Mighty Waikato

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. 

Come into our professional workshop and Carve Your Own traditional Māori pounamu pendant. These workshops are not only designed to give people with no carving experience a taste of what goes into crafting taonga, but also the opportunity to carve their own greenstone treasure. In these workshops, we cover the cultural history of the artform, the tools and skills necessary for stone-carving, and guide participants through the process of creating a pounamu pendant. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a fully completed and bound taonga to take home with them along with a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural background behind it all.

Welcoming Guests Through Our Doors Since 1872. Woodlands Estate was established as a 98,000-acre estate purchased from The Crown by The Piako Swamp Company for 2/6 (25 cents) an acre. The Homestead, restored to its former glory, was initially built as a Manager's residence between 1875 and 1881. It is primarily made of Kauri and still features some original weatherboards and roof iron. Woodlands Estate is looked after by a not-for-profit trust, with the gardens being well-maintained by the Waikato District Council. The overall historic and aesthetic value of the homestead and gardens has been maintained thanks to generous donations and voluntary time. The Trust extends its gratitude for the generous support of the community over the years.

Essene Country Lodge offers a serene escape to the countryside, complete with horses, cows, pukekoes, and eels. A little bit of country, a little bit of luxury. Simple pleasures with plenty of exploring within an hour's drive - Mount Maungaui or Raglan; Rotorua or Waitomo; Lake Karapiro, Cambridge, Hamilton and Te Awamutu all within 15 minutes carefully positioned on 1.6 hectres of heritage land fully surrounded in mature trees. The house is fully equipped to service families, couples and business owners. Essene Country Lodge offers the ulitmate peace, privacy and tranquil. 1 hour 40 minutes to Auckland Airport.

Ibis Tainui Hamilton boasts the city’s best location, in the CBD on the banks of the Waikato River. The hotel presents the only restaurant in the city with breath taking views of the Waikato River - a great place to enjoy unique local flavours. Reopened in November 2022 after a full refurbishment, the hotel is the ideal choice for your next stay in Hamilton.

Enjoy ocean front studio or chalet accommodation. All accommodation has sea views, super king beds, wireless internet, Sky TV, kitchenettes as well as private decks. Select one of Castaways Resorts popular Packages combining accommodation, dining and your choice of activities or pampering or just come and stay the night and relax. Facilities include: Castaways Restaurant & Bar - award winning cliff top restaurant open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner and afternoon dining experiences. Bookings required. Bersantai Day Spa - for all of your pampering needs. Adventures - archery, clay shooting, combat arrow tag and frisbee golf. Facilities and Features BreakfastConference FacilitiesDinnerDisabled AccessInternet (Public Use)LaundryLicensed BarLunchRestaurantRoom Service