, underground rivers, and close-up views of glowworms. Highlights include the spiral entrance, stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and glowworms visible from walkways. Both tours provide an unforgettable experience—Glowworm Cave focuses on the magical glowworm display, while Ruakuri offers a deeper exploration of underground wonders.

$452.04

5/5

10 h

Private Tour: Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo Glowworm & Hobbiton Movie Set

Embark on a Magical Adventure: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves. This unforgettable day tour combines the best of both worlds—fantasy and nature—leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime. - Hobbiton – A Land of Fantasy: Begin your adventure where the real-world set of *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* films awaits. Wander through the charming, tree-lined paths of Hobbiton, and explore the iconic Hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the breathtaking Shire. Imagine yourself stepping into the world of Bilbo Baggins and his companions, as you learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the movie magic that brought this incredible fantasy world to life. - Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Dive into the heart of the earth with a visit to the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Journey into the stunning limestone caverns, where thousands of glowworms light up the underground like stars in a night sky.

$1,099.00

5/5

Sanctuary Mountain (Mt Maungatautari) & Hamilton Gardens Day trip from Auckland

In this exclusive luxury tour you will visit Internationally renowned Hamilton Gardens as well as one of the largest pest proof wildlife sanctuaries in the world

$418.88

5/5

13 h

Hobbiton Movie Set& Te Puia Experience Private Tour From Auckland

Experience the magic of great value Hobbiton Movie Set day tour, the award-winning attraction made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit holes' the Green Dragon Inn, the Party Tree and so much more cinematic magic! Immerse yourself in the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of the Shire as featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Along with a day pass to explore the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Te Puia geothermal valley all in one day. Visit New Zealand’s native kiwi birds, and learn about Māori history & culture. This unforgettable combination tour takes you to top two tourist attractions on the North Island.

$782.78

5/5

96 h

Private Tour [4 Days]: Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Hells Gate & Wai-O-Tapu

Thermal Getaway hosts unique insights for travellers wanting to experience a fulfilling and enriching journey that will create lasting memories. Uncover under cave wonders, geothermal hotspots, discover vibrant cities and be immersed in the awe-inspiring Māori heritage that holds a special bond with this ancient land. A huge range of family attractions and adrenaline activities, as well as peaceful nature-based experiences that will get you back in touch with the real world. Come and discover New Zealand’s most unique geothermal experience on this luxury private tour.

$4,651.32

5/5

13 h

Magical Wanderer Experience Private Tour to Te Puia & Wai-O-Tapu

This one-day tour is designed for private travellers on a luxury vehicle with return transfers from Auckland to explore the geothermal wonderlands of Rotorua in one day. Experience a personal encounter with our people, culture, and place. Visit Te Puia, one of Rotorua's top attractions. A place where mud pools bubble, boil, and geysers shoot steam high into the air. See two iconic native New Zealand kiwi birds in the Kiwi House and viewing enclosure. Experience traditional food Hangi buffet lunch infused with indigenous flavours and an authentic and traditional Māori concert, a truly wonderful New Zealand cultural experience for all the family and continue to enjoy the surreal landscapes and mysterious appeal of active geothermal sites at Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland.

$678.06

5/5

9 h

Small Group Luxury Hobbiton Tour incl. Lunch From Auckland

Embark on a full-day sightseeing luxury tour on our premium luxury vehicle from Auckland to see New Zealand's most famous attraction. Grab a great value Hobbiton Movie Set tour including a Buffet Lunch at the Party Marquee, the award-winning attraction made famous by the popular Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies where you'll see the intricately created 'Hobbit!

$290.31

5/5

12 h

Rotorua Farm & Forest Private Tour from Auckland

Discover the charm of rural New Zealand and the beauty of Rotorua’s ancient forests on this luxury private day tour from Auckland. Enjoy the world-famous Farm Experience, where entertaining sheep shows, working farm dogs, and hands-on encounters with friendly animals offer a fascinating insight into Kiwi farming life. After lunch, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the magnificent Redwoods Treewalk, where eco-suspended bridges weave high amongst towering 120-year-old Californian redwoods and native ferns in the enchanting Whakarewarewa Forest. Blending authentic farm experiences, natural beauty, and peaceful forest scenery, this unforgettable journey offers a wonderful taste of Rotorua’s countryside and one of New Zealand’s most iconic forests.

$678.06

5/5

11 h

Small Group Tour To Karangahake Gorge & Waihi Gold Exploration

Step into the past and uncover hidden gems on this small group day tour from Auckland to the stunning Coromandel region. Begin with a scenic self-guided walk through the Karangahake Gorge, following historic rail tunnels and gold mining relics along the famous Rail Tunnel Loop. Stop for a relaxed lunch at the charming Waikino Station Café, nestled in the heart of the old mining route. Continue to the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre for an interactive journey into New Zealand’s rich gold mining history. End your day with free time to unwind at Waihi Beach, soaking in coastal views before returning to Auckland. This unique tour blends nature, history, and heritage for an unforgettable day away from the city.