Hamilton Gardens
Step into a world of wonder at Hamilton Gardens, one of New Zealand’s most unique and enchanting attractions. Explore 18 beautifully crafted Enclosed Gardens, each inspired by different cultures and historic garden styles from around the globe.Ranked among the top three must-see destinations in Aotearoa and in the top 1% of global attractions on TripAdvisor, Hamilton Gardens offers a truly immersive experience for all ages.General admission to the Enclosed Gardens is $20.00, or just $25.00 with an optional Audio Guide (available in English and Chinese). Entry is free for under 16s (ticket still required). Flexible prepaid ticketing means you can plan with confidence and adjust your visit date if needed.The Enclosed Gardens are open daily from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4:30pm.
Enhance your experience with a Highlights Tour or Audio Guide and uncover the fascinating stories behind each garden.Located on Hungerford Crescent, just off Cobham Drive (SH1c) in the heart of Hamilton.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set
Step into the enchanting world of Middle‑earth™ with a guided tour of the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Nestled in the lush countryside near Matamata, this 1,250-acre working farm became the magical backdrop for Sir Peter Jackson’s films.Wander past colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors, explore the famous Bag End and Bagshot Row™, and cross the double-arch bridge to the world-renowned Green Dragon™ Inn, where your tour concludes with a complimentary Southfarthing™ beverage.
A range of tours is available daily from The Shire’s Rest (501 Buckland Road, Hinuera), with prices ranging from $120.00 to $230.00 NZD. Tours regularly sell out—especially in summer—so advance booking is highly recommended. A must-do experience for film fans, families, and anyone keen to discover the magic of Aotearoa’s most famous film set.
Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
Perched above the mighty Waikato River in the heart of Hamilton, Waikato Museum is a vibrant cultural hub showcasing over 30,000 treasured taonga and objects. From Māori history and contemporary art to science and social history, this world-class museum offers exhibitions and experiences that inform, challenge, and inspire.Located at 1 Grantham Street, Hamilton, the museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day).
Entry is free (koha welcome), with small fees for interactive areas like Exscite and select exhibitions.While you're there, don’t miss ArtsPost—just around the corner at 120 Victoria Street. Housed in a striking heritage building, ArtsPost is a dynamic gallery and retail space featuring regularly changing exhibitions and a curated selection of local art and design. Admission is free and it's open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.
Rangiriri Paa Tours
Step back in time and discover the powerful story of Aotearoa’s past at Rangiriri Paa, the site of one of the most significant battles in the New Zealand Wars. Located at 10 Talbot Street, Rangiriri, Rangiriri Paa Tours offers an immersive experience through Ngā Maiorooro o Rangiriri — the world’s first full-scale replica of Māori earthwork battle trenches.Explore the history of the Kiingitanga and Waikato, and learn how the 1863 invasion by Crown forces across the Mangatāwhiri stream led to land confiscation and lasting impacts that continue to be felt today.
These stories of survival and resistance are told with authenticity and wairua, offering a moving and educational cultural experience.Open daily from 9:00am to 3:00pm, Rangiriri Paa Tours is a must-visit for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of Aotearoa’s history and the enduring strength of its people. “We survived annihilation.”
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Discover your moment of magic at one of New Zealand’s most iconic natural attractions. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a captivating underground experience that has enchanted visitors for over 130 years.Step into a limestone world 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display. Explore the cave by foot before gliding silently by boat through the world-famous Glowworm Grotto, where thousands of tiny glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa), unique to Aotearoa, illuminate the darkness like a starlit sky.The tour covers two distinct levels: a dry upper chamber adorned with delicate cave formations, and a lower level with stream passages, glowworms, and the Cathedral—the tallest chamber in the cave, celebrated for its acoustics.
Many guides are descendants of the Māori chief who first explored the cave, bringing its stories, history and legends to life through rich storytelling.A variety of tours are available, some of which include stairs, boat rides, or additional cave experiences. Prices vary depending on the tour, so it’s recommended to compare all options to find the one that best suits your preferences and mobility.Located at 39 Waitomo Village Road, the caves are open daily. Pre-booking is essential.
Hamilton Zoo
Step into the wild at Hamilton Zoo, the North Island’s largest zoological park, just minutes from the city centre. Set across 25 hectares, this nature sanctuary is home to over 450 native and exotic animals—from majestic Sumatran tigers and playful chimpanzees to giraffes, zebra, and Aotearoa’s largest walk-through aviary for native birds.Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a curious explorer, Hamilton Zoo offers a chance to connect with nature through unforgettable Animal Encounters.
These expert-led experiences bring you face to face with some of the zoo’s most captivating residents, and 80% of the cost directly supports critical conservation work here and in the wild.Located at 183 Brymer Road, Hamilton, the zoo is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm (last entry 3:30pm, closed Christmas Day).Be inspired. Be moved. Be part of something wild.
Kiwi Balloon Company
If you are looking for a safe and exciting ballooning experience, then you can be confident that you are in good hands with Mark and Wendy.