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Wanderlog staff Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Raglan to Auckland?
The direct drive from Raglan to Auckland is 98.2 mi (158 km), and should have a drive time of 1 hr 49 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Raglan to Auckland, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Hamilton, as well as top places to visit like Kiwi Cave Rafting - Black Water Rafting - Waitomo and The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo, or the ever-popular Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tour.
Hamilton, located in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, is a bustling city with plenty to offer visitors. The city boasts Hamilton Gardens, a sprawling public park featuring themed gardens ranging from Italian Renaissance to Japanese and Maori styles. The Waikato Museum showcases Maori art and artefacts while ArtsPost gallery exhibits local art. Victoria Street in the busy city centre is lined with restaurants, cafes and bars.
Most popular city on this route
7 minutes off the main route, 31% of way to Auckland
Best stops along Raglan to Auckland drive
The top stops along the way from Raglan to Auckland (with short detours) are Sky Tower, Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, and Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Other popular stops include Auckland War Memorial Museum, Hamilton Gardens, and Waiheke Island.
The Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tour offers both private and group raft tours through limestone caves that house an abundance of glowworms. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a scenic back-country farm, marvel at thousands of glowworms while gently gliding downstream in an inflatable raft, and take easy walks through stunning landscapes. The tour includes visits to two beautiful caves with unique geological formations. This experience is highly recommended for anyone looking for an informative and interesting adventure in the Waitomo area.
What a wonderful experience it was. I was the only one who booked the tour that day but Pete did the tour just for me. It was very interesting and informative. I loved that I could see the glowworms so up close. Had coffee after the first cave. The second cave had geological formations which were pretty cool. Had a good old chat with Pete and learnt about the caves as well as the Waitomo area. Highly recommended!
Umaya E. — Google review
Absolutely awesome tour! My wife and I were amazed at the amount of glowworms inside the cave! Kieran (our guide) was very knowledgeable too and was so happy to explain anything we were curious about. We had a truly great time - I'd highly recommend others to do it too! We were able to take photos of our own but it's just a shame my phone camera isn't better!!
Joe S — Google review
This was such an amazing experience. Ross was out tour guide on the day, he was kind, funny and knowledgeable, he seemed to actually enjoy his job which made the experience so much better. We started the tour looking at some farm area and being told information on the area, we then went into the glow worm caves and on to the boat. We got some fantastic photos, Ross even taking some for us which was an added bonus. We then stopped for a hot drink and biscuit (hot choc, coffee, tea). Then to the dry cave where we walked around learning many facts along the way. This was genuinely one of the best experiences and something everyone has to do at least once. 10/10
Jaimee Newby — Google review
Mark, our guide was fantastic.
We were a last minute tour group of only 3 and you still went out of your way to make the tour so memorable.
I reccomend giving the spellbound tour a whirl it is unmissable!
Moana and Whanau
Springfield, NZ
MoanaAnnMarie Billington — Google review
If you are on the North Island and want to really experience a cave and the glowworms then forget the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and come here instead.
You get an awesome guide who wants everyone to have a great time. You are visiting two caves and in between there might be a surprise on top! ;)
He even provided tripods in the cave to shoot great pictures!
Don't forget to tip this guy, the trip is way too cheap for what he offers!
Mattia Agus — Google review
Spellbound's cave tour was phenomenal! The guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. The small group setting made it so everyone could really enjoy the caves and we never felt rushed. It was sooo cool to see the glowworms up close and to hear all about their lifecycle. Seeing so many from the boat was magical. The guide also took pictures for us in the caves at multiple spots and made sure everyone's came out nicely - if one didn't have a phone with a quality night setting, he used his own phone and sent the pictures once out of the cave. I highly recommend this company and tour to anyone traveling in the Waitomo region!
Melanie Keyes — Google review
Pictures don’t do it justice. Unbelievable thousands of glowworms in these private caves with intimate small group tours and allowed to take photos in parts of the cave. Only downside is no photography allowed on the boat ride but was understandably to preserve the magical experience of the boat ride in the most densely populated portion of the cave. Definitely worth the 2 hour drive each way from cruise ship in Tauranga
Christopher Kling — Google review
Wonderful experience with our guide Ross. The two cave experience was above expectations. Small tour made it much more enjoyable than the more famous place elsewhere. Not only photography is allowed, it was encouraged! Ross took some wonderful shots of us that he shared selflessly. Very awesome experience and very well-priced too.
Joe A — Google review
This tour is a hidden treasue for sure, this was one of the most magical experiences i have ever experienced! Hohepa was an absolute legend, his commentary & knowledge of the caves was brilliant, definitely made the trip that much more special.
The 1st cave was amazing & the boat trip in the cave was out of this world !!! I couldn't fault it, it was spectacular !!
The 2nd cave is under rated, not as many glow worms but the cave itself is the show here, they have built pathways & lighting to make it a nice safe trip through the cave.
You even get supplied a lil afternoon tea with hot drinks & bikkis between the 2 caves which was awesome as.
Big thank you to the Spellbound team, we will definitely not forget this tour in a hurry !
Kelly Matijevich — Google review
The whole tour was amazing and we never felt rushed. Our boat was the only one in the cave and we only had 6 people on our tour so it definitely didn't feel crowded. Hop was also one of the best tour guides I've ever had. I would recommend this tour to my friends and family
Ebony Tarry — Google review
Great tour visiting two caves with different features. Our guide Sean is very knowledgeable and humorous and the ending part with our little boy leading everyone through the dark cave will leave an impression for my boy for a long time 😃😃 and you got to take pictures under the guide supervision
Hyva Runuha — Google review
The most amazing experience ever. The tour guide was amazing, really went into the detail about the history of the caves and the glow worms and was super knowledgeable. The caves were magnificent and the glow worms extraordinary. The tour came highly recommended from friends that had been and I will now be signing their praises far and wide. If I could make any recommendation, it is to go and do this!
Carla Morris — Google review
Highlight of epic trip to NZ. Our Māori guide Hop created the most memorable experience. We are beyond grateful for his kindness and willingness to go above and beyond. Our hotel owner recommended this tour over the popular one I had planned to do in town. I can’t express how right on she was, as this tour proved to be much more intimate and unique than the larger one in town. It was definitely out of the way to get to, windy mountain road made the journey that much more special.
We learned a lot and would highly recommend this tour - especially when led by Hop.
SiriDev Tara — Google review
Really knowledgeable and great to get along with the guide. A relaxed pace to allow you to awe at the glowworm cave and marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites. Two great cave experiences in one trip, we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sarah Taylor — Google review
Best of the best. My son, wife and me, we are from Shanghai. This tour absolutely amazing. The tour guide will share a lot of knowledge about glowworm and caves, and will be happy to answer tourists' questions. We are 100% satisfied. I think if my English is good enough to fully understand the tour guide's introduction and chat with the tour guide, it will be 120 points😄
You need to drive to the meeting point by yourself. If your legs and feet are inconvenient and you have problems with your knees, you may need to consult a tour guide because of the ups and downs. Reservations must be made. Since the cave is affected by rain, usually the store will confirm the itinerary by email the day before.
jin jeremy — Google review
Such an incredible and awe-inspiring experience. I don’t have the words to do justice to this tour, I recommend just experiencing it for yourself, you won’t regret it! Big shout out to Scuba for being such a great guide - his passion and reverence for the caves was evident throughout. He was so knowledgeable and treated everyone with kindness and curiosity. The entire trip was great, and I’ll never forget slowly floating through a dark cave with a blanket of glow worms above me!!
Jamie Fargo — Google review
What an incredible experience at Spellbound Glowworms Cave! Opted for the early morning slot, and it was truly magical – witnessing countless glowworms lighting up the cave. Our guide, Pop, was not only captivating but also delivered perfect explanations throughout the tour.
Post the mesmerizing glowworm display, Pop treated us to a delightful breakfast. The adventure continued as we explored another cave. A big thank you for creating such a memorable moment. Highly recommended!
Michel Bivrot — Google review
It was a breathtaking tour with a fabulous guide. We started with a short van ride through beautiful landscape followed by a brushwork to the first cave. We got lots of interesting information about the area, the glowworms and the caves. The boat ride through the Glowworm Cave was surreal and beautiful. A non touristy out of the world experience I can highly recommend.
Raina — Google review
Our first stop on our New Zealand trip, and it was amazing.
We were informed in the morning that due to the rain it could be that the trip might get cancelled, but we were lucky and were able to go.
Travis was an amazing guide. We first visited the glowworm cave and it really is as stunning as the pictures on the internet. They spend a long time in the cave, so your eyes can adjust to the darkness quite well. We got a bit more wet than usual, but we were prepared for bad weather.
Afterwards we went into the spirit cave and it was also extremely interesting. I am glad we went for the long tour.
Apart from the two trips, the bus ride to the caves itself has an awesome view.
Overall, we enjoyed the trip a lot and would definitely recommend it! Also shout-out to the group size, with a maximum of 12 people it doesn't feel too busy.
Florian Mussner — Google review
An absolute highlight of our North Island New Zealand holiday.
Ross was an excellent guide - giving us ample opportunity to explore, providing explanations of what we were seeing, and also answering all our questions.
I loved the smaller intimate nature of the tour, where it didn't feel like a production line (like some of our other NZ experiences). It was awe inspiring floating down the river, and seeing thousands of glowworms surrounding us. I also loved that we got to tour a second cave, seeing the stalagmites and stalactites.
I loved having the opportunity to take photos of our experiences, the short hikes past the steams (and getting to meet the resident eel), tea break and the Maori welcome, farewell and blessings. Thank you for an amazing adventure!
Ruth Ellison — Google review
The best guided glow worm tour. I have done the other bigger tour and this beats that one hands down. Small groups, knowledgeable guide, informal Kiwi style (with coffee, tea, hot chocolate break with combo tour). Kiran (not sure about his name) is one of the best guides - typical Kiwi bloke. Stops and makes sure all questions are answered. Fantastic photos too on my own phone. The brightest glow worm cave indeed. Well done, Spellbound!
Alejandro Sim — Google review
10/10! Love the low key-familiy vibe to it! Humble and knowledgeable team. Very lovely guide called Peter. Everything on time, amazing and beautiful experience, doesn't feel rushed or like you gotta go cause other group is coming after. And we even got a pretty good pic for free! I would recommended 200%.
Lucía Medina — Google review
Lovely tour. Our guide was informative, and had a great sense of humor. The caves were amazing, and the glow worm portion of the tour was very unique. I really appreciated how the guide had everyone stash their phones at one point to encourage everyone to just enjoy the moment.
High recommend! Our tour guide Simon, was truly brilliant. Generally, afraid of heights and felt this tour was designed to make you feel comfortable. Abseiling and viewing the cave on the way down is incredible. Glow warms and rafting was amazing. Grateful!
Nikhil Ramthol — Google review
We loved this tour! Our guide Tim was so fun and helpful and made us feel safe. Floating under the glow worms was incredible, like looking at the milky way but in a cave! We liked going with a smaller tour company and avoiding the tourist herds elsewhere. There were only six people on our tour including us so there wasn't a lot of waiting around.
Abseil away, abseil away, abseil away with me
Jesse Broder Van Dyke — Google review
Really awesome experience. More gentle then I was expecting - contrasting to white water rafting experiences. The abseiling and rock climbing aspects were pleasant surprises, but be aware if heights aren't your thing.
Catherine Barnett — Google review
Just a seriously incredible tour with Will. The light beams streaming through the canopy into the canyon, the glow worms reflecting off the cavern waters, the black water rafting through the caves - all were truly magical. We cannot recommend Kiwi Cave Rafting enough!
Xander Wroblewski — Google review
I went on this experience on the 11th April and absolutely loved it! I got out of my comfort zone and faced my fear of heights through completing some abseiling and climbing.
Our guide Kat was amazing and so knowledgeable about lots of history aspects of the cave and about the glowworms. She made me feel at ease and less afraid to complete each task while always having a smile on her face! I would 100% recommend anybody to do this, doesn’t matter how fit you are!
Becky Becsie — Google review
Tim was a fantastic guide- he was informative, encouraging and really good fun. His knowledge of the caves and the wildlife was really impressive and we had a blast on the excursion. Tom was also fantastic and the two of them made a great duo. The hot drink and chocolate under the glow worms was a highlight after tubing. Worth every penny, it’s a once in a life time experience and one we won’t forget!
Alastair — Google review
We had a great day with these guys, our guide Emrys was really nice, knowledgeable, ensured safety but also allowed us freedom and fun.
We did the 4 hour trip, abseiling, black water rafting, caving and rock climbing. We were a group of just 6 (which I believe is the largest group they allow) and this was great as much smaller than the big tour company groups which meant a more personal experience and more time in the caves with the Glowworms as not having to wait around for loads of people to complete the abseil etc.
before doing the trip I was worried that we weren’t going into the more famous cave but this was unnecessary worry as we had so much time in the caves with the glowworms and the caves were covered in them!
Back in 2008 when I was lay in NZ I did this trip with one of the ‘big’ companies, and I loved it, but this experience was better and this is hugely down to the smaller group size.
Would definitely recommend.
Jessica Cawood — Google review
The view at the cave entrance on a good day is absolutely stunning. It's a pity the water level was a bit low on our trip, hence couldn't do much tubing. The exit was also a great adrenalin rush.
Joe D — Google review
Best experience ever! Had Will as our guide. One 21 YO and 2 late forties. Nearly brought my 70 YO dad, pleased I didn't. It was perfect for us. Truly magical.
Nicole Masters — Google review
An amazing experience, loved every second. Such a fun adventure, abseiling, caving and climbing! Our guide was great, good fun and made us feel very safe throughout. A real added bonus that they include photos in the price of the experience. So so worth the money, will be recommending Kiwi Cave Rafting to all my friends!
lily clemence — Google review
We had an amazing tour with Tim in the morning. He did a great job explaining us all about the geology of the caves, the animals which live inside and of course the adventures we came across. We loved the moment the glowworms start to shine. He made us feel safe at every moment but at the same time like little cave-explorers. Well worth the money!!
Anne Schlenther — Google review
Tim is a phenomenal adventure leader! Methodical and knowledgeable, while still super fun. I lucked out with a great group of folk. And while you think you'll be cold, don't worry - you'll be having such an amazing experience that after climbing back out of the cave you'll feel incredibly comfortable and content. Pro tip: wear wool socks!
Laura Caplan — Google review
Excellent, Tim was an amazing guide and very nonweldable about the Area, geography and the caves.
What stands out about this outfit is how intimate you get with your surroundings. Also been on some of the others black water rafting operations which seemed a bit more commercial, this was not.
Would HIGHLY recommend for anyone that really wants to see a glow worm cave properly
Vanh Anothai — Google review
I absolutely enjoyed my tour with Kiwi Cave Rafting. We experienced a lot of different things that day. Amongst abseiling, Caving, Climbing and Floating in the dark with the glowworms this was a 4 in 1 Tour. I also loved the small group size of maximum 6 so it doesn't get too crowded.
Meike Krauss — Google review
A really amazing adventure experience with a great guide, Liz.
It starts with some very clear instructions and practice on how to abseil. Then it was abseiling into the cave, 30 meters down. It's a little scary at first but completely fine once you know your weight is supported and you're not going to fall!
Then tube upstream through the cave to see the glow worms which were amazing.
Tube back downstream for more thrills.
Rock climb back out of the cave.
We were given a snack to eat down in the cave which was a nice treat to warm up!
Plus squeezing through two rock formations which was fun!
The price was excellent for all the activities.
We were deciding on whether to go and see any of the other caves around this area - having had such a cool and awesome cave and glow worm experience here. If you want the beauty of a limestone cave then you definitely must see Ruakuri cave as well as doing this adventure!
Lots of photos were taken by our guide which was included in the tour price, so that was a pretty cool bonus for the memories.
Overall: Highly recommended!!
Daniel — Google review
Had a fantastic time with the rafting experience today. Our guide Tom was very knowledgeable and myself and my group all felt very safe thought all the different aspects of the morning. He was also great to have a laugh and good time with and would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to see some amazing glowworm displays while rafting through the caves.
The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co offers a unique underground adventure in the Waitomo Caves. Instead of traditional white water rafting, participants float down river in the dark using an inflated rubber inner tube. This form of black water rafting includes tubing, ziplining and climbing waterfalls within the Ruakuri Cave. Tourists are dressed in wet suits and fitted with inflated inner tubes for safety as they go down rapids and over waterfalls.
Love Waitomo caves and what a beautiful way to enjoy the glow worms. You definitely get your monies worth with this tour. Such a unique experience with awesome staff. We had lots of laughs! We came on Easter weekend so got to experience the bunny head 😅 loved it!
Jenna O'Donnell — Google review
Checked out these caves and this tour without the rafting portion. Not because I didn’t want to, but my wife was pregnant. The caves were still quite cool. Lots of information to learn, lots of cool caves to explore. Photography was allowed which was good, because there was some cool stuff to see. I will share some pics. No advice for you really, but I recommend the tour. It was fun, it was interesting, it was worth the price.
Parker Heuser — Google review
Worth the thrill, but not if you're CLAUSTROPHOBIC and GERMOPHOBE. A wetsuit will be provided at the place, yes they smell but your nose will get used to it and you won't smell it once you're in the water.
It's a cave, so if you're CLAUSTROPHOBIC and don't like dark spaces, then this is not for you. The cave itself is pretty spectacular, especially seeing the glow worms, but you might have to go into tight spaces so keep that in mind. They do have different tours that don't involve you getting wet or into tight spots. You can just walk tour.
Ericka Lorenzo — Google review
My partner and I did the black abyss tour last month and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! There was a perfect balance of relaxing enjoyment of the glow worms and adrenaline filled fun. The guides were wonderful, I couldn't fault them. Even though it was cold, the equipment was appropriate and they kept the warm drinks and small snacks coming to warm us up when needed. We luckily had a small group on the day so it was easy for the guides to cater to each of us and our wants which was lucky for us. I'd really recommend this. And if you are hesitant about the expense as I initially was, I say it's totally worth it! ✨
Chantelle N? Chr?in?n — Google review
We did the Labyrinth Tour because we didn't have enough time for the Abyss but I'm so happy we did it because it was SO MUCH FUN!! The labyrinth is a 3 hour affair that involves a fairly exhausting wetsuit initiation, followed by a quick demonstration of working with the tube rafts and jumping into the water on them, and then finally the actual cave. You walk, raft and jump off waterfalls inside the cave under the expert supervision of your guides. Everywhere you look (walls and ceiling), you see the glowworms. We loved seeing the glowworms. But, we loved the adventure of rafting through the cave even more. At the end, you just float in the dark trying to find your way back out, which is insanely cool! The guides are extremely fun and professional. They make everything look easy and doable and there is really no room for fear at all. It is nice to walk into a cave to see glowworms but a whole other experience to raft through the same cave while watching glowworms and I know exactly which one I prefer. An absolute must-do in Waitomo!
P.S. the soup afterwards is the best tomato soup I've had in a while. The photos only cost $26!!
Pranjali Sharma — Google review
I’ve been traveling for several months globally and the 5 hour Abyss adventure may have been the single coolest experience I’ve had. My guides, Matt and Ollie, were extremely fun and professional, and kept us entertained / safe throughout. We started with abseiling, then ziplining, then tubing (where we had a wonderful view of glowworms), and a short climb up a waterfall. I was lucky to have a great group, who hung out afterwards as they provided us snacks. Amazing pictures as well!
I’ve heard Tom Cruise has done this experience multiple times, if that’s any indication of how great this is!
Steven Wang — Google review
We did the labyrinth experience on Tuesday.
Fantastic experience with Alister, Luke and Jesse. Very professional tour, fun, funny and just an all round good time. It’s clear the guides care about the caves and ensured that the impact of our trip would be as minimal as possible. Health and safety was top notch and I felt in very safe hands with the team.
The experience itself was very enjoyable, the water was cold but the wetsuits looked after that. Glow worms were about as bright as you’d hope, and we got to experience an unencumbered view of the natural beauty that the cave had to offer.
Would highly recommend this tour to friends and family. Thanks guys for the safe, fun and memorable adventure.
Trentyz — Google review
This tour was way better than we expected!! We did this on our honeymoon + birthdays. Pippin was the best tour guide (and singer!). Matt was awesome too — really personable. Felt totally relaxed and had a blast tubing through the caves. I’d 100% recommend over just a walking or boat tour if you are active. I’m so glad we decided to explore the caves this way. There’s fun, mystery and a little adrenaline in it for you. You can really tell the guides enjoy what they do. Also, the water may be a bit cold but don’t let that deter you!! You won’t be uncomfortable. Biggest tip is bring shampoo/conditioner/body soap with you for the post-tour shower.
Kimberly Dohner — Google review
Visiting NZ from Utah, USA. Did the 5 hour excursion with Black Water. This was the absolute highlight of my trip. Matt and Alisha were friendly, funny, super upbeat and most of all kept us safe. They took their time making sure that everyone was comfortable and trained on the activities that we were doing which included; hiking, climbing, repelling (abseiling), floating and zip lining. They both made the experience way more than I imagined and expected. I haven't left NZ yet and I've already recommended the tour to people I've met in restaurants and bars. I would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you for the amazing time.
James Schmidt — Google review
Amazing!! Did the Black Abyss tour and worth every penny. Our guides were awesome and so helpful (Alistar and Patty, sorry not sure how to spell) and made me feel safe on every step! Worth doing to push yourself outside your comfort zone and go on such an adventure!
Natasha Ouellette (Deirdre) — Google review
If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable adventure, look no further than the Waitomo Black Water Rafting tour. This tour combines caving, abseiling, ziplining, tubing, and glowworm spotting in one epic package. You will explore the stunning underground world of the Waitomo Caves, with its limestone formations, crystal clear water, and dazzling glowworms. You will experience the thrill of descending into the darkness, flying through the air, floating down the rapids, and jumping off the waterfalls. You will also learn about the history and culture of the caves from your friendly and professional guides, who will ensure your safety and enjoyment throughout the tour. The Waitomo Black Water Rafting tour is not for the faint-hearted, but it is definitely worth it. It is the best way to experience the beauty and mystery of the Waitomo Caves, and one of the most amazing things you can do in New Zealand. It is a pricey experience but don't miss this opportunity to challenge yourself and have the time of your life
Doctors Dates — Google review
Amazing experience!! The crew are professional, super friendly and helpful and did everything they could to make sure we had a good time. Our Guides Cory and Ollie were brilliant. We've done the Waitomo Trilogy tours a couple of times over the years which are also great but to go 70m below ground level and tube in the water was another level of fun. Try it... you won't be disappointed and they give you loads of free photos of you throughout the trip which is very unusual from a tour operator!!!
P Simpson — Google review
What a blast as our first experience after a long flight. We went on the 3 hour black water rafting tour. It was a ton of fun as well as a learning experience. I highly recommend you try out this great adventure. You definitely won’t regret your decision to float down the caves. It’s a great tour with great tour guides. I definitely want to do this tour again and hope you try it as well.
Cori Mill — Google review
i did the blackwater rafting but it sounded more promising than it was. the "rafting" part was mostly walking through ancle-deep water, a couple of jumps off some ledge into the water with your ring, and sometimes a bit of (slow) floating. however, you do see thousands of glowworms. also, the staff are really nice and cheerful and take pictures along the way (no private cameras allowed). back at the base, these are then sold at 25NZD (for downloading digital copies!) and the snacks are two/three tiny frozen samosas per person heated up, hardly felt like "we are happily heating back up together" (but you can buy yourself more food from cafe in which you are seated...). also, i came down with severe influenza the next day, imho i was too cold and too wet for too long whilst on that experience. i've now realized i dont need to be wet and cold to be looking at glowworms...
AJ — Google review
We did the Black Abyss tour and could not recommend it more! Our guides Tim and Max were absolutely phenomenal. Max was incredibly knowledgeable about the caves and had both interesting/fun facts as well as humor. He also took some pretty stellar photos. Both Max and Tim made us feel comfortable and safe throughout. The soup at the end hit the spot.
Ailise Delaney — Google review
10/10 just absolutely wonderful. I did the Black Labyrinth and I loved absolutely everything. Was really nervous but the guides were awesome and helped me every step of the way (literally). Thank you so much to the American girl from Minnesota (sorry I’ve forgotten your name but not where you’re from) and Hannah you both made me feel so comfortable during the activity and helped me get over my fears. I will be recommending this tour to every person I see! Thank you guys, yous rock 🤙🏻
Rebecca McAvoy — Google review
Absolutely fantastic, magical experience floating through what felt like space! The guides are very fun, and led us safely through. The water is quite cold, but you mostly get used to it after the first couple plunges. We did the labyrinth tour and we were fairly chilly by the end of it, but I’d 10/10 do it again. The journey starts narrow, more closed in around you, then opens up to virtually a slot canyon with tons of glow worms above! I was worried it’d be a small amount of glow worm viewing but oh boy was I wrong, there are tons throughout most of the tour. Beware you want to be comfortable jumping backwards off of 3-5ft waterfalls into deep pools. It takes courage to jump but was pretty painless upon landing. My ONLY critique is most times, even with a guide near you, it was virtually impossible to hear them and understand instructions, but I didn’t find that truly hindered safety. I would recommend the company introduce hand signals for things like “stop”, “forward”, etc. All in all I highly recommend this tour, as after it was my second time in New Zealand, this was my favorite tour we did!
Jesse Fisher — Google review
I have never had more FUN with a rubber ring in my life ! We donned the damp wetsuits ( which helped us keep warm) helmets and gum boots and down we went into a 35m cave, clambering over, and squeezing through the laundry chute and drifting on a rubber ring down the river with amazing rock formations above & glow worms. Lydia's X rated narration about the glow worms, was a real hoot. ( it's the way she tells it).
life — Google review
Fantastic experience and one I will remember forever. Nothing can compare to repelling down into a cave, ziplining under a sky of glow worms, and then leaping into the dark waters below for a rafting adventure! The staff were super friendly and provided accommodations for my every need. If there was a wall that was too tricky for me to scale they helped me find a way around it all while taking once in a lifetime photos. 10/10 only wish I could do it again. (Clarification: I did the 5 hour tour, while initially it may appear expensive this experience made me feel like I got my absolute money's worth)
M Martin — Google review
Fantastic!!! I will recommend this to anyone and everyone! We had the best tour Guides, Matt and Alicia. If it was not for these two amazing people I would not have been able to have such a great experience. If you are one limb short as I am, make sure you are in good physical condition as it really takes it out of you. I will definitely be doing it again when I am in better shape!
Vian Van Niekerk — Google review
A million times YES! My absolutely favorite experience on the North Island during our two week road trip honeymoon. I can not say enough about the Black Abyss tour! We repelled into the cave (took me about 3-4 minutes to get down!), zip lined, had a snack, jumped into the freezing water and so stunning we got to lay on our backs and float through the cave and look at the glorious glow worms. At the end we climbed through two waterfalls to get out of the cave. AMAZING TOUR! I want to go back again!
Holly Siebert — Google review
The Black Abyss was one of our favorite experiences during our trip to NZ. We were well taken care of by our guides (shout out to Callie and Ollie!) and their enthusiasm and joy was contagious throughout our day. Having the full 5 hours in the cave meant we got to have fun splashing about in the river and also had quite a bit of time to just relax and enjoy the absolutely stunning(!!!) glow worms. Highly recommend!
Hannah — Google review
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4.5
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585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
The Glowworm Cave is a natural tourist attraction in New Zealand that houses a colony of magical creatures, known as glow worms. At the cave's guided tour, visitors experience impressive stalactites and stalagmites before descending into a large cavern known as the Cathedral. The highlight of the tour comes at the end when guests board a boat and swing off onto the river accompanied by glowing worms.
It was a wonderful experience especially for kids. Well guided tour with a sense of humour which is a bonus.
It well be better if you gonna book at the center instead of calling them on their customer hotline number.
Recommendable for family with kids. You can clearly see the glow worms inside the cave while riding the boat. Quite fascinating.
No videos or camera allowed inside the cave.
Jeddah B — Google review
Wonderful experience, Guides to tell about the cave and give instructions. Good service. Restaurant available with in the permises.Boat ride was exciting with pitch black surrounding😬 and glow worms😍. Shops inside with collections. But too costly.
Vinesh Kondoor — Google review
An excellent place to visit and admire nature and what all it can do. The cave formations are incredible to look at. The guides are exceedingly knowledgeable about the glow worms themselves as well as the caves. The history of the discovery and control of the caves was also interesting to learn about.
Mark Johnson — Google review
Great experience! These folks are excellent when it comes to meeting the needs of their patrons. We accidentally purchased tickets on the wrong day, so we tried our luck and drove to the ticket office and they were able to transfer our 3 tickets on the spot and the tour started in just a few minutes after that. While we truly appreciated that, the amazing experience didn’t stop there- our guide, Charlie, was knowledgeable and have an interesting tour of the caves. She sang a Māori waiata for us in the cathedral area of the caves and it gave me goosebumps! Thanks Charlie!
Silvana Oderisi — Google review
I hadn't seen glowworms in over 50 years since I did a class field trip from Orewa up to a private farm near Puhoi, so this was a special blast from the past for me. More fantastic for my companion as he had never seen glowworms. I especially like the pupae cave where the larvae had their food catchers dangling. Shame that pictures cant be taken, but I totally understand how that would be a massive problem. Well worth doing to see something you may have never seen before. Our guide also sang to us in the echo cave and she was very good.
Graham Tranter — Google review
Visited Waitomo caves as a group of 8 today (Sunday)- 1pm tour. Our guide Justin was fantastic!! Very knowledgeable, fun, interesting and had the most amazing voice!! Beautiful local song sung by Justin at the cathedral part of the cave, we thoroughly enjoyed it the sound effects.
He was also very kind and attentive to our elderly mum who had difficulty walking esp in the dark parts of the cave.
Beautiful cave system and fascinating glow worms.
Highly recommend visiting these caves if in the area.
Carol Pereira — Google review
Unforgettable place. Amazing tour of cave and glowworms. Booked online but found not so busy. Fortunately toured with a samll group and a nice guide. Easy to find and plenty of parking...
Leon Lu — Google review
Fun-filled filled experience! Family and friends had a very enjoyable time here. Very informative - the tour guide was well rounded and knew his job so well. Safety is always a priority. He even rendered a song for us - cool dude. Initially my grandchildren were hesitant and scared due to darkness however they totally forgot about it and enjoyed the adventure
Arlene Barraca — Google review
Beautiful park and tour. The guide was very knowledgeable and had a beautiful singing voice. We took the short tour, which was great, but now I wish we'd taken the longer one
heath bates — Google review
The caves themselves are not overly impressive if you visited some before. What makes it different it’s glowworms- luminescent insects living there. Tiny lights covering the ceiling of the caves make it really magic, especially during the boat trip. The overall tour is around 40 minutes and boat trip roughly 5-10 minutes. It’s pity that you cannot take pictures inside
darius savolskis — Google review
Loved every moment. It was great to learn the history and how the caves were used in the past by Māori but also how it was cared for. Loved the scientific history as well and how the caves were formed but more so looking at the beautiful glow worms, it was truly an experience. Last but not least our tour guide Christian was awesome! The kids loved everything about our trip to the caves.
Rachel Schmidt — Google review
Arrived at 1pm with no booking during school holidays-we were hoping to get to all 3 caves but they managed to fit us into 2. All the staff were super friendly-cafe food was yummy and quick, considering there was a large group ahead of us.
There was a minor mix up with our first cave booking but they fit us onto the next tour and we still made our second tour with plenty of time. Brooke and Blake in particular were lovely.
And let me tell you, I’ve been to many caves in the US, France, and Australia and these are AMAZING. Definitely coming back for the 3rd cave next time we are in NZ :)
Yes it’s a bit pricy but I hope the employees are paid well; it’s well organised and clean and they explain their measures to maintain the caves responsibly.
Diane Damaskin — Google review
The caves are just majestic and the local Maori guides do provide lots of information about the caves and their traditional values! Really worth a visit. Feels like staring at a night sky full of stars.
Malav Patel — Google review
We had an excellent guide T a young male (hiatus name Chris). Our group that we were with however weren’t so good, with the disturbances and doing the opposite to what they were told. Would definitely go back however would be looking at a more private tour.
Damian Lai — Google review
A unique experience. Our guide was wonderful. My highlight was our guides singing and the glow worms, of course.
Betty Damianidis — Google review
One of the most famous caves in nz and normally will pop up if you search for glowworms caves . It was a great experience and i will recommend to most of the people but few things before you get there .
1- The ticket price is 75 dollars and the tour supposed to be for an hour but we were done in 30 mins . This included a boat ride which will be the best part for most but it’s only like 5 mins .
2- They are very strict with the photos and videos so you can’t click anything . Only towards the end you will be allowed at the exit .
3) the cafe is nice and if you doing other caves , get your food here because others don’t have much option.
4) I found the gift shop ridiculously expensive but they do have lots of things in there .
5) Now most important part specifically for tourist and people visiting from far . I would highly recommend to take the combo package with ruakuri caves because the other tour is 90 minutes and has way more value for money . You are also allowed to use your camera there. Combo price (158 dollars )
From Auckland it will take you 2-230 hours to reach and the drive is split between highway and scenic route between little farms .
Devesh sharma — Google review
The Waitomo Caves attraction is interesting and well worth a visit. While the caves are beautiful, the star attraction is the glowworms, you will learn about the history of the caves and about the geology of the region as well. Be prepared for low light and some steps as you wind your way through the caverns. The boat ride itself is about 20 minutes, but Glow worms can be seen throughout the cave.
There is also a cafe and gift shop.
Ann Baity — Google review
The caves were amazing, not what you would expect at all! They were huge, with massive caverns that have ceilings that glow like the stars! The grand finally- hop on a small boat INSIDE the caves, and traverse on the underground river through a "portal" back to the land of light!
Ron Hoseman — Google review
It was a very good experience. There is a tour guide to explain everything before stepping onto the boat. The cave is very dark and quiet, where you can feel the peace.
I visited during winter, and it was cold. You'll see all these glowing worms forming some sort of starry sky in the "ceiling" of the cave.
Please note that if you have booked a specific time slot, ensure you arrive here punctually.
Coby Khor — Google review
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39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Waitomo Adventures Ltd offers a wide range of thrilling activities for those seeking an authentic New Zealand adventure. With six different tour options, visitors can explore the underground wonders of Waitomo through activities such as abseiling, ziplining, tubing, climbing and more. The caves are adorned with stunning stalactites and illuminated by clusters of glowworms.
Did the Lost World half day tour with my young son. Best thing we ever did. Our guide, Joel was fantastic and made our day absolutely amazing. Patient, kind and armed with expert knowledge to satisfy my 10 year old's many questions.
We felt like welcome and honored guests. Despite my lackluster fitness level, I never felt rushed or like I was taking too long when I needed to take a break.
This was an incredible, out of this world experience that will never be forgotten.
If you do nothing else in the area, go see Nick at Waitomo Adventures and have him recommend an activity for you!
Kylee Ayotte — Google review
As all reviews already say, this is an incredible once in a lifetime experience. The 100 meter drop to start, the cave walks, the 30 metre ladder climb, the scenery and the information given are all top class. A definite need to do if you are in the area. And I only did the 4 hour dry tour so guess the 7 hour with cave swimming would be even more fun.
Cheers guys for such a great day 👍
Ross Fleming — Google review
Amazing! Truly feels like you’re in another world. The abseil down is awesome and right at the start! There was some glow worms during part of the adventure, and the rest was just beautiful cave scenery. Joel was really patient and knowledgeable and it was all a great time! Thanks so much. Definitely felt safe at all times 🙏
Kayla Ortiz — Google review
We did the 7 hours tour. We had 2 amazing guides that make the all experience even better. The best part was after a few hours of walking we had break and we got hot drink. Exactly what we needed.
Martina Balasova — Google review
We did the 1/2 day Lost World tour and it was one of the greatest experience I’ve done!! Joel was our guide and was very helpful and informative.. It was our first time doing something like this and he was there to help us every step of the way.. What a great way to start our journey thru New Zealand!!
Richard A — Google review
We did half day lost world! This is a once in a lifetime adventure, can not recommend highly enough, one of those places you can’t describe how breathtakingly beautiful and magnificent it is. Very professional guides
Jason Adams (Jase) — Google review
Been wanting to do this for a while and got the experience - Blackwater rafting- as a gift for my partner. Wetsuits, helmets and boots all provided plus amazing guides Joel and Craig who were friendly and helpful! Worthy every cent as the caves were beautiful, and this will bring out the adventurer in you. 4 hours pass by quickly!
BL Faundo — Google review
Awesome experience and awesome staff and guides. Did the 4 hour tour and well worth it. Maybe slightly on the expensive side of we're being honest. But.. the photos were epic!! The crew had awesome phones and well skilled in that area. The pictures turned out wicked.
Dan McQuoid — Google review
Absolutely magical must do experience. Nick the manager is very funny friendly and accomodating with a great spirit of adventure. We did the half day tour - the abseil is 100% safe and a 100m abseil into a magical world - amazing rock formations and to come out to a gorgeous magical forest with a heart. For all you romantics out there, make your proposal to future partner here !
life — Google review
Did the Lost World Tour -4 hrs
It was Awesome. It's definitely amongst one of my lifetime experiences..
Weather was perfect.
A very warm welcome at reception.And special praise for our Tour guide Joel who was excellent.He is an asset to the company.
What I saw down there with my naked eyes was just amazing.Pictures cannot reflect all that beautiful scenery and moments...
Highly recommend..
Arif Khan — Google review
LOST WORLD 4HR TOUR - I did this trip with my parents (mid 50s) and my boyfriend. This would be low/mid to intermediate level of fitness in my opinion.
Fantastic Adventure from start to finish. We abseiled down 100m with natural lighting, greenery, rock hopped alongside the waters edge within the cave... Glow-worms were another highlight of our trip before the accent up the ladder and around the rocks.
Thanks to Nick, Joel, Harrison for the awesome caving adventure!
Chelsea Jayne — Google review
Absolute BLAST! Felt like in Avatar. Well worth every cent. The tour is great, full of adventure and beauty. The food was nice, just right; the guides did an excellent job, they were friendly, full of knowledge, fun. We felt safe and listenen to. The pics were perfect. Our group was great, just a perfect exiting and exhilarating day!!!
Dominique Le Sellin — Google review
Did the 7 hour lost world tour for the husband's 50th bday. Got lucky being only the two of us taken out. Guides Joel and Amy were just the best. Really such an awesome day and experience, cannot say thank you enough. From the start, amazing abseil, lunch and hot drinks while caving and a BBQ at the end. An epic unforgettable adventure, thanks team!
Cindy Van Zyl — Google review
Stunning and beyond what the imagination could recognize. The decent down 100m, which is not only a thrill in itself, but so fascinating to take in the views of the natural beauty that the cave has to offer from above. You can not believe what your seeing when you reach the bottom, just an entire new world to explore. The landscape, the texture of the cave, to the carving the running water does to the rock, the plant life and sounds of the water, it is an experience like no other. From the entry at the start of the tour at the office (I did the half day tour, wish I did the full now) the staff is beyond friendly and excited to share details and answer any questions you may have. I had the honor of having Joel as my guide. Clearly safety is of utmost importance to him, and at no point did I feel I was in any sort of danger. He was patient, kind and gracious to answer any questions. He clarified any confusion, and moves only at a pace that you are comfortable with. His knowledge base, and passion for his job can felt through his explanation of the many aspects the cave has to offer. He not only answered all my questions, which was quite impressive, but created a warming environment that just added to an unimaginably fascinating experience. He was awesome. Highly recommend this tour (and the full day even though I did not do it) I can only imagine what added pleasures of trekking through the rest of the cave which is an entire different world. Amazing!
Ryan LeBlanc — Google review
I did the Lost world full day with a couple of friends, it was an amazing experience. I plan to go back and do Haggas Honking Holes as I heard great things about this also. NZ owned company too so was good to support local
Tina Horsham — Google review
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!
Could not recommend the 4 hour Lost World Half Day Adventure more. As a couple who aren't particularly great at heights this was an incredible opportunity to do something outside of our comfort zone, and was both adventurous and extremely rewarding.
Joel was our guide in a small group of 4, his knowledge of the area, the cave systems and all things adventure was next to none. We felt completely at ease knowing we were in his very competent hands (quite literally!) on the abseil!
The abseil itself was stunning. You're able to control your own speed, as a group, down to the cave floor so are able to soak in all the cave features and breathe in the adventure- makes you feel so small in the vastness!! A true sense of accomplishment when you get to the bottom.
The caving itself was well paced, a truly special experience feeling as if you have the whole cave to yourself to explore!
We hadn't seen glowworms yet in NZ and didn't expect to see any going into this tour, but there are incredible displays which your guide will point out and allow time to sit and lose yourself beneath them.
Save some energy for the ladder climb at the end!
We're still on the adrenaline high the next day writing this review-will definitely be recommending.
Josh McCarthy — Google review
We did the half day lost world adventure (4hrs). Was great fun and the cave was absolutely beautiful. No experience required - my parents (aged 65 & 50) both did it with no issues. My mom is absolutely terrified of heights and Joel was so encouraging and patient the whole time. Highly recommend this experience. Joel and Amy are fantastic guides. Cheers guys!
Birria Bi — Google review
Rappeling down 100 meters where insane.
Don’t do the mistake that we did and book the 4 hour one.
It really feels like you just go down the hole and up again.
Do book the 7 hour one.
Amy was a 10/10 guide.
The rope can hold two ton of weight. So don’t stress about it and go do it! 😁
Leif-Erik Kristiansen — Google review
Had a fantastic experience today! This tour is done extremely well. Very professional, personalised and fun, even if you are scared of heights. Our guide Craig was exceptional - his patience is to be commended, he had the tour group set the pace for the trip to ensure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the tour.
Highly recommend the 1/2 day, Lost World 100m Abseil & Caving
Antonija Opacak — Google review
We jumped onto the Black Water Rafting experience and had an unforgettable time underground. Jake and Amy took care of us, making sure everyone on the tour was kept in the loop on the route, we understood expectations and that we were safe the whole time. There were some tight spots that we crawled through but it wasn’t anything dangerous. Everyone was in good spirits and lots of epic glow worms to see. Thanks for everything team!
Mike Cristello — Google review
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5.0
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1227 Waitomo Valley Road, Waitomo Caves 3977, New Zealand
Conservation area with 3 enclosures containing wetlands, old-growth forests & native birdlife.
Such an amazing place, it’s an easy walk for families, although didn’t spot all the native birds listed, it feels magical walking in the bush listening to their singing knowing that they are out there. I didn’t know it’s such fun trying to locate the birds with their voices and sometimes they fly right next to you which is a welcomed surprise. Strongly recommend this place, the staff are friendly and I reckon the work they do here is awesome
Eric NZ — Google review
Really impressive walk through the bush. Liz, our volunteer tour guide was very knowledgeable.
It was a bit like jurassic park with the fence around the perimeter. The Flora and Fauna was just amazing. To sit and listen to all the, strange to me bird song was amazing. Highly recommend taking the accompanied tour. An excellent experience.
Eddie Barclay — Google review
This is a really well-done project, doing so much for NZ's birdlife. What an amazing accomplishment to produce such a long predator-free fence! We did not leave enough time to warrant the entrance fee, but will certainly back to hear more amazing birdsong!
Mark Windsor — Google review
We spent close to a day walking around. Heard lots of birds snd saw z few too. The north island robin was a delight, always along the path, seeing if we would kick up anything interesting to eat. Wonderful watching kaka at feeding stations. Saw gecko and weta, Bellbirds, tomtits and fantails. Heard wood pigeons. A lovely day out if you enjoy walking and looking in the nz bush.
Jaqui Smith — Google review
We arrived at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in the afternoon. We could see predator deterrent fences along the bushline when parking in the car park. First impressions were "Wow, look at the massive nature reserve". The lady on duty this afternoon was awesume and very informative.
We watched the video on how to use the double doors etc and loved the Huia in the foyer. We took our swipe cards and set off to enter the Southern End Enclosure. We went thru the shoe cleaning apparatus and quietly entered. We were in Sanctuary Mountain from just after 3pm til dusk just after 6pm. We managed to do the Rata, Rimu, Nika and Ponga Tracks, but not the Wairere Track. We heard lots of bird song but not alot of birds. We saw fantail/piwakawaka, the saddle back/tieke, a few weta's in the veiwing boxes attached to some trees, also some koura in the creek.
We would loved to have had a visit from a Kākā up the Tower that gives you a birds eye perspective, but as you are not allowed to feed the Kākā's we had nothing to entice a photo opportunity. So we didn't see any of these beautiful parrots.
Annie Hackett — Google review
What a place of paradise, no joggers, no gym workouts or crowds. We were greeted by staff who wanted us to be there. This is a heavenly place set apart for the welfare of our native flying friends. At times the birds come to you so you can take photos, there are plenty of loop tracks and attractions such as a tower to climb and averies.
I will definetely be going again to do the mountain trek.
Jared Pickles — Google review
A really great sanctuary, with some incredible birdlife. If you’re slow and quiet enough you may get a little show from the Piwakawaka.
Jack Howe — Google review
You think you are wandering over a huge area and then you look at the map and learn that the kilometers you walked are a tiny fraction of the sanctuary. Amazing. Watch out for the kakas. As usual they are not joking around and will walk right up to you for a handout. Don't be tempted by their friendly ways!
Karen Toast Conger — Google review
Fantastic and helpful staff.
It was raining when I went ..so truly a rainforest experience! $27 for an adult. Lots of birdsong and amazing native forest!
Jo Dancing — Google review
Go on, drive out there and have a wander around. It's a nice walk through the bush and you are doing something for conservation
Philip Smith — Google review
Beautiful place, so peaceful and with various paths depending on your fitness level and motivation. I did Te Tonga to Pukeatua Saddle, then back via the Wairere traverse - a bit of clambering, but totally worth it for the company of birds and trees.
Phoebe Grigor — Google review
Excellent experience. One of the world's largest pest free enclosures with 47km of maintained pest proof fencing. The walks are amazing - listen to the bird life as it was 100 years ago, amongst beautiful established native bush. There's a walk for everyone regardless of fitness level. You may even get a glimpse of the snowy mountains in the distance, from the car park. Bring warm clothing if visiting in winter!
Royce Pedersen — Google review
Inspirational experience of the magical ancient untouched natural world inside the world’s largest secure inland predator free sanctuary. 100% Pure Kiwi Magic
Don Scarlet — Google review
Wow wow wow ... I am ashamed to say this was my first visit here. Our company held a 'Bush Boardroom' Strategic Planning day with Nature and Nosh's lovely Kylie hosting us.
The walk in transcended any expectation I may have held. The forestry was close to prehistoric and is completely untouched. The birdlife was a delightful window into rare species not usually seen or heard. Our day was serenaded by the Saddlebacks laughing like kookaburras and the delightful North Island Robins bouncing around our feet. The observation tower that took us into the tree canopy was magic. You truly have to be here to appreciate the 'feel' and it is on Hamiltons doorstep!.
Nature and Nosh was sincerely a 'completely exceeding any expectation' experience - Kylie's setup, catering and hosting was second to none. Every one of our group enjoyed every minute of this day and she was so right! - the bush invigorates and refreshes - what a wonderful equation to make such an important day the absolute best it could be!
Nikki Close — Google review
Great walks and reserve in what is now pristine North Island forest. Jake's 90- minute guided tour of the Southern Enclosure was fantastic. A must for every tourist and NZ folk to see Kaka and Tieke in the wild.
Peter Symington — Google review
Really well laid out trails with good info on the flora. We were lucky enough to see quite a few of the native birds and even get some pictures.
Lisa Harris — Google review
Very friendly guides, full of knowledge and passionate about what they do. We were lucky enough to see different types of native birds, including a very inquisitive Kaka (but they are wild, so keep that in mind when you visit. The guides can't make them appear on demand!)
Very cool. Loved the live feed monitors and videos. Interactive for adults and kids. Brought a Star Disk, showing southern hemisphere. This guides a person what stars are showing in the nights sky relative to the day/current date. There is also info/guidance on which binoculars or telescope is best for viewing the night sky. Owner very knowledgeable. I will be back to try the virtual reality experience :) Thanks
Vicky Finlayson — Google review
A must-visit for curious minds. Dave has done an incredible job setting up this centre which caters for all ages. I was left spellbound by the experience, felt very welcomed by incredibly knowledgeable Dave. The centre is very intellegently developed by making it very interactive (kids will love it) and by paying attention to the minutest of details. It is amazing how much knowledge the place offers in a deceivingly small place. We (2 adults) ended up spending 4 hours there and eventually left because we were too hungry, but I could spend days there reading and learning about space history and science.
Soham Jajal — Google review
What an awesome place for adults and kids alike. Interactive and very informative. My grandchildren loved it, what a gem, we spent 3hours there and they did not want to leave. Best part for me was the 'space trip' seeing earth from out of space, and all the other planets was incredible. The experience was so real! Highly recommended. We will be back!
Rene Lind-Steyn — Google review
This has to be one of the best museums in New Zealand. So interactive and good for a range of ages of kids and adults alike. It doesn't have a fancy big budget building but the thought and content is fantastic. Dave, the space guy knows a lot too. The VR experience (included in the entry cost) was cool and the kids liked earning a badge by completing challenges. Such a great stop on a road trip.
Karyn Mcdonald — Google review
Absolutely incredible. My two boys loved it. We were there for 2 hours and would have stayed for longer if we weren't due elsewhere. So interactive and informative with fun games and quizzes. Can't recommend it enough!!!
Tracey Logan — Google review
A really informative place and spent way longer in there than expected!
Developed and run by a huge space enthusiast would recommend to anyone whether interested in space or not as you’ll not be disappointed with everything you see and learn! Really enjoyed the Lego too!
Vicky Brewin — Google review
Took my little brothers and the 3 of us had the best time! They loved all the computer games and working towards getting their astronaut wings. The Lego exhibit was amazing and there is so much information packed into such a small space. Dave was so sweet and even took us out to use sun viewers and set up the VR for us
CJ B — Google review
We expected to spend, possibly 45 minutes at the Space Centre, but in the end we must’ve been two hours there.
Lots and lots of interactive displays 3-D VR set up and the most amazing collection of space related Artefacts.
Dave, the curator, A wealth of knowledge which He is very happy to share.
Great Place to spend time for both kids and adults
Cameron Gay — Google review
Stopped here with the kids to break up the trip to Taupo. Was really impressed with the whole setup, everything is super interactive so we spent about an hour and a half working our way through. Was cool to see 80's space Lego from when I was young, battle my son on the space landing to see who could use the least fuel. The VR experience was really awesome too. The kids never got bored and liked watching some of the videos from the space station on how they shave, brush their teeth and get a hair in space. There is a fair balance of info on all countries that have been to space, incl India, China and of course the Russian cosmonauts. Some cool and unique items from space travel trips incl a USSR sleeping bag. Dave is friendly and helpful, its really worth stopping and checking it out.
Phil Pottinger — Google review
Lovely place to go visit. Talked with the owner. Lovely guy. Will be bringing the kids through. Kiwi schools need to get in contact with him. Kids would love it. Call him to book a visit. (078701966) It's well worth a visit.
Damian — Google review
This place is so interesting. The kids (aged 7-12) were totally absorbed for 4hrs. We adults learnt a great deal too. Highly recommend a visit. We will be back again.
Heather De Groen — Google review
The Te Awamutu Space Centre is amazing - informative, interactive and loads of fun. It looks unassuming on the outside, but there is so much packed into it that you can spend hours there and always have more to do and explore. It is very well put together and an absolute treat for all ages - well worth a visit! We spent 2 hours there and could easily have stayed for longer.
Hugh Lashbrooke — Google review
A great place to learn about space. So many awesome interactive activities for all ages. Such a passionate guy who runs the place, the kids loved completing activities to get their cadets badges. What an awesome place would 100% recommend
Kelsey Duvenage — Google review
Dave at the Te Awamutu Space Centre has created a SPACE that has lots of informative and stimulating things to do for all ages.
He shares his passion and knowledge well. I particularly liked the quiz inside and looking at The Sun through the telescope.
We also left a hat behind, and he went above and beyond to return it to us. Dave is an asset to Te Awamutu and Kihikihi.
Tovah O'Neill — Google review
A true hidden gem. I'd put it in the top 3 small museums of NZ, as it's easy to spend a couple hours here despite the small size and even dedicated space nerds will come out having learned something new.
The owner is very friendly and informative; it's easy to see that this place is a labor of love.
Sabine McGregor — Google review
A great experience visiting the space center with kids, there's lots of good information and little games and facts about the mystery space. There is always something new to learn. With such a small entry fee to support the museum, it is easy to spend 1.5 to 2 hours there.
Marius Tsui — Google review
Our visit comprised 3 generations, and we all found plenty to keep us engrossed. Space toys to entertain the littlest visitors, loads of interesting and informative displays, plenty of interactive quizzes etc and the VR display is also worth a mention - even visitors less interested in space would enjoy the experience. Highly recommendable!
A Broatch — Google review
This place is AMAZING.. you'd be fogiven for driving right past it and not noticing as it looks like a small village hall but this is like a TARDIS when you head inside. Space Dave is just the most passionate person about space and space exploration you are ever likely to meet in NZ, there are so many things to see and do once inside that time just seems to race by. First trip you might wonder about the cost but don't, this is the stuff of dreams and imagination.. Whether it's putting on a VR headset and traveling quite literally out of this world, a ride in a space shuttle toy, landing a lunar module or genuinely learning about some of the men and women who have adventures into space, there is something here for everyone. For the kids there is rewarded learning, they can do quizzes and coloring, word searches and join the dots to earn points towards a space cadet badge, which have pride of place at home for my kids. Try on a space suit, see the view from the ISS, watch things blow up, learn the Maori names for the planets and stars, or get excitedly taken outside to look safely at the sun as the clouds have parted.. NZ still has to have their first person in space, but I'm willing to bet when we do they will have been here as a kid and just dreamed big. All Kids big and small should go here, but be warned one visit will not be enough. And thank you Dave for all the time and effort you've put in here to make this such an awesome experience, you are already a national treasure as far as my kids are concerned, and. if you'll forgive the awful pun... For those about to rockET, we salute you. 🫡
Chris Rose — Google review
Don't misjudge this centre by outside appearances. This is a "must see" attraction. Live video feeds from NASA and the space station, virtual reality trip into our solar system and hours and hours of fascinating info and displays relating to the history and current exploration of space. Did you know that when you're looking at the sunset you are not really seeing it? Find out why at the Space Centre.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours is a sheep farm that offers guided tours of the filming location for the Shire scenes in the Lord of the Rings movies. Visitors can explore a complete set of Hobbiton, which includes different sized hobbit holes and speciality houses such as those for beekeepers, gardeners, and lumberjacks. The attraction also features a gift shop, cafe and inn.
Breathtaking experience with interesting facts along the way. Must do it at least once when you visit NZ!
The tour is guided and each time slot gets on a bus and is driven to the set. Tour guide was friendly, funny, and enthusiastic. Answered all and every question we had. There aren't any actors or anything like that on the set/tour. You walk around the whole set.
You are taken around different hobbit holes and told fun facts about the actors and the set. The set is so detailed with fun props and real veggie gardens. The detail was amazing. It is so green out there! There is also a beautiful large lake.
At the pub/bar you can choose between ginger beer or a couple of different alcoholic drinks.
Adult prices were 89 $ in April 2022. Masks not required while out doors on the set but were required indoors and on the bus.
Tour lasted maybe 45 mins - an hour.
Laura James — Google review
Had a great experience visiting the movie set. Really enjoyed the informative tour which taught me quite a bit about how the movies were filmed. Ample opportunity to take pictures around the set if it is not too crowded. There was also a nice complimentary drink at the end of the tour. Would definitely recommend booking with a day tour as it is quite far from Auckland. Tour guides also seem to have some domain knowledge of how to avoid the crowds etc.
Andrew L — Google review
Unfortunately it was raining, but it must do that a lot cos they had heaps of umbrellas. The guide rattled off lots of facts but it was hard to hear due to rain & distance (umbrellas). There are lots of dwellings and things to look at that make it interesting. Photo opportunities abound. I really wanted to go inside a 'house', but there just aren't any apart from 1, and that is just a photo stop. If it were possible I would do a 1 on 1 with a guide, but you would need a quiet non rainy day, do they exist? The Green dragon tavern ( and mill) was very good, the ale not too bad either. The interior was well fitted out and large enough for tall people, roaring log fires to warm and dry you. Tables and chairs & food I think. I was in a group, one of several doing the rounds, & it was stop (take pictures)and start and listen throughout. No time to stop and look really, there was always another group coming up behind. Some of the doors could do with some TLC. Would I do it again. Oh YES.
A Y — Google review
This was the first thing I booked right after we booked our flights. My husband and I did the evening banquet tour and everything was phenomenal, from the tour, to the drinks, to the food, and the commentary. If you are considering booking a tour, it is an absolute must! If possible, I would definitely recommend the evening banquet tour so you can eat in the green dragon and feel like you’re in the movie! Also, definitely book in advance and space fills up quickly. Overall, it was absolutely wonderful!
Bridgete Clover — Google review
Joel picked us up early morning at our Hotel. He shared so much history of the movie set. He is knowledgeable and funny and made our trip very memorable. For individuals with disabilities in our group, he was considerate of their needs and tried his best to make the visit a great experience. My family loved the props he had at the ready to be used for photos. I definitely recommend this tour, just wish we had booked a longer tour, i really wanted to take more time to enjoy the scenery and would love to walk in the forest.
Fatima B. — Google review
This is a must do attraction. We did the 10:10am Tour + Lunch and enjoyed it. I would love to visit again, and this time much later in the afternoon when the sun is not too high up above, the scenery would look even more fantastically enchanting.
R Edrosolano (Red) — Google review
Amazing experience. Definitely recommend if you are in the area or want make a wee trip from Auckland.
Our tour guide Anna was great. Perfect level of information whilst still letting us have free reign to wander a bit.
The actual Hobbiton village is so beautiful. Such amazing attention to detail throughout. The gardens were absolutely outstanding. It's also so much bigger than we thought!
Going whilst NZ is still quiet was so great. We had the whole village to ourselves, so it was quiet and let us get photos without other people in it.
Will definitely go back one day!
Jon Adams — Google review
We adored our trip to this movie set. I'm a huge Tolkien fan, but my wife is less so and she still loved it for its overall beauty and uniqueness. We spent a good half day exploring on the tour and loved the beverage at the end of the tour in the cozy inn. A must do if you're in the area, fan or not. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
John Phelan — Google review
How could you not love this place! Enough is probably already been said about this, just a place dreams are made off. The guide was very engaging and entertaining, told us lots of behind-the-scenes stories and there’s made watching the movies after our visit all the more interesting. Our afternoon tea in the Dragon Inn was just wonderful it is such a picturesque and cozy place to stay for a bit. The staff was kind enough to give us some nice gluten-free slices, that came from the freezer, just super kind. There is some hobbit clothing in the in for guests to try out and take photos with, aside from that everything is just so beautifully done there are many many stunning photo opportunities.
Mathilde Noordzij — Google review
This was such a lovely experience! The tours are spaced enough that you manage to take pictures without the crowds. We got warned multiple times about an ongoing construction on the site, which was very kind, but it did not really spoil the experience at all. The guide was very fun and the food (we did the tour with lunch) was great. We loved it!
Katerina Merrill — Google review
For fans of "The Lord of the Rings," visiting this location is akin to stepping into the magical world of Middle-earth. Even for those who haven't seen the movie, the experience promises to be enchanting, thanks to the charming props, picturesque green pastures, and meticulously crafted set designs. The tour, lasting 1.5 hours, whisks visitors away on a journey that seems to transcend time.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the quaint hobbit homes nestled amidst lush greenery, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia. The presence of farm animals adds to the idyllic ambiance, making every moment feel like a dream come true.
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities to capture adorable pictures amidst the scenic backdrop. However, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves quite a bit of walking.
Overall, whether you're a die-hard fan of "The Lord of the Rings" or simply seeking a magical escape into a whimsical realm, this experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings, soak in the tranquility of the countryside, and prepare to be transported to a world where fantasy meets reality.
Binita Shah — Google review
This was an awesome tour! If you’re a fan of the LOTR and the hobbit, then this is a must see. Our guide went into great detail explaining the art and production of this fantastic creation. We had a great experience, a day to remember 😊
The Necklens — Google review
I had a wonderful time at this place. The guided tour was very informative and engaging. I enjoyed seeing the movie set and learning about the characters and the scenes. I also found out how they chose this location for the film. Even though they were still working on some parts of the set, they gave me a free mug to make up for it. The gift shop was a bit pricey, but I got some amazing photos to remember this experience.
Nikolai Lesak — Google review
Visited from the U.S. with a group of 6. I personally had only viewed one of the movies. But, the guide explained things well such that you don't need to know details of the movies to understand the movie set. Beautiful area. And I really mean beautiful. Very interesting - the incredible details that went into the productions.
M T — Google review
It’s a magical place! We loved our tour guide and loved the whole tour. I’m so happy that I never felt rushed and I was able to explore and enjoy everything. I loved that they opened up a new experience of going inside a hobbits home and we got to fully explore how a hobbit lives. So happy coming here and it’s just such an enjoyable place.
Trinh Nguyen — Google review
A definite must-see. Glad I was able to finally check it off my bucket list. They are very organized, Every tour is set up by times. We had a great guide, too. The tour was about 2 hours long. Loved we were able to go inside one of the homes too. Highly recommend.
80's Girl — Google review
Very fun and well designed tour, everything smooth. Our tour guide Rob had the perfect personality to keep the group entertained, informed, and moving along in harmony. They have a lot of visitors every day but each group is a reasonable size. The tour start area is also well designed with adequate parking, toilets, and staff to field any issue. Follow the info in your reservation e.g. go to check-in and pick up your actual tickets, and get in the well marked line for your tour time. Recommended!
GT Hodge — Google review
Such a great, magical place and very good organized. We came in the afternoon at around 5-6pm and we were just 6 people group. Our guide was so good, local, so a lot of funny stories and moments from the creation of this village. Like we went to fairytale story. We enjoyed our time, weather also was great and drinks were delicious.
Highly recommended.
Maria Mikheeva — Google review
A must to do in New Zealand if you love Lord of the Rings.
Hobbiton is a huge place where you can see some of the original locations used in the movies. Be ready to spend your whole day there.
I did the tour with one of the guides from there called Steven. He was super nice and walked us through all the places explaining the stories and details about the productions. You’ll be able to go inside of the remarkable hobbit house and even have a real beer in the Green Dragon Inn.
They also have a souvenir shop with many items available so bring a lot of money to buy nice things.
Amazing experience.
Jaime Lettich — Google review
This is great. Just a wonderful experience. Like anything Weta, it's all so carefully made and the attention to detail is spectacular. You will love investigating all the intricacies in this magical world. And then, you get to explore inside an actual Hobbit hole, and wow it is really worth it. 10 rooms and corridors, each one as realistic as the movies. A running tap in the bathroom and kitchen! They really let you take your time to get the photos you want.
And finally, to top it off with a drink and snack at the green dragon. The pub is so fabulous. Great atmosphere with the roaring fire and authentic feeling.
A must do indeed.
Gareth Willmore — Google review
incredible experience!
Our guides were fantastic and made the day fun and even more memorable. Learning about the behind the scenes knowledge and little details made the experience even more memorable! The tour ends at the green dragon where they serve a complimentary beer of choice that is specifically brewed for hobbiton
I cannot recommend this experience enough!
Raymond K — Google review
Awesome tour. Did the lunch one and it was fantastic. Plenty of free car parks, check in is fast and the tour guides are lovely and informative. The set is amazing and you can now go inside one of two hobbit homes which are incredibly detailed. Buffet lunch was tasty and we got plenty of time to relax and eat.
Recommend a hat or one of the complimentary umbrellas if it is a hot day.
Dean 01 — Google review
This place is awesome and provided more than I expected. The tour of the Shire was well worth the money. You got to go inside a few of the houses and learn a lot of behind the scenes info. The staff is all really nice and knowledgeable which makes it even more fun. I definitely recommend taking the time to make the drive out here.
Brett Gottfried — Google review
I did this tour 2 years ago and had a wonderful time. This time around I took some visiting family members and everyone had the best time. We did the lunch + tour which I highly recommend. Food and drink is wonderful! The newly renovated hobbit holes you can enter are mind blowing.
Huge shout out to our guide Ben! He is the best tour guide I have ever had and I used to give tours in my previous line of work. He loves what he does and it shows.
This 55-m. plunge waterfall in the Wairēinga Scenic Reserve offers 4 lookout platforms.
Worth it ! It’s about 8mins to the top of the falls from the car park, two other lookout points before hitting the bottom. Another 10min down the stairs to the bottom. Would recommend going down first, then slowly make your way back up on the stairs to the other lookout points as a breather. Tracks are well paved and maintained.
Dana Young — Google review
Stunning place. Well worth the drive and the walk. The initial walk to the top of the falls is around 10 minutes. If you want to get to the bottom (where the best views are), you have to desend around 250 steps. Keep in mind you have to get back up the stairs too. But for my family with mild fitness we managed fine. Great day trip, including a visit to Raglan.
Gemma Scott — Google review
Great large spaces to capture the view. Wear non slip shoes on rainy days. The wood and clay get slippery. 20 min round walk. Easy to navigate with good walkways. Stunning views. Such a nice bush walk as well. Plenty of signs.
Joy Jackson — Google review
For years I would visit Bridal Veil Falls in Yosemite, but this is the first time I visited Bridal Veil Falls in New Zealand. It is absolutely spectacular! What I love the most was the four viewing locations along the short but steep trail. These viewing points allows many angles to be captured by my camera and my mind. Highly recommend this stop on your journey.
Cree Putney — Google review
Visiting these falls is a trip definitely worth taking. Parking is free and there is good route access. It was without a doubt the finest. Secure for children, with great viewing platforms at the top, middle, and bottom. Stunning waterfalls that exceeded my wildest dreams. Observe rainbows at their most spectacular in the late afternoon. Going down is a breeze, but coming back is a bit of a challenge. There are, however, benches where you can sit down and relax if you're getting weary.
gaurav parekh — Google review
Simple car park about a ten minute walk to the falls then 5 mins down the steps to the bottom. Quite a pretty and grand falls with the little creek rolling off the cliff. A fair amount of signage talking about the history and the conservation of the area. Which can be seen as just outside the boundary it is straight back to farm land.
James Thompson — Google review
Absolutely stunning and well worth the drive and short walk to the lookouts. Multiple look outs so if you can't make it all the way down to view the waterfall you can view it from a few vantage points up top. Spectacular scenery all around!
Darren Masters — Google review
Easy walk to the top of the falls.
Lovely stone path running beside a stream & meandering through bush.
If you choose to continue to the bottom, it starts as a gentle slope before you get to the 261 stairs - there'd been rain the previous day & was large puddles on most steps needing to be avoided, be careful the wooden step surround is very slippery and the bush side muddy!
The view improved at every viewing platform and made us continue downward to the best view at the bottom. Unfortunately each seat was wet due to lack of sunlight on them & I felt the return trip up the stairs for 3-4 days afterwards!
Note: I'm not very fit - obviously.!!
Fiona — Google review
There are approximately 10 parking spots here, which tend to be mostly occupied. The entrance is easy to find. As you walk in from the entrance, you'll encounter shade from trees, pathways, and a river, but there's no need to worry; everything is straightforward. After a 5-minute walk, you'll reach a sign indicating the way to the viewing platforms. There are four viewing platforms, ascending from the highest to the lowest, and the round trip takes only 20 minutes. Each platform offers a different perspective of the waterfall, showcasing unique beauty. The shaded pathways and stairs make for a comfortable walk, and the air is refreshing. Sitting on the chairs and listening to the sound of the waterfall is incredibly relaxing; you might find it hard to leave. It's truly a great place for a leisurely walk during your vacation – the journey is easy, yet incredibly soothing!
Tiffany Wu — Google review
The 10 min to the falls across the rainforest is amazing 🤩
The fall itself is stunning: there's 260 steps down to the bottom of the fall but it is pretty easy.
This place is pretty popular, so don't expect to be all by yourself
Maud Cappelle — Google review
Love this place. Lovely walk by the stream through native bush to the top of the falls, then 261? Steps to the bottom. We'll worth the effort.
Sylvia McKenzie — Google review
This is free of cost. Majestic view of a wonderful waterfall. Small walking track leading to this view. No steps to climb or get down to view the waterfalls.
If you like to view it from the bottom, you need to climb down the stairs which is about 350.
Plenty of parking on the road.
Vinay Karanam — Google review
It’s a beautiful place to go. Very quiet, clean and scenic. The trek is not very difficult. There was no ticket required to enter this place.
radhika Khandelwal — Google review
What a little gem! A very unassuming roadside sign leads to this beautiful scene. Just a short walk to the top and a not-that-hard jaunt to the bottom for spectacular views that test the limits of your limited iPhone photography skills (see attached)
Geoff Burnhill — Google review
Nice 35 mins drive from Hamilton, and beautiful little forest walk..
hard to believe that the tiny little stream that you see when you start your walk, turns into such a majestic waterfall.. easy access, but the stairs might get slippery when wet..
Rajiv Rajusha — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous place to visit. Need to make sure you wear appropriate footwear. About 270 steps from top to bottom. Need to be relatively fit
Steven Newport — Google review
Beautiful! An easy walk upto the top view point. Around 300 odd steps down with mid and lower level to rest up if needed. The waterfall is beautiful. Great stop when in Raglan.
Smridhi Marwah — Google review
Nice place for walk and exploring bushes and tree areas. It's cold soothing environment. Fall is so nice . The view of nature is spectacular
Bhumi patel — Google review
Beautiful place to go for bush walk and enjoy the peace and quiet in the 🌳 🌲 🌴. There are 4 different levels to view the falls. There are well-built steps from top to the very bottom of the falls. Different stunning views at leavels, and it is really worth to go to the very bottom. Highly recommended 👌
Lily Liu — Google review
Beautifulllllll. Can be quite busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get beautiful photos!
You can’t swim as it’s disrespectful to the Maori culture. Just a place to feel serene.
Four viewpoints: one right next to and above the fall, one above but a bit further, one midway down and the final at the bottom. It’s doable for the steepness, just a lot of stairs :)
Definitely a spot to experience if you love waterfalls!
Kayla Ortiz — Google review
Beautiful waterfalls, the walk is nice, many steps going back up, but manageable. My 7 and 9 years old walked back up without needing to stop 😅 Would love to visit again at different time of the day. It will surely give you all beautiful colors ❤️
Vivian Huang — Google review
Great location, lovely walk & impressive falls. Lots of steps to climb down to mid & bottom viewpoint, then of course up - only average fitness required. No steps to walk to 2 upper viewpoints. Only 1 negative - very busy with loud groups on a public holiday.
Marg Baird — Google review
Visiting the colossal waterfall was a sensory journey that unfolded in three breathtaking perspectives. From the top, the panorama was awe-inspiring as the cascading water seamlessly merged with the lush landscape, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
The mid-view offered a unique vantage point, allowing me to witness the sheer force of the waterfall and appreciate the intricate details of its descent. The deafening roar and the mist that enveloped the surroundings added a thrilling dimension to the experience.
Finally, the bottom view provided an up-close encounter with the raw power of nature as torrents of water thundered down, creating a symphony of sound and a refreshing mist that invigorated the senses. Each viewpoint unveiled a different facet of the waterfall’s grandeur, making it an unforgettable journey through nature’s majestic wonders.
Sreeram Nattath — Google review
We arrived late in the day so there was essentially no one else around. The viewing platforms are well placed to give a good look of the falls even if you choose not to walk all the way down the steps.
Hamilton Gardens is a large and elaborate botanical garden that features themed gardens from different parts of the world, as well as an impressive sculpture garden. The gardens are spread over 50 hectares southeast of the city centre and include a large park, cafe, restaurant, and extravagant themed enclosed gardens.
Lovely gardens. Well kept and lots of variety. Takes about 2hrs for a good wander around. All the various gardens are surprisingly large. A few grassy bits amongst the enclosed gardens good for a picnic. Entry is Free! You can pick up a map brochure for a couple of dollars.
James Thompson — Google review
One of if not the best garden i have visited worldwide, and I've easily been to over 50 through about 20 countries! Give a whole day to this trip as there us so much to explore and enjoy here. Beautiful differing gardens in a wide variety of themes with excellent info provided on all content.
John Phelan — Google review
A must visit spot for nature lovers. The sections are beautifully designed, and represent different cultures. There are signs posted with description, and i believe there are audio tours as well. Can take up to a good 3-4 hours to cover. Would highly recommend.
Akriti Sakhuja — Google review
A great place to visit mainly in spring and summer with flowers all around. Still good in winter to explore the enclosed gardens and spend quality time appreciating them. A great place to spend on a bright day for a picnic. Kids friendly area. Lot of parking in different parts of the garden. Best part it's free, but you can pay $2 to get a map which goes into the upkeep of the place.
Ankit Bhatnagar — Google review
We thoroughly enjoyed exploring these beautiful and unique gardens. I recommend researching and picking out the top five gardens you want to see. Get started as soon as they open and go to those gardens first. You will have many of them all to yourself, which is well worth it. Our favorites were the Italian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese, and Egyptian gardens. If you are limited on time, you should at least check those out. If you like taking photos, look for opportunities, and there are many, to use the doorways and other architecture to frame your subject. Have fun!
Christopher Walker — Google review
An awesome garden that is well laid out and maintained. So much to enjoy that you will hardly notice when couple of hours has passed. And you will need a minimum of 2 hours if you want to visit all sections in the garden. You can easily spend at least half a day here.
I didn’t take enough pictures and my pictures do not adequately capture the beauty of this garden.
This is must visit destination if you enjoy parks and gardens. Parking is free. There is no entrance fee. Please visit the gift shop to buy something in way of contribution.
Winnie ThePooh — Google review
Absolutely stunning! Exceeded all my expectations! Within Hamilton Gardens, there are several smaller gardens, each with a different theme. Every one of them were unique, beautiful and well maintained. My favourites were the Indian, Italian Renaissance and the Surrealist themed ones. One of my highlights here was seeing a really pregnant fish. I highly recommend giving this place a visit!
Mandie L. — Google review
If I was able to, I would give this place 20 stars.
There are separate gardens reflecting different parts of the world. It is really cool and so tastefully done. I can't imagine yhe amount of effort that goes into this place. Very well setup, presented and maintained.
Place is absolutely lovely, parking a breeze and well worth the hours you can spend here. You should go! ...... multiple times.
Jason Oneal — Google review
The attention to detail and the level of upkeep here at the gardens just blew me away. Another must see thing to do in the Tron (along with the classics musiem). Look forward to bringing my Mum for a look and the new exhibits will be awesome I'm sure.
Donate and get a map (there are some fixed ones around the place) so you can look at it when needed, you don't want to miss anything!
Aaron Povey (Azzman) — Google review
It's a beautiful place to go to with your friends, family or partner. Considered as the top most attraction of hamilton. It's definitely worth watching all the gardens inside. Thanks to the council, how good they have maintained it and have kept the entry free of charge. Could spend a couple of hours in there. One can lose its track of place as it's a huge garden. It's recommended to have a map with you when you visit.
Karan Joshi — Google review
A must visit in Hamilton. You could easily spend a few hours exploring the gardens.
We only had enough time for some of the enclosed gardens. They were outstanding. Kudos to the designers of these. Each different garden felt so unique and fitting their respective styles. Japanese garden was definitely my favorite. It was so peaceful. Right up until a couple of loads of families with kids showed up!
Jon Adams — Google review
My friend and I went to The Hamilton Garden's on an overcast day, it was the middle of winter and spent an hour looking around the gardens on show ...
..the theme gardens we viewed namely England, Italy, China, Japan, India were damper than usual but still looked picturesque in it's own way depending on the cultural heritage of the different countries, it was interesting to note the shrubbery and plant's on display from different regions...
We didn't have time to finish All the sights but have the intention of coming back to spend longer looking around another day, you really need to have time to spare to browse the different countries and gardens on show!
I would definitely recommend the visit if you want to spend a relaxed day out with a friend or family!
FOOKES RANGITEWIWINI — Google review
Quite a bunch of flowers despite it being the dead of winter!! It was fun walking into the different kinds of gardens 🥰 they were very true to form and theme! Will definitely come back and hopefully by then, all the maintenance and construction will be done :)
Mariel Tanchuling — Google review
Just such a stunning day, love a wee afternoon stroll here, always something new to see. Entry was free on this day, excluding guided tours. Great interactive listening posts, see the visitor center for this service. Excellent upkeep of the gardens, great place for families visitors and locals alike. Great parking at multiple entry points, Cafe, ice cream and coffee, playground.
Marie Swanson — Google review
Impressive variety of themed gardens. Not all in the absolute best shape, but clearly thought has been put into them and the themes are pretty fun, from cultural/historical to "style" to practicality (kitchen and herb gardens).
Was under construction when I went so I missed out on the visitor centre and probably a few other amenities but still a nice place, and if you're on the fence about it but still enjoy a nice stroll in some fun gardens I would recommend it. Check out my pictures for a taste.
Travis Ng — Google review
Such a lovely place to admire beautiful flowers! With ample free parking and a spacious picnic area, it's perfect for families or friends to gather. Unfortunately, we couldn't explore the entire garden due to time constraints. However, revisiting still allowed us to appreciate the garden's hidden beauty. Overall, a delightful experience worth returning for!
Evy Lee — Google review
Visiting Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand is like stepping into a living, breathing storybook of natural wonder and cultural tapestry. As you wander through the meticulously crafted enclosures, you're transported across time and space. The Japanese Garden of Contemplation offers a serene pause, with its minimalist beauty and tranquil water features whispering ancient Eastern philosophies. In contrast, the Italian Renaissance Garden is a bold celebration of symmetry and splendor, its fountains and statues a testament to human creativity.
Each garden is a universe unto itself, a delicate harmony of flora, architecture, and history. The Maori garden educates and inspires with its indigenous plants and art, connecting visitors to the land's original guardians. The Tudor Garden, with its knot garden and heraldic beasts, feels like a scene from a Shakespearean play.
Beyond the gardens, the staff are custodians of magic, their passion and knowledge as enriching as the gardens they tend. Even the humblest flower bed is cared for with a reverence that speaks volumes of their dedication.
Hamilton Gardens isn't just a place to visit; it's an experience to be absorbed, a journey through the very soul of beauty, culture, and nature. Five stars are inadequate for this Eden-like oasis in New Zealand. It's a place where every visit feels like the first, where each turn reveals a new secret, and where the world's beauty is celebrated in every leaf and petal.
Gary Mitchell — Google review
The Hamilton Gardens really are a beautiful and pleasant experience. They offer many different kinds of garden styles and the overall area is huge. Even if it was 5 NZD I’d easily pay the admission - but it actually is free!
Nathan — Google review
Was incredible to visit these gardens! Was surprised that it was free to enter. Car park was so full, but not too many people throughout considering, due to the size! Highly recommend for all ages! Just beautiful!
Karen D — Google review
What a beautiful place. I love it how there are different ares with different themes. Even the way you transition from 1 area to another is honestly something else. The place is huge so you do get a decent walk around while enjoying the landscape. Definitely worth the visit.
Andrew Tai — Google review
Completely unexpected. What a surreal experience.
A series of gardens, inspired from interesting time periods, and cleverly interconnected in such a way that they're hidden until you walk in.
Every new garden is a new WOW, all over again.
It feels criminal not paying an entry fee.
Andres Sepulveda — Google review
Great place, excellent gardens. Took my mum to test out a walker and it was great. The only issue was in the Chinese garden - not suitable for wheeled items past the bridge, as there's uneven cobbles and then stairs up to and back from the pagoda up the hill. Otherwise, fantastic, and we all enjoyed it.
Haldoor Honey — Google review
What an amazing place. Must go back again, hopefully in the Spring so I can see the rhododendrons and other spring flowers. So much to see. Love the separate "rooms" of different types of gardens. Well worth the drive.
Nigel Walmsley — Google review
Beautiful gardens and such a great place to take the family out. Highly recommended.
Saw quite a few families holding their little ones as it was a pretty long walk if your going to all the different sections. Recommend you take a pram or carrier. We had our 1 year old with us and thank goodness we thought to take the pram because it takes over an hour walk to go through all the different gardens.
Family enjoyed it. We were looking forward for the giant door but it was closed. Enjoyed all the other gardens though and kid’s favourite was the Ancient Egyptian Garden.
Nita. — Google review
One of the most beautiful gardens I've been too. Absolutely stunning. Each area is themed perfectly. Couldn't fault it. We spent 2 hours wandering around, could have easily spent more!!!
Roxanne Milne — Google review
With only limited time we decided to concentrate on the Enclosed Gardens. With the help of a mostly accurate $2 map and visitor guide we saw all 18 gardens.
They are in three groups of gardens, paradise, fantasy and productive with the Tropical Garden, in untropical Hamilton, in a group of its own.
My favourites are the Egyptian, Italian and Indian gardens.
The gardens and parking are free, if I were a local I would be visiting regularly to see the various gardens in each of the four seasons.
p b — Google review
Beautiful gardens to look at even if your not 💯 into gardens it's free and something to plod around and look at with friends or family, I went with my family and all the kids really enjoyed it. Free to enter, free parking and takes 1-2hours to look at longer if you really want to spend some time taking it in. You can get food and drinks in the cafe and there are things available to donate if you wish.
D Bakes — Google review
Absolutely beautiful. If you enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of plants and greenery, this is definitely worth a visit. Each area of the garden is unique, calming, and pleasant. I particularly enjoyed the bamboo walkway.
Melvin Chien — Google review
The enclosed gardens are stunning. Definitely worth a few hours of your time, even if plants are not quite your thing. They close at a set time, so be sure to get there early enough. I would recommend 2+ hours, as there is so much to see. It is free to get in, but a $2 map sold at the information center is handy to have.
Lucia Stewart — Google review
More than just gardens, the enclosed gardens are curated scenes of each theme. Incredibly thought out and interesting. Lots of information provided too. Highly recommend
Eleanor Morris — Google review
These gardens are a worthwhile stop as they’re like no other.
Luckily the weather was excellent on the day we went and this helps.
It’s a good walking workout because there’s a lot to see and the whole place is very photogenic.
The cafe at the front is pretty good too.
Blossom Circle — Google review
Beautiful gardens, we loved the new Egyptian gardens exhibit. I would definitely recommend a spring visit, a lot of the flowers were dead as we visited in Autumn but that's only to be expected. Most of the gardens are perennial and absolutely stunning and well maintained.
Ji-Hyun A — Google review
One of my favourite places in the world! Always inspirational. The current construction work makes it less appealing at the moment but I’m sure it will be better than ever when it’s finished. The cafe is great too, good selection, quality food and reasonably priced
karen titulaer — Google review
Brilliant! Popped by with Mum to pass some time before our hotel check in and didn't know what to expect and we both had a great time!
Easy, flat walking, which mum really appreciated... I've never seen her take more photos. World def love to come back in the future when more of the gardens open.
Hamilton Lake Domain, located in the heart of Hamilton City, offers a picturesque 3.8 km hiking trail around Lake Rotorua. The trail is popular among walkers, runners, and hikers and features lush vegetation alongside the lake, picnic areas, a playground, cafe, and a boardwalk section. Visitors can enjoy various water-based activities such as yachting, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle boating. The domain also hosts organized events like fairs and family days.
Wonderful and safe place to hang out during r have a picnic. We loved the sunset colours. Plenty of parking available but can get full during summer. You can feed the ducks and even walk around the lake which can take less than an hour. Becareful of duck poo on the ground.
Ravi Lal — Google review
Plenty of parking away from the playground but not much activities around the lake except to walk. Nicer views as you head up the hill towards the Domain but it’s pretty hidden. Pity it’s not concreted in between the pillars.
Pauline O'Keeffe — Google review
Had a great time here. A good place to bring your kids and have a nice family time. There are a lot of activities for kids to engage in. The most mesmerizing moments are the sunrise and sunset here.
Shreejesh Nair — Google review
Lovely easy walk, great wide paths, fantastic play ground for kids. Cafe made a good iced coffee. Plenty of birds to feed so take plenty of frozen peas & corn, bird seed.
Trudy Wadams — Google review
A great playground! Suit all ages. Beautiful design and new equipment. we could spend the whole afternoon at here, a café just beside the playground, so kids can recharge their energy and have a little rest.
Yuki D — Google review
One of the things I appreciated most about Hamilton Lake Domain was how easy it was to access. The park is located just a few minutes' drive from Hamilton's city center, making it a convenient spot to visit if you're staying in the area.
In addition to the walking and cycling tracks, the park also features a stunning rose garden, which is especially beautiful during the spring and summer months.
If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of options to choose from. There's also a large adventure playground for kids, with slides, swings, and climbing frames.
Overall, I would highly recommend Hamilton Lake Domain to anyone visiting the Hamilton area. The park is a wonderful place to spend a few hours, whether you're looking to get some exercise, relax and soak up the scenery, or enjoy some quality time with family and friends.
Vishnu Balakrishnan — Google review
Lake Rotoroa situated in the heart of Hamilton. A good place to admire the beauty of nature. Plenty of parking away from the playground. The playground is one of the best I've ever seen & the walk around the lake is a lovely experience with various things to see along the way. overall great place to spend time with family and friends...
Navtesh — Google review
It's a lovely area that you can enjoy with the whole family, including your dog (on a leash). There are bbq facilities close to the yacht club, an outdoor gym area, a walking trail around the lake, a kids play area, coffee shop, rose garden and some additional facilities. The Saturday morning parkruns here are also great. It is also kept clean and tidy.
Hayley Dill — Google review
We all had a lovely time here. Lots of activities for kids.great picnic place. I also managed to have a good walk.
Vindya Naidu — Google review
A small oasis in the heart of Hamilton. The lake has a great walking or running track and bikes and scooters are allowed along most of it. There’s an outdoor gym area in Innes Common and on the city side is an amazing kids playground, Veranda cafe (always crazy busy on weekends) and a small ice cream shop.
Awesome sunsets can be enjoyed from the northeast shore of the lake.
Scott Robinson — Google review
Hamilton Lake is a beautiful and relaxing place to visit in the heart of the city. I always come here for a quick walk or run around the lake, which is about 3.5km long. The scenery is stunning, with water, trees, birds, and flowers. There is also a boardwalk section, playgrounds, and grassed parklands where you can have a picnic or play games. There is a cafe available near the lake where you can enjoy a coffee or a snack with a view of the water. The lake is also used for water sports such as sailing, canoeing, and dragon boating. Hamilton Lake Domain is one of Hamilton’s premiere parks and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful and enjoyable outing. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
MaxDeGiraffe — Google review
Hamilton Lake is our go to. We go there for a walk, to relax, watch the dogs pass by, the ducks and geese. Nice place for a picnic. Playground for kids. The rose garden. Cafes and ice-cream. Beautiful lake. even when you are in the middle of the city, you feel close to nature.
La Vida — Google review
Hamilton Lake in New Zealand is a picturesque destination offering serene surroundings and recreational activities. The scenic beauty of the lake, complemented by walking trails, gardens, and birdlife, provides a tranquil escape. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, picnics, and a playground for families. The lake's well-maintained environment and diverse features make it a delightful spot for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat.
Thusitha Ratnasekara — Google review
Lake view is a amazing, you can walk in very near the lake, and you get free car parking, there are lots of car parking is available, you can see wonderful sunset, is a quite place there seater in the near water you can sit and feel good, you can spend your time at alone nice place, when ever your guys visit hamilton never ever miss this place
siva vineeth — Google review
Beautiful and quiet place for walking and jogging. A lot of goose and geese. Interesting thing I saw- a group of white gooses lying down and chilling at the lawn near the houses/road in the late evening.
ALEX CHEW — Google review
Ultimate place to go for a stroll in a natural environment surrounded by a busy bustling city. The café is a must visit. With modern architecture and lots of space it's the perfect place to catch up with friends and family over a lovely cuppa and muffin. The ice-cream shop has been the number one spot for the yummiest huge (or small) ice-cream cones ever since I can remember.
The lake boasts the best place for the children to explore and have fun. The play facilities here are safe and very user friendly. Mind you, the kids need to be watched for safety sake. Best of all, it's free. Picnic time in summer at the lake is just great.
We used to take KFC and every takeaway imaginable to dine with. Our families and extended family would regularly visit here in summer.
So. What's keeping you? Let's go to the Hamilton Lake for play, fun and good cheer. If you don't want to drive there, the Comet and Orbiter buses stop right there. When in season the Roses are absolutely stunning.
Karl Gilgen — Google review
Had an awesome walk around Hamilton Lake Domain this morning. Some many people use this asset in the middle of Hamilton City. It’s so nice that most people will call out good morning as they walk past. The domain is great for all ages. There are cafes and plenty of toilets and facilities.
Great place to visit if you need a break while in the city.
Albert Jans — Google review
If you just bought a roasted pork, or pizza, or even kebab, then just somehow you don't want to eat it at the restaurant or home, I recommend you this place could become your place to eat peacefully (:
There're some bench with table at the deeper area of the park, but make sure it close to the tree because at summer it will be very hot
John Andreas Smith (Herr JohnSmith) — Google review
Lovely place to enjoy the Majestic view of the Hamilton lake and enjoy the walk around the circumference.
Free parking at the site. A decent Cafe with lovely options.
Walk around the place is amazing.
Vinay Karanam — Google review
Nice place to visit and hang out at the Cafe. The food at the Cafe is alright. Nice children playground 👏
Joanne Auga — Google review
4.6
(5225)
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4.5
(571)
Ruakiwi Road, Hamilton Lake, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
Located in Waikato, Hamilton Zoo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. The zoo features 600 animals from all over the world, including a walk-through aviary and cafe/picnic areas.
Had a great time with the kids. Not too crowded. The animals were surprisingly interactive, especially the monkeys. I put my hand up to the glass and a baby monkey climbed all the way up and put his little hand on mine. The outdoor aviary is a great way to learn about indigenous plant species and spot NZ birds. I've been to a few zoos and this was the most seamless trip I've had. Make sure to bring a water bottle, hat and sunscreen. Snacks if you don't want to buy. It was a great day:)
Krystal Black — Google review
This is a great little zoo to visit with young kids. It looks small on a map but be warned that there is a lot of undulation so it actually is a decent walk.
It had a surprisingly diverse range of animals, which the kids loved, and our favourite part were the little entertainment areas for the kids along the walking route - this place was definitely built with kids in mind.
The cafe is also definitely worth visiting and very opposite to the usual food you'd expect at a tourist attraction. I'd recommend booking in advance if you plan on coming on a weekend as you can visit the zoo, have lunch, then re enter the zoo and continue your day.
Shane de Mello — Google review
We enjoyed our visit to the Hamilton Zoo! We took our grandchildren for a birthday. They had a great time. All of the animals were out so they were able to see so many. The only thing that would make it better is if everything connected in a circle instead of having to go one way and return to get to another animal. The playground area was great! The food was good but way to expensive.
Elaine Middleton — Google review
Had a great time here. Its a great idea to bring your kids here as there are a lot of play areas where they can have fun. This area is also stroller ready for young babies. There are picnic spots across the facility for families who want to have there home cooked meals here.
There are also cafes at enterence and an icecream shop near the savanna area.
They have a route for bird viewing in the natural enclosed area which was fantastic.
All in all a great place to spend some time with kids
Shreejesh Nair — Google review
Zoo full of animals with a good variety. Very interesting pathways with lots of board walks! Some areas felt somewhat unfinished however it is off season at the moment. To see all the animals the path you ave to take does involve a bit of walking back on self and to areas twice. Very inquisitive and friendly meerkats. Savannah enclosure was nice to see with all the different animals interacting together.
James Thompson — Google review
This zoo is really nice and big. You can see that animals are well taken care of. They have big space for them selves where they can live and move freely. Highly maintained zoo. I feel safe while visiting the zoo. There are toilets and water station from time to time.
Lenva Tyson — Google review
I went on a school trip with my grandson. It has been about 10 years since I've last been, and there have been some awesome renovations done. The entrance has a new cafe which is very modern and they make a great mocca. The carpark is a lot bigger but is very tight to maneuver around. The playground at the entrance has been renovated, and there are much more covered picnic tables to eat at and also more toilets. The toilet facilities around the zoo have also been updated and expanded. As a whole, the new renovations make the zoo a more family-friendly place to visit.
Tangi Marshall — Google review
Fantastic, likely the best zoo experience I have had. Such beautiful scenery, lots of animals and clean amenities. I got a burger and fresh pineapple juice from the cafe afterwards - amazing food, and the juice was actually fresh from a juicer! Highly recommended place to visit with the family.
Brendon Tyree — Google review
We loved this zoo. It is very big so be prepared to make a whole day of it. The animals have large enclosures and are well cared for as an animal lover myself this is very important. So many photos and so many different animals. Highly recommended to visit and support this zoo. We loved it & will visit it again when visiting NZ
Dr GT — Google review
It is one of the best places for the kids in Waikato. Easy to get tickets online. This place closes at 1630 and food won't be available from around 1600. It is best to visit this zoo excluding winter.
Kids absolutely loved it. Very spacious and plenty of parking as well.
Akhila Rangana — Google review
Fabulous day out! Upgrades to facilities are great. So much to see and do for families and very reasonable cost for entry.
Plenty of areas to get out of hot sun and sit to rest.
Highly recommend to all.
Rachel Costar — Google review
Love this Zoo,wide paving is good for mobility people or a little unco like my Mum who is unsteady. All the staff smile easily at the public.Easy to navigate & the carpark is lovely & thought out. Good playground to entertain your own chimps while u eat. Look forward to our next visit.
Neville Thomson — Google review
Fabulous afternoon spent with the children wandering around looking at all the wonderful animals. Love all the tables and chairs dotted all around the zoo as well as multiple activity areas to keep the little ones entertained. End the day at the cafe with a ice-cream, cold drink or a delicious coffee while the children have one last burst of energy in the play ground.
jill lagas — Google review
A much smaller zoo than Auckland zoo but they are very well maintained and the animals are very healthy looking. Most animals are very chubby and fluffy. A sign that they are well taken care of. There are a few play area for the kids in the zoo. Plenty of parking. New amenities. Cafe was amazing too. They had the best fried chicken waffle there. Chicken was cooked to perfection and not dry/overcook. Overall it's worth a weekend drive over to visit Hamilton Zoo.
Vanessa Fork — Google review
Always a great experience at Hamilton zoo!
Friendly and amazing staff and hosts are available to chat with and ask questions.
Easy to find parking, quality prices to visit at your own pace.
Would highly recommend people with mobility difficulties prepare ahead of time as the terrain isn't flat. Would suit individuals with electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters etc.
Great place to book ahead with individual 'encounters' with different animals.
Cameron Christiansen — Google review
Great zoo, the tiger cubs and chimpanzee area were absolute highlights! Worth checking out if you're in Hamilton. It's also a good size to wander through a few times, and try to get to exhibits when they are feeding the animals.
Connor Saunders — Google review
Nice spacious zoo. Give yourselves at least 3 hours for a good sight-seeing walk. We were fortunate the weather is good, so we ended up seeing almost all animals, some sheltering under a shade.
I just wished they made the fences better. Most of the poles and fences are blocking the view, but we like how you can be really close to some animals, so I guess that's alright.
Zoo is clean, you can see the staff are passionate about what they are doing.
Overall, we enjoyed our visit and definitely recommend visiting.
Michael Singh — Google review
Excellent visit to our local zoo with our 3y old. Highlights were no doubt the tiger pups, the aviary and the various playgrounds.
In general the whole park looks great, is well maintained, and it's just the right size for a half day visit.
Felix Hoornaert — Google review
Took my grandkids for the day. It was awesome even had the keepers answer some questions by a 7 yr old who had loads of questions about how different animals needed different care. Very impressive zoo will be going back as the 7yr old has asked that for his birthday he has an animal encounter at feeding time so will be booking that in for August
michele wood — Google review
We (couple) enjoyed our trip to the Zoo and stayed a good four hours looking around and reading all the info. (It’s not just for kids, Adults need to keep learning too!) It’s great you can bring your own food and have a picnic. We also loved having the ice cream truck halfway through our wonder, prices and portion size was value for money (Boxing Day was hot). All facilities are clean and every path, garden and enclosure if well maintained and cared for (thanks to the staff) Note: There are quite a few steep paths to walk however there are quite a few seats along the way for those who will need to have a little break. Great day!
Jazisam 11 — Google review
The Hamilton Zoo provided my family with an exceptionally enjoyable experience. The zoo was meticulously maintained, and the staff demonstrated utmost professionalism and friendliness. The diverse range of animals on display was truly impressive, catering to visitors of all ages and interests. Furthermore, the zoo's accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps and wide pathways, made it an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities and families with young children. I highly recommend the Hamilton Zoo to anyone seeking an enriching and educational day out.
Joshua — Google review
Hands down, the most amazing zoo ive been to.
Made the trip from Auckland and didnt want to leave. Feels more like a nature walk with "exotic" animals dotted along the way. Beautifully spread out and feels like its designed to blend in with nature. Plenty of shade all throughout and plenty of mini playgrounds, rest stops for snacks. Hydration stations available throughout the zoo with FREE water.
The staff are cheerfully welcoming and the prices are totally family friendly.
Our kids had a great time and made some Wonderful memories
Lawren Matrix — Google review
Great zoo, picturesque with lots to see. Prices of slices at Cafe were exorbitant! And very small portions. Went for hot chips which were very good and reasonably priced.
carolyn marshall — Google review
A great zoo with such friendly keepers. Talks are available and face to face encounters. Enclosures are big enough that it feels like the animals are free to act natural. Recommend allowing 2-3 hours to see it all. More if you want rest and lunch at the cafe.
Luke Willis — Google review
A modern well.laidnoutvzoo for families and all. Plenty to do. Great enclosures and wide variety of animals. Plenty of walking but pathways make it easy. Worth a visit.
Jacqui Alexander — Google review
4.5
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4.5
(858)
183 Brymer Road, Rotokauri, Baverstock 3289, New Zealand
Spacious, picturesque beach known for black sand & powerful waves ideal for surfing.
Absolutely love this beach. Never crowded, friendly walkers and dogs. Always beautiful no matter the weather.
Tracy M — Google review
Stunning views. Hard to find parking in busy days. Heaps of people. Had a wonderful experience. Only negative is there is no good cafe or shops nearby.
Madan Senthil — Google review
Beautiful view , have some good parking area and special for surfing but if you need some shade or picnic I wouldn’t recommend. Although I loved the statues and field for some photos
sepideh Delavari — Google review
Beautiful black sand. Can get very crowded but the sea and the scenery is beautiful. Car park is available but can get very full quickly. We were lucky to find a park. Toilet and shower facilities available.
Ravi Lal — Google review
Such an amazing beach!
Waves are good for Surfers and there are decent space o just relax and unwind around the beach.
Although it can get really busy during peak hours on weekends.
Rafael del Rosario — Google review
Beautiful beach, perfect place to learn to surf! (Highly recommend Green Wave Surf School, they are so passionate, patient and experienced!)
Daisy Lin — Google review
Wonderful beach.. beautiful view ..less crowded..loved it.
Anamika Santhu — Google review
My girlfriend and I both really enjoy this place. We believe it is the closest beach to Hamilton. It is clean and beautiful, and we love looking down from the shore. It is truly stunning, and when the weather is good, it is an absolute delight. We definitely plan on visiting again.
师秋瑞 — Google review
Amazing beach, nice shallow beach for kids near the shore but also a bit deeper for the adults as you go in deeper. Down the Left side of the beach is a walking trial through that leads to a lookout point. Beach has fine sand so be careful (a bit tiring to walk on and can be VERY hot on some days). There are bathrooms and showers for after the beach. Just be carefull the path leading to the beach is VERY steep and can be tiring for older or younger people however for a half fit to fit person you will make 😂
Dreyer Kirsten — Google review
Lovely beach to stroll along and enjoy a good swim, has nice facilities like showers and changing rooms. If you want to go surfing there are surf board rentals available at the carpark.
Martin Allen — Google review
Absolutely stunning place! The view from the top has to be one of the best scenic landscapes for any beach in NZ IMO. There are multiple carparks here and the walk to the beach goes down via a tarmac rd so the walk back can be a little tiring if one is not used to climbing gradients. There were plenty of surfers here and from what I saw no swimmers, you would have to be skilled to swim safely at this time of year.
Jude B — Google review
A slice of paradise, but not for those with mobility issues. Access is via steps and a steep pathway from the carpark above. The beach is gorgeous, with long breaking waves that are like crack for surfers. I’m a confident swimmer but I sent up a grateful prayer to Surf Lifesaving NZ for patrolling the beach so diligently (and of course, swam between the flags).
Absolute gem in this area. The services was so warm and professional, facilities super tidy and sparkling clean (I have been to many spas in NZ and this was just stunning). The private hot pools are lovely, clean, you can even regulate the temperature or turn on the bubbles. The mineral water is amazing on your skin, don't take a shower after the bath ;)
Ad?la Bal?skov? — Google review
The best private spa I've been to. Staff were welcoming and friendly. The spa room was very clean. I especially liked the temperature control. We will certainly visit again.
Ayman Franso — Google review
What an awesome way to unwind after a long day walking. Our spa room was clean and I liked that we could adjust the temperature to suit. Further down the road are the outdoor pools which we will check out next time. My only little peeve was that the Domain House Beauty closed at 5pm on a Saturday and wasn't open on Sunday. You would think they would want to take advantage of the weekend business.
Lu Taylor — Google review
Beautiful place to relax after a hike, travelling or just because. Very pleasant staff who explained everything so well. The water is amazing and I felt wonderful afterwards. Worth a stop!
Cat Trigance — Google review
A bit more expensive than I anticipated but a lovely spa experience.
Fiona Matthews — Google review
Great place and a fantastic experience! It was wonderful to have a whole room for ourselves (changing room+shower and toilet). It is the first time in a spa that you can regulate the hot and cold water, so that was a really nice experience. Highly recommend it! Thank you to the helpful staff as well for their hospitality.
Rumen Rachev — Google review
Friendly service. We went for daytrip but decided to stay one night to have a spa again. We will definitely come back. Very pleasant experience. Thank you.
Kristen Jung — Google review
Helpful staff, clean facilities and magical water! Love it! Regularly make the drive down from Auckland for an hour soak and lunch in beautiful Te Aroha. 💗🥳
Stazia Cowell — Google review
Beautiful Place to unwind and relax.Very busy so pays to book ahead.Staff are great as well.
Stu 11 (Stusta) — Google review
Super recommended, just an hour and a half drive from Auckland. Affordable prices, friendly service, clean and comfortable environment, a good place to relax in winter.
Joyce Guo — Google review
Amazing spa baths and a must do when visiting The Aroha. Spa was pretty intense so the 30min or 45min options is best! Highly recommend.
Matt Hurley — Google review
Nice place , good for families who love spa
?? — Google review
Cozy little spa centre at the top of Te Aroha township. Friendly welcome and nice but well looked after facility.
Joseph Shin — Google review
Great spa with super friendly and helpful staff. facilities were clean and modern and for the price they were asking incredibly affordable. Will definitely be back!
Klem Fandango — Google review
Such a wonderful place. The spa was so relaxing and feels amazing on the skin. We drove there from Auckland and called them from the road to move our booking because of traffic, and they were super helpful and accommodating. Highly recommended. Can't wait to visit again.
Jade-Ceres Dolor-Munoz — Google review
I am extremely impressed with the professionalism and help at the Beauty House. . Sofia is amazing with finger nails & toe nails. She is the wonderful mix of listening and talking. With me it is mostly talking and she graciously listens! Also getting an appointment with her is pretty simple. She always tries to make time when you call. Thank You,
Barb 💖🐼
Barbara Aster — Google review
Drove from Hamilton to have a late night spa in a private room. Was 110% worth it and will definitely be coming here again. Makes you're skin feel so good and very relaxing. Reception staff were also amazing .
Jess Candy — Google review
Whenever my wife and I visit this place we feel we have been transported to Paradise! And that's because:
1. It's situated in such a beautiful position at the foot of Mt Te Aroha in Te Aroha's beautifully maintained Domain.
2. The building in which the spa is housed oozes with atmosphere which matches the ambience of its surroundings.
3. When you walk into the complex, you are always greeted by such lovely people who are eager to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
4. The complex is immaculately maintained (squeaky-clean!) while still retaining its cozy-warm atmosphere.
5. When you walk into your super-clean private room, all the facilities you could possibly want are at your disposal, and then when you walk around the corner, you are greeted by your own wooden tub full to the brim with crystal-clear mineral water. It feels so good to litterally slip into the soft soda water which is already at the perfect temperature (but can so easily be adjusted after getting used to it and as it cools when we like it just a bit hotter). And when our time is up, we are left with super soft, silky skin that feels so good that we have to admit to not using the available shower because we like to hold on to that feeling for as long as possible!
Highly recommended!!!
Harry Jekel — Google review
Coming here for a few years now. The booking system has been upgraded so it's easier to book and the mineral water makes your skin feel so soft.
Best thing to look forward to after the summit climb.
Carol Tang — Google review
Today I had a full body Swedish massage. My experience was absolutely wonderful. 👍The massage was very relaxing. The atmosphere was peaceful and I was offered a herbal tea at the end which topped off a great hour of my day.
Anita Cochran — Google review
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this lovely hot spring facility and wanted to share my positive experience with others. My buddy and I booked a 45-minute session in the double hot spring tub, and we were delighted to find that each room comes equipped with its own private bathroom and changing area - a very thoughtful touch.
The hot spring water in the wooden tub was crystal clear and had a bubble function that added to the overall relaxation. We were also impressed with the fact that we could adjust the temperature by adding cold or hot water to the tub according to our preference. The tub itself was spacious enough for at least four people, and a timer conveniently alerted us when our time was up.
What I appreciated most was that this hot spring was mineral-based, so there was none of the sulfuric smell you might expect from other hot springs, like Rotorua. In fact, the mineral content was beneficial for the skin, making it a dual-purpose experience. Not only did we feel relaxed and soothed, but we also left with our skin feeling rejuvenated and healthy.
Overall, I highly recommend this hot spring facility. The private rooms and mineral-based hot spring water make for a truly enjoyable experience.
Nikau Cave & Cafe is a beautiful tourist attraction located in the North Waikato region. The cafe offers seasonal cuisine and has a range of indoor and outdoor seating options. Visitors can also take a tour through the Nikau Caves which is a wonderful experience.
The caves were a wonderful experience- the crawling was slightly challenging but so fun, the glow worms were absolutely stunning and the guides are friendly, patient
accommodating and knowledgeable. The tour takes 2hours, but you don't even notice the time as you are completely transported to a whole other world.
Then back at Nikau cafe- picturesque setting with the best pizza ever!! Would totally recommend this experience!
Marike Hudson — Google review
Came for a caving tour and had the best experience! The tour involves a bit of a hike and then walking through a creek in the cave, including some parts that are quite narrow and a section that requires crawling on your belly. The cave was beautiful, our tour guide Ethel was lovely, and the glow worms are stunning! Be sure to grab a coffee or food from the cafe and check out the nearby waterfall hike while you’re here.
Genevieve McKenzie — Google review
We drove down from Auckland with amazing views the hole way. Once arriving at the cafe we asked about the near by hike the staff was super friendly and helped us find our way. The hike was beautiful and felt like walking through a Jurassic Park back drop ending with a gorgeous water fall. We then went back to the cafe and have amazing food and wonderful cake. Would strongly recommend.
Joe O'Shea — Google review
Such a great spot. Well worth the drive out there for both the cafe and the cave. Do bring a change of clothes and shoes for the cave as you do get a little wet. Especially your feet!
There is also a very nice loop walk just a couple of minutes drive from the cafe. You'll be treated to a view of a stunning waterfall that you can walk under.
Rich Miles — Google review
This is a great place for a destination drive or motorcycle adventure. Its a bit out of the way but well worth the visit.
Home made food and great coffee but its not fast food so be prepared to relax in the wonderful surroundings and enjoy a beer while your food is being prepared.
John Clements — Google review
Hidden treasure in Nikau, lovely gardens and huge indoor seating and tables for function. Great homemade pizzas and scones. Advise to ring ahead if you have a group for cafe visit or Cave Tour or function so they can have fresh scones ready!
Cathy O'Shea-Farrant — Google review
Fantastic location and delicious food. The vegetables are grown in a garden next door, the pork sausages are made with yummy wild pork and the home made lemonade is delicious! Really recommend eating here, and if you have some spare time you can also go caving (they have all the gear available for hire).
Note that they don't take credit card, and there is no phone reception here!
Andrew Holmes — Google review
A great little cafe & adventure base for cave tours of the beaten track in a stunningly beautiful location. The staff are awesomely friendly & inviting with plenty of Kiwi cheek & humour. Their food & treats that are all made on site are awesome. We rode out on our motorbikes as there are some wonderful roads with beautiful vistas on the way to the café, which add to the addige, "it's not (just) the destination, it's also about the journey."
If you're remotely close, GO! If you ride motorbikes & want some nice cornering roads & great scenery along the way, GO!
Stu Masson — Google review
Beautiful, one of a kind spot. The staff are attentive and friendly along with a warm feeling like you're walking into a family gathering. Always treated wonderfully here, and they are so great with kids. I don't think there is a cafe anywhere else like this. I Havnt had the chance to go on the cave tour, but it's definitely on my bucket list. Highly recommend a day trip
Sarah Hayes — Google review
I cannot say enough good things about the caving experience I had recently, all thanks to an absolutely fantastic guide Philip! Their expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to safety made it an exceptional journey. Crawling through cold water, we discovered breathtaking formations and were mesmerised by the glow worms illuminating the cave. It was a truly magical experience! Don't miss out on this incredible adventure and be sure to make time to visit their delightful cafe. Highly recommended for an unforgettable caving experience!
Sirithi Medagoda — Google review
Came across thís little gem, on FB, about a week after the interview on Seven Sharp! All I can say, is Wow! Thè stalactite and stalagmite formations and also the glow worms, in the cave, were a-ma-zing! One didn’t know where to look! So much to take in. Just be aware, most of the walk is thru shin/calve deep water. There is a 20m crawl in the water too. This can be pretty testing on your knees (I’m 62 years old), if wearing shorts. So, maybe wear leggings? Also, make sure you wear old closed shoes, with good thread, you don’t mind getting wet and dirty. If I had to compare it to the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, South Africa, Nikau, is right up there! Our guide, Philip, was awesome. Easy to talk to and very funny. The food and coffee at the cafe were yummy too. The service from the staff, was friendly, prompt and professional. I highly recommend this experience. Have already told the family to go. 😆
Dawn Hughes — Google review
Fantastic cafe seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Great food (recommend the flammkuchen!) and drinks. Various seating options with stunning views. They were even open on Easter Sunday!
Maike Filter — Google review
My boyfriend and I had an incredible time at the Cafe and caving experience. Philip was an amazing guide. Loved his sense of humor and had a good chat about sheep too. The caves were so cool and was my first caving experience. Highly recommend and would totally do it again.
Great coffee too.
Mikayla Kyle — Google review
This cave visit is better than other glowworm caves I’ve visited and a hidden gem but you need a car or organized tour to visit as it is in the middle of nowhere. Unfortunately you can’t bring a camera so no photos inside the cave (this is for safety reasons) so you can take photos outside. Of note, they have rental shoes and cave pants / shorts so you won’t mess yours up. You will get wet as the waters in the cave that you walk through may rise up to waist deep at times. Also the cave is twisty and you must twist yourself at times to make it through and there is a crawling section (not too long but could be difficult for some). The hosts who own the farm and caves are super friendly and welcoming. The cafe is great for toasted sandwiches and pizzas or coffee / tea. And you just might meet a famous world champion sheep shearer (their daughter) who was in a TV series.
Dan Medici — Google review
We've had a fabulous weekend at Nikau Caves. Amazing hosts, delicious food, refreshing drinks, magnificent caves, majestic waterfall, glorious birdsong, beautiful and tranquil. Refreshed and restored ❤️
Donna Jamieson — Google review
Lovely Cafe situated next to a river. Hugely popular for such a remote location. The food was awesome and at a great price. There is also beer, cooffee, cabinet food along with other freshly baked goods. I would highly recommend the pizza!
Matt Hurley — Google review
We had the best caving experience there! The owner phill is the most funny knowledgeable guide. We spent hour and half inside the cave, got all wet and even need to crawling through some path. My 10y son said the best experience ever! And the pizza and beer afterwards!!! My grumpy 13y teen daughter had smile on her face( tats definitely 5stars!) WOW!!! the view from the cafe!
small johanna — Google review
We stopped here for lunch after doing their waterfall bush walk. The cafe is lovely with a beautiful view of the paddocks and really friendly staff. They have a good selection on their menu and they make amazing hot chocolate and pizza.
Dianne — Google review
4.8
(495)
•
5.0
(139)
1770 Waikaretu Valley Road, Waikaretu 2695, New Zealand
Palm Motel Waihi - Best Affordable Accommodation & Motel in Waihi
Motel
Outdoor Activities
Laid-back studios & apartments with kitchenettes, plus an outdoor pool, a garden & a playground.
I stayed in the large family room for 3 nights and the rooms were excellent. Plenty of space for the price and there was a TV and sky in each room which was great for the kids. Very clean rooms and everything was topped up on request. The staff are warm and friendly and very helpful. Just a note for families kids are not allowed in the spa so it was hard to get away from them but we managed. I enjoyed my stay I recommend.
Jen Harataunga — Google review
Practical with dated but fully serviceable rooms with all you need. Suitable for kids with pool and hot tub for adults. Good parking and no road noise when in back units and comfortable beds. Brilliant showers and water pressure. Lovely birdsong in mornings. Rail trail station is close by as well. Ideal place to spend a few days exploring all the area has to offer.
Philip Luders — Google review
Great location and has big pool and spa. Close to many attractions too. I will go back again.
daveyjonseslocka — Google review
Clean affordable warm. Sky TV wasn't really working so had to watch rugby on my phone. Spa outside but under cover and we sat in as a storm passed over that was cool. Check in at 2 no one was at the office so had to ring up to find out our room.
Conrad Pedersen — Google review
Nice, clean and comfortable bed. Liked that they served real milk in a bottle not that UHT $&#
Ross Ridler — Google review
For 196 a night the only good thing i can say is the room was clean and so was the bathroom.10$ charge to use the hot tub....it says included In stay on website and in their booklet on arrival, all you need to do is book a time but when you get to reception you have to pay. It's $10 each time you book a time. I usually like to have one in the morning and night but at 10 each session. No thank you. Ive not read a single review so far thay says they were being charged to use spa. Was this only being charged to me if so im not happy at all.
Maryjane — Google review
Lovely people who own this place. Rooms alittle expensive I felt. They are dated cut my thumb on shower attachment as it was broken. Abit noisy in the rd front units . But in the current market I understand they must have found it hard with covid. Still very nice owners.
Leonie George — Google review
Charming Motel that offered everything you need for a reasonable price. We loved the timeless charm. The rooms have an older style look, probably looked the same 30 years ago but all clean and "part of the charm"
Owners were nice and helpful. Wish we could have stayed another night but had to move on.
Iann Burgess — Google review
Efficient.
Hygienic.
Close to town. Sky TV. Polished little amenities such as body wash and shampoo.
Inexpensive, especially if you are staying for more than one night.
Recycling!
Everything a weary traveller could ask for.
Swimming pool and spa pool.
Tim Elliott — Google review
Excellent place.
Rooms clean & tidy but need a little maintainence which they sorted (door hinge)
Kevin Chauval — Google review
One of the cleanest motels I have ever been in which is my No. 1 priority. Room slightly outdated, and have been done up very nicely, and I am very happy with the value received. Would not hesitate to stay there again. The staff very friendly and on the whole we had a great experience staying at the Pam Motel.
Mary Dyer — Google review
Rooms were nice and clean, beds and pillows were very comfortable, couldnt cook in the unit we stayed in but they have microwave, toaster and jug in the room
Mel — Google review
I was here with my family the rooms aren’t very clean the spa and the pool aren’t clean ether, not enough toilet paper if you have a big family coming here the hot water runs out in the shower, but on the other hand the beds are comfy and especially the pillows service was alright the lady was pleasant enough that’s about all I can say that’s good about this place they have a pool and spa which is a plus and also a play area for kids :)
Forgot to add my towel had poo stains on them 👍
Eva Taylor — Google review
Was great location, rooms could do with a coat of paint. Beds comfortable.
Denise Kurta — Google review
An older Motel, The Palm while a little worn was comfortable and clean and had all the amenities you need including a swimming pool. Too cold for Winter, but I was pleased my room included heating, a hot water cupboard and best of all in this cold wet weather an electric blanket! Yay for older Motels!
Vicki — Google review
Awesome stay. Room was amazing. Nice to come from Auckland to such a clean room. Hosts! Well, we couldn't rate them highly enough. Awesome people and guided us through the town. Our 5 year old loved being there also with the Pool and Mum in the Spa. Wouldn't stay anywhere else! And we will be back again. Thanks so much. See you soon!
One of the oldest natural spa in Auckland, the administration is really cheap plus no time limit.
They also have locker for your important items.
The most important part this play is they have very good fish and chips. I think the combo is $16 if I am right. It’s really yum yum yum.
Not a fancy place but its wonderful place for the family trip.
紐西蘭吃喝玩樂 Vincent in New Zealand — Google review
So disappointed the pools have not been opened for over 2 years now and don't blame it on covid either because the other pool next door at the holiday park have been opened the whole time.!! 🤬
When are you going to open again.. these pools were great for family's to enjoy.
Adrienne Campbell — Google review
Absolutely disgusting this great place use to be a great place to visit. This is what happens when we let a place like this get so run down, like many other great hot pools in the North Island. It is ashame that the people that are meant to be renovating it are in no hurry to bring these pools back to life so many people can enjoy them again
george peart — Google review
2+ years this place has been "under renovation". Come on guys, get fire wise and get it done. Too much red tape, too much coin, none wanna foot the bill.
Bureaucracy...ruining it for us all AGAIN!!
Will Dickens — Google review
We enjoyed this very tidy Caravan destination so close to Auckland.
Beautiful scenery on route home.
Tere Davies — Google review
Man it’s been so long open up, I don’t know if they’re open yet, wanted to plan a big group to go there to hang in the pools for a while, have a bbq and have a great time relaxing. It’s still “temporary closed” please open up the people want it. One of the few places I love going to.
Sasha Haznyuk — Google review
MISLEADING ADVERT..JULY 2023.. attached is a very confusing advert from Miranda's website regarding renovations at Miranda hot pools.
Are they open during renovations or CLOSED??
[ Renovations of Miranda Hot Springs are still underway. Due to the ongoing building material shortages, our renovations are progressing slowly... Come and relax with us at Miranda Hot Springs in our thermally heated fresh mineral water. Centrally located, we have three pools to suit all swimmers.]
When you phone to inquire there is no response to either numbers.
Perhaps it would be nice/appreciated for the new owners to let us all know via a DATED update on their website and/or phone message to save people travelling all the way there only to find they are still closed.
It would be great to see these iconic pools once again in operation.
Dennis Walsh — Google review
The staff were very friendly. I thought the drive was out the way and the prices a bit on the steep side. The facilities are adequate with a grass patch, some BBQs, tables and chairs, change rooms toilets and a single shower. Everything looks like it could do with a bit of a spruce up. I would have appreciated a bit of shade covering over the pool. The cafe had good food and wonderful service.
Glen Schafer — Google review
Lovely place💙 I've been going to this pool since I was a baby. Good times and great memories. Fun for the whole family. Really yummy food and kind staff members.
brooke dalton — Google review
Came for the pukorokoro bird centre, lovely clean units, large kitchen and dining areas. Bbq and pizza ovens in a well tended area. Plenty of activities to do around the camp. Friendly helpful staff
Jan stobie — Google review
This beautiful Hot springs is definately the place to be to unwind, entertain and family friendly. Thermal pool with lots of play space for families and kiddies. Its a fair drive but it is soooo worth the gas. The prices are meh ok It is pretty expensive for private pools however, if you enjoy just relaxing and mingling with ethnic families you will love being there
Dee Puru — Google review
A favourite place to visit since childhood. Food at cafe was good and reasonably priced. Entry prices are as is on website. Place was clean and tidy. Good for families.
Emma M — Google review
No shelter over main pool is a bummer, and no cold water pool at all. But still loved it, spent an entire day there and went home feeling relaxed.
Star Kiro — Google review
4.1
(1219)
•
4.0
(182)
Front Miranda Rd, RD 6, Thames, Pūkorokoro / Miranda 3576, New Zealand
We had a wonderful morning on the steam engine with our 3.5 year old and 15 month old. Our 15 month old little girl enjoyed the train ride a lot more than I expected. The ride itself is not too long, very pleasant. Despite the heat would put the kids in closed toe shoes next time we visit - can’t wait to visit again.
Katie Jones — Google review
We took the grandson (14) with us as he enjoys history and anything old and we did the 1st class experience.. the trip takes 30 mins each way … not too long but it was an enjoyable experience … the train itself was relaxing and the 1st class cabin was beautifully done and the high tea was nice and not too much … will recommend to the train enthusiasts if you just want a nice short jaunt with a cuppa and a scone
Jay King — Google review
Fantastic experience and extremely well run. They sorted any problems quickly and communicated really well. Did the trip to the gondolas in Rotorua and they ensured that the day was a great success and very enjoyable. It was great to know that they had it all under control and we could just sit back, relax and enjoy the day. Will definitely do more trips with them! The trains are gorgeous, well maintained and very comfortable.
Pauline T — Google review
Such a fun day out, took my kids and we had a blast. Train stops in the station for a while at the start while they clean and setup inside the train so you can take lots of photos etc. We rode in the open top carriage for the first half of the journey which we loved. You are able to walk between the carriages while the train is moving. The train ride itself lasts about an hour with a little stop to fill up water tank. Everyone (with closed toe shoes) can get off the train and look at the other steam train they have in a shed. Was a super fun experience and I would definitely recommend.
Davina W — Google review
Went on a train trip to Hobbiton and had a blast. Staff are all volunteers so my hat goes off to each and everyone of you. Thanks heaps for such an awesome day
lavonia briggs — Google review
Had the most amazing night just before Christmas here. I was pretty amazed at the parking available and the effort everyone had made to make this a superb experience for the whole family.
Thanks very much and see you all next year!
Lisa Brickell — Google review
Honestly didn’t expect this to be much, just thought it’ll be a train ride and that’s it. But I was pleasantly surprised, and it is best to go with kids as they are the ones who really take away the most. The whole operation is run by volunteers which is so cool.. and they’re doing a fab job! Visit the website to keep a track on what they have on currently as they do light and sound shows too.
Akanksha Sharma — Google review
A lovely place for family. Some events suitable for kids will be held here. You can try 1900’s old train here. Booking is recommend. Come earlier for car park
Aaron Yao — Google review
This visit was a birthday treat with high tea booked in the vintage train parlour car. We arrived early to look around the station while we waited for the train. The classic weatherboard station looks well preserved. The covered waiting area was full of people, some in vintage dress and really setting the scene.
The train arrived and after the previous passengers were disembarked and the carriages were quickly cleaned, we boarded and were off. It's a short ride to Waiuku station through lovely countryside. The smell of the smoke from the engine fire was really nostalgic. The high tea was nice with croissant sandwiches, salmon and prawn on crackers and various cakes and sweet treats with a choice of tea or coffee. The journey back was interrupted by a stop for water where you could also disembark and see the workshop if desired. About 45 minutes on the train all up. Nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Alan Birch — Google review
Very lovely set up with lights, craft stalls, yummy snacks/ coffee stalls and of course, the lovely train ride! Missed out on the big guy Santa as it was raining hard the day we visited but overall, everyone had a good time. A place to take whole family.
Seema Chand — Google review
When we went there on weekend it was such a lovely sunny day. We could actually enjoy the breeze of the wind while we are in the train. Its nice to experience the steam ride train if its your first time. Its a good experience for the family and kids and explore on the side of Waiuku and then be back on the designated time when the train will be back on the station. 🚂🛤🍃
Jeddah B — Google review
The vintage train ride at Glenbrook Vintage Railway during Christmas was amazing! Riding the old-fashioned train and feeling the Christmas spirit was so much fun. The decorations and friendly staff made it a special and memorable experience. I'd definitely recommend it for a unique holiday adventure!
Luz Claveria — Google review
As of my last update in January 2022, Glenbrook Vintage Railway in New Zealand is a charming heritage railway that offers visitors a nostalgic journey back in time. The railway provides an authentic experience with vintage steam trains and carriages, allowing passengers to relive the golden age of rail travel. The scenic journey through picturesque landscapes offers a unique perspective on New Zealand's natural beauty. Additionally, the volunteers and staff are passionate about preserving the history of rail transport and provide informative commentary during the ride. Overall, Glenbrook Vintage Railway is a delightful attraction for both railway enthusiasts and families looking for a memorable experience. However, for the most current reviews and updates, I recommend checking recent visitor feedback or the railway's official website.
Ajhroodeen — Google review
Lovely place to visit during Christmas.
20min train ride.
Lots of food stalls.
Very friendly staff.
Ample amount of parking.
Takes about an hour from Auckland. Located in the outskirts of Auckland.
Amazing experience.
Vipul Jotania — Google review
That’s really good steam train experience for us, specially for the kids. This train opened from 1922 between paerata to Waiuku, other histories you find it when you come. Hhhhh
Others, we recommend the first gold class to you, has good dessert and some snacksx the kids have own box snack.
Finally, We were happy to come here again even though we drove 2 hours
Justin — Google review
It was a really wonderful experience for family with young kids and it also suits any age groups. The staffs all dressed in old-fashioned uniforms to make the experience more unique 👌, they are also very informative.
You can walk into differnet carriages anytime so good to feel the old ways and great work for everyone thats trying to preserved such heritage.
Jake Kuang — Google review
We went to the Christmas lights evening on Sunday. It was a fantastic event, the lights were so pretty they really did go to a huge effort. I understand that it's run mainly by volunteers donating their time. We did find a lot of people pushing in when queuing for the train. It was annoying and we managed to close the gap after one family of about 10 squeezed past. The train ride was great fun, so beautifully preserved and lit for the occasion. We loved the market and the general atmosphere. A suggestion would be to seperate the food trucks or offset them so the lines don't block the way for people walking through. Apart from that it was great 👍 Would definitely go again.
Vanessa Baker — Google review
4.7
(1020)
•
4.5
(135)
135 Glenbrook Station Road, Waiuku 2681, New Zealand
Enclosed space with exotic plants & up to 400 butterflies, plus a shop for ice cream & souvenirs.
Although at the moment it is closed for moving locations, I took my kids here during the Summer holidays and we all REALLY enjoyed it! Customer service was lovely, placed looked beautiful! I cannot wait to bring my kids back here next summer when it is reopened in new location :) Wish the lovely owners all the best!!!
Chloe-Louise Graham — Google review
What a fun place! About 8 species of butterfly. Worth a stop.
Peter Mitchell — Google review
Good for a warm up and interesting for kids under new friendly ownership
Mike Almond — Google review
It was a rainy day but we set off for Thames to visit the Butterfly and Orchid Garden. We had read an article in the NZ Today Magazine about it. We were not disappointed in the amount of beautiful butterflies in the enclosure. The party of 7 of us thoroughly enjoyed our outing. There are lovely tropical plantings and 2 fish ponds. Great to be inside in the warmth and pleasant surroundings. Afterwards we looked around the interesting items for sale in the shop.
Heather Barber — Google review
If you are planning on visiting he butterfly house in Thames NZ reconsider your options it has been closed for a month due to relocation in progress. unfortunate that there has been no notice been made on their website....
DISAPPOINTED.......
Tracey Hahn — Google review
Was great to walk through, was able to take the buggy through so the little one could see. Lovely staff and quiet.
Jason Paget — Google review
It is not there any more ! No signs at all. There was a brown signage on the Tararu rd. which has been painted white now.
Uzair Ahmad `udass — Google review
Cool place to visit. Beautiful butterflies and the owner is okay too.
ger verboeket — Google review
Wonderful experience... So many pretty butterflies and beautiful orchids... A must visit...
The Auckland Botanic Gardens offer a beautiful and diverse array of plants and flowers, as well as event venues and a cafe. The gardens are considered a garden of national significance, and are a must-see for anyone visiting the City of Sails.
Many routes to take while enjoying the peaceful serene scenery of nature at it's finest. Real fruit ice cream on tap at the entrance, sweet cafe to buy all your goodies from. Coffee, hot food, snacks available to buy. Love the variety of gardens. Flowers. Plants. Fruits and even vegetable gardens.
Ap Terekia — Google review
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Lots of parking and free to enter.
Lots of smaller themed garden areas with lovely and interesting walks throughout. Love that there are seats everywhere which encourage you to stop and enjoy, and the wide meandering paths allow for a relaxed time of enjoyment.
Spent a few moments of enjoyment watching both fantails and tui playing.
Thoroughly enjoyed our hours spent here!!
Sharon W — Google review
Thou art in for a verdant treat shouldst thou choose to wander through the majestic Auckland Botanical Gardens. The flora doth flourish in a choreographed symphony, as if Puck himself hath cast a spell upon the grounds. Amidst the blooms and blossoms, one doth feel transported to a realm of pure serenity. The winding pathways do invite thee to lose thyself in contemplation and marvel at nature's bounty. From the noble oaks to the delicate roses, each specimen doth declare its own poetic tale. Verily, a sojourn to these enchanted grounds is a feast for the senses and a balm for the weary soul.
Bluelisted — Google review
Such an amazing, wonderful, beautiful, and inspiring place.
Come along by yourself, with a friend, or with your family; they have something for everyone here.
Enter and just leave all your stress and worries behind as you explore many different themes and styles.
Getting there is easy, with the motorway/freeway close by and a bus stop very close.
They are open every day except Christmas Day.
Mark Brown — Google review
Nice and relaxing. Well spread out in huge area, very well maintained. Clean and tidy. Good for walks and a family day out. Lush green grounds and water reserves make it more beautiful.
Emm Dee — Google review
What a lovely park and gardens! We walked into the many different areas and small gardens within the park. It's impressive to see all the different plants and varieties of flowers at the moment. We especially loved the rose garden, well worth the walk to the other end of the park. Even when it started to rain we stayed and got to enjoy the park for ourselves as everyone else left. The atmosphere transforms and you get to see it into a totally different way. O would totally recommend to you pay that park a visit while in Auckland.
Mikael Besse — Google review
Great place, lovely atmosphere, we can here while it was cloudy but not raining, and it was the perfect temperature to walk around. We did wish we had come earlier in the year when more of the plants were flowering but there were still lots of lovely things to look at. I highly recommend going to see it. We also went to the cafe, coffee was good, and so were the cakes, everything fresh and the coffee at a perfect temperature.
Finn Theodore — Google review
Auckland botanic gardens is fantastic park where you can spend hours. It has many gardens and a kid friendly area. There is also a special place for dogs to be off leash. There is also a nice cafe.
Mahdi AK — Google review
Beautiful space. Great variety of plants. The kids' garden is very interactive. We spent 2 hours to see it all.
Betty Damianidis — Google review
I definitely recommend a visit to the botanical gardens, there is something for the entire family.
The information centre at the entrance provides you with all the information you need about the gardens and has some interesting exhibits.
There are a number of interesting sculptures throughout the year and the gardens host a sculpture event once a year that is always worth a visit.
The children's garden is amazing and always well loved by the kids. There is a myriad of paths and trails that allows you to wander around and enjoy the collection of plants, flowers and trees.
The forest trail of native bush on the northern side of the gardens gives you a good sense of New Zealand's forest.
At the end of your walk around the gardens you can take time out and enjoy a coffee at the cafe overlooking the gardens.
During spring the cherry blossoms are amazing and brings out so many visitors. The highlight of the year at the gardens.
The gardens are a definitely good way to spend an afternoon.
Bruser NZ — Google review
Beautiful park! So well planned and organized. Signs and tips are so helpful. It takes more than 4 hours to walk through all sections. Enjoyed the benches sitting down and observing the nature. Definitely must see in Auckland!
The access is free of charge.
Maya Yaneva — Google review
Absolutely stunning place! Parks are big enough to take the portable bbq and have a family day out and have your own spot. Cafe is on site and the entire park is wheelchair friendly. Free admission. Though the map and track or not the easiest to follow when you are distracted away by plants of the course.
Courtenay Bernard — Google review
Great place for a walk, with or without kids.
Lots of beautiful plants and flowers, some art works dotted around. A pond or two is also on site including a kids area.
Simone Rinke — Google review
Love taking a walk at the botanical gardens with my kid. Such a great variety of different plants and flowers to see and learn about. I like the footpaths along the gardens: they have a smooth and straight pavement. It is easy for my toddler to ride on on the mini bike without getting bumpy.
Maybe one downside: the Cafe at the site gets very busy with a long queue. Advisable to bring your own drink and snacks if don't have patience for the queues.
Olga Zavartseva — Google review
This charming locale is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, boasting an array of captivating sights. The centerpiece of the experience is the exquisite botanical gardens, featuring a stunning variety of meticulously maintained plant species. Don't miss the opportunity to relax at the delightful cafe within the gardens; it comes highly recommended for a well-rounded visit.
Duncan Andrews — Google review
Best Botanic Garden in Auckland! Spacious and great green herbs and plants for families! We always enjoy a good picnic here with families or friends. Both elders and kids could enjoy a stroll here with easy flat trails. It got all variety of beauty all seasons! October is Sakura ( Cherry blossom) season and we always get the best shots here!
Cuiran Yang — Google review
A calm place with beautiful scenery and a natural environment well maintained. Nice niche gardens, loved the rock garden by the lake. Highly recommended to anyone who visits Auckland and closer.
Harsha Thilakarathna — Google review
Absolutely fantastic. It almost beggars belief how the infamous Hood that is South Auckland can coexist so closely with such a tranquil landmark. A vast array of gardens, all with their own feel and character. Several large open spaces and spots for event hire. Thick and lush native bush, plants and trees from all over the world, and every other nook and cranny to explore. It also boasts an impressive display of public art, especially at the biannual Sculpture in the Gardens event, which is in no way something to be missed. If you want to forget that you live in Auckland, or forget that you have a life to come home to at all, go here. And don’t even worry about coming back. You would have to try really, really hard to feel genuinely sad in this place.
10/10 Would live here if I could.
Liam Young — Google review
This botanical garden is a gem. 🤩
I thought I'd spend 1 hour there but I ended up spending 3 hours because there are so many things to see. There's something for everyone: rainforests, gardens with endemic plants, a rose garden and magnolias.
Everything is well signposted, with maps at various points along the way.
Maud Cappelle — Google review
A tremendously beautiful and peaceful park that offers a variety of trails and experiences. If you are looking for a nice beautiful place for a picnic they have tons of lush green space for that or if you want to go on a more city adjacent nature hike there are plenty of micro trails to roam.
This botanical garden is massive and a place you could easily spend hours roaming around taking in the sights.
When we went we saw a wide range of people enjoying it for its meditative vibe (reading a book or soaking up the sun) and family’s having picnics or exercising with their kids. A side note for dog owners, it has a massive off leash area that is perfect for fur friends to run and romp.
All the adventure possibilities and the best part is it’s free! Was surprised to find a park so beautifully maintained with tons of plant and history of New Zealand Information that didn’t require you to wait in a long line and to pay for it.
Will comment that the parking is fine but not amazing in this location, we luckily found parking at a busy time of day but if it’s popular it could force you to park outside and walking in.
Carl Thomas — Google review
Excellent experience. Beautiful gardens so much to look at and explore. You can bring a picnic and sit under a tree. You can walk your dog, on lead (and off lead in the marked section of the map). There is a cafe on site, we didnt go the cafe today, but did buy drinks from the food cart on site. I would advise getting there early on a Sunday to buy tickets for the train ride. There is a great commentary all about the gardens. Ride lasts for 20 mins. First train ride was at 11am (only on Sundays).
Claire K — Google review
Lovely spot to wander around. Lots of green spaces to relax. There could be more directional signage on the walking trails . Beautiful trees.
Lots of people enjoying the open spaces which is good to see.
Jo Adams — Google review
Very peaceful grounds to walk around, caters to all sorts with accessible paths, educational opportunities, spaces for families of all sizes and types.
This is definitely a place that we will be returning to a lot more, so much more to explore and enjoy!
David Quinn — Google review
Entry is free here, The garden is a charming and serene oasis, perfect for indulging in picnics with loved ones, hosting family events, or simply taking leisurely walks amidst the tranquil beauty of nature.
Anu Preet — Google review
4.6
(8589)
•
4.5
(385)
102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105, New Zealand
Mount Eden is an upscale residential area in Auckland that boasts of a prominent volcanic peak called Maungawhau. This cone-shaped mountain offers scenic hiking and jogging trails, affording stunning views of Hauraki Gulf from the top. Eden Park, a renowned sports venue where rugby and cricket matches are held, attracts huge crowds. Mount Eden Road is home to several vintage stores, bookshops, trendy cafes and wine bars. Dominion Road houses several Asian eateries famous for their dumplings.
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is one of New Zealand's most significant and visited tourist attractions. It contains a permanent collection of Maori taonga (treasures) as well as temporary exhibits showcasing local and natural history.
I've visited this museum around 10+ years ago and on my visit today it felt like there was more to see before. Definitely lots of things changed, some exhibitions became computerised, which to me is a bit sad, but inevitable with time and progress. Other things were greatly improved and made the museum look awesome.
I'd like to see more on level 1 (the world), things that relate to New Zealand and over all hope that the museum will only get better with time.
Anastasia Andreeva — Google review
Got be one of the best places to take your kids for some fun, history and culture. Hours of fun for them. Though these days I prefer to relax at the Cafe or out side while the older kids explore. That said I do visit the new displays and exhibits. The Greek one was fascinating.
David Oldfield — Google review
Staff are always friendly and professional. It’s not just about history but also New Zealand culture and nature. My kids love this museum, not only there is a kid zone, but also volcanoes where they get to learn about the history of volcanic eruptions in NZ and experience a simulation of the eruption. There also different exhibitions throughout the year.
Angela Soupha — Google review
Spectacular museum!!
Plenty to see and do.
We spent 4 hours there exploring and immersing ourselves in Maori Culture.
The TRexs are not to be missed and we had fun with locating the AR dinos throughout the museum!
Definitely worth the price of admission.
Melissa Campbell — Google review
A must see if you are visiting Auckland.
Don't get misled by the name, there are entire floors for the Aboriginal people in New Zealand and Polinician islands, and for the natural history of the region.
I didn't even go to the 3rd level which is the war museum, that was not what I was after.
In-fact this is the only place I come across where you can experience the heritage of the Maori people. The Maori villages I visited are just commercial tourist attractions, except for the nature.
Sena Munasinghe — Google review
The Auckland Memorial Museum is an amazing place for everyone🥰, including people with disabilities.♿️ They have great facilities that make it easy for everyone to enjoy.
It's also a perfect spot for families – kids love it, and grandparents have a great time too. 🚼👨👩👧👦👨👦👭🧑🤝🧑You should definitely visit if you want a fun and educational experience for all ages❗️
A coffee☕️🍵🍪🥤🥪🍩 spot is available, and there's a pleasant dining area for those who bring their own food🍱.
The Museum also offers the convenience of FREE 🚗 car parking for up to 180 minutes, making your visit hassle-free. Plus, it's surrounded by a beautiful park area🌋, adding to the overall charm of this wonderful destination💖🇳🇿.
Svetla Nestorova — Google review
Beautifully displayed with a wide array of topics and broad history covered. Very enjoyable and I love that it's free for residents and for those of us that aren't, the price was very reasonable. Lucky to be able to add the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibit for only $9NZ
Jerry Rex — Google review
A place with lot to learn, from Maori history to world wars, from ancient animals to modern animals, volcanos, asian art, and many more. A very informative sections on various different topics. My favourite is the volcano section. Definitely try out the stimulation. There are activities for kids as well. I recommend going in the morning around the time they open, because if you really want to read through information and get to know things, it will take time.
Savindi Wijenayaka — Google review
Please, promise me you will definitely visit Auckland War Memorial Museum when you are in town!
Rich Maori culture and history
Varieties of pacific culture and history
Vivid war and history display
A great introduction of how New Zealand is here today
Reminds you to respect people and to love the world
Informative and full of education
How earthquake is happening, how animals are dying, how you can to do protect the earth..........
Promise me, visit Auckland War Memorial Museum when you are in town.
Eric Chou????? — Google review
Excellent place to visit for rainy day - indoor activities. We visited the current exhibition-Egypt - in the time of Pharaohs. Very informative and unique displays. They have a gift shop which have good selections of souvenirs. The restaurant inside there is very good too. We enjoyed the visit.
ATGC — Google review
Went for the Egyptian Exhibition and totally love it! The gallery presents remarkable collection of artifacts abd relics from Ancient Egypt. The whole exhibition is thoughtfully curated, with detailed information to shed lights on various aspects of Egyptian life.
Bunzy Chai — Google review
Will always give this place 5 stars. I consider this place my own secret garden. It shows our rates are well spent when we visit OUR very own museum. Auckland museum is always updated and keeps up with current trends. Been going here for years.
ENKI'S FUN TECHNO STUFF (EnkiTrillionaire) — Google review
Excellent attraction to spend the day at. You have the cafe insude plus the grounds to picnic. Stunning building both outside and in with decorative features around the outside of the museum. Has the Botanical Gardens near and great views of the City.
Andrew Rogers — Google review
Amazing place it's a must do when in Auckland. It's war memorial cum museum. Some of the exhibits like the Japanese ZERO were mind blowing!
Somnath Chatterjee — Google review
I don't know how, but we got in here for free, went around, looked at stunning exhibitions, bought some souvenirs and left saying what an adventure! That's how interesting a museum has got to be. I also like how the mask mandate poster features Roman Emperor Nero!
Spalton221 — Google review
One of the best museums I’ve ever been to. The name is a bit misleading as the non-war exhibits were the real standout for me. The Maroi displays were great as was the Auckland life expo and the NZ photos. Allow yourself 3-4hours to get around and a bit more to see the botanics and walk up the bloody hills to get there.
Black Cab Central — Google review
The Auckland War Memorial Museum is a must-visit attraction that immerses you in Auckland's rich history. I had the pleasure of exploring it on a rainy afternoon and discovered that it's free for Auckland residents, creating a vibrant atmosphere even in gloomy weather. The museum beautifully showcases Maori culture, offering an insightful journey into their traditions and heritage. While tickets may be slightly pricey for foreigners, the experience is undoubtedly worthwhile. If you're a museum lover, allocate more than four hours to fully appreciate the extensive exhibits. Prepare to be captivated by the fascinating stories and immerse yourself in Auckland's vibrant past at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Cooper Lin — Google review
Went to see Peter - fantastic to see an example up close. Overall the museum is a pretty good stop. Lines can be a little long, and some of the 'modern' exhibit styles struggle to present a cohesive narrative (why are these things here together?). But the majority of the exhibits are well put together and show a rich history with good background information.
David Vedder — Google review
We spent half a day here. It was really interesting to see all the different areas and displays. Kids loved the section where they could explore the animals. And the volcano eruption experience was really good!
Thelma van den Berg — Google review
The best museum to visit in New Zealand thanks to the Māori cultural performance. It started with a beautiful smile and welcome at the ticket counter. You have to do the Māori cultural performance. They were beyond amazing and what was said, taught, sung and performed was so emotional, inspiring, and spot on true. It is not a show, it is a glimpse into a way of life, and you are lucky if you get the chance to experience that.
Benjamin B — Google review
Not just a museum, an experience.
The building itself is amazing !
Sections : WW, Pacific islands, volcanoes and earthquakes, antiquity, rocks, contemporary collections about the city of Auckland...
Just go, you won't be disappointed.
PREFOL Rémi — Google review
Was visiting as part of our cruise. Walked from the dock in Auckland. Beautiful and at times challenging walk. Arrived at museum to find international guests are required to pay to enter. Chose to walk around surroundings and gardens instead.
Christopher McGowan — Google review
If u are a residence of Auckland, u are eligible for free entrance. Working holiday visa holders can also enjoy this benefit. Will be great if u can spend half day here exploring. Unfortunately the T-Rex fossil will be taken down for good from 11 Dec 2023 onwards. Might need to ask the museum management when will it be put back into display.
Harvester Lee — Google review
What a fabulous museum. Awesome displays and special exhibitions. We did a guided tour for an hour; highly recommended. I loved the photographic display by Robin Morrison; special photos of the Sth Is....and the people of that time. We need to return; we were there for 3+ hours but just scratched the surface
Adrienne Heal — Google review
Great place to visit plenty to see, would have preferred to see more information about weapons over the years. The First World War exhibition was sanitized with little about injuries and effects on soldiers coming back. The top floor was saddest with lists of the dead, what a great loss to all.
The SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton Aquarium is a must-visit in Auckland for anyone interested in learning about marine life. The aquarium houses over 30 live animal exhibits, including Southern Ocean marine life such as sharks, rays and penguins. There is also an underwater viewing tunnel and a family-friendly exhibition that's great for rainy days.
We had an enjoyable time here.
It's a small aquarium built underground, below sea level. We spent about 40 minutes on the visit.
Next to the small aquariums there are drawing paper and crayons for the kids to draw on the fish they like. There is also a small playround area for children.
When you want to stop for a bit of rest or refreshments they have seats and a nice window view. This is a convenient place to visit, the entrance is on the right, the left is the exit. you can buy tickets on the website before arrival or buy on arrival. you will see the ticket counter on the inside side when going in. You should read about the history, the stories here you will find more interesting.
Enjoy the moment.
Chloe Dang — Google review
Fun place to take the kids. Make sure you book online a head of time, it will make life a lot easier for your group. It's a little in the pricier side of activity choices and only took us about an hour to go through, and that was taking our time. The penguins and the conveyer walk way in the aquarium were the high light. So many neat creatures to see, and not crowded at all.
Cassie Grange — Google review
This SEA LIFE aquarium was good. The day we went it was not so busy, so we took our time to see everything and didn’t have to rush through. It was cool to see the sharks and the giant manta ray swim over our heads! Even though we all were adults, we enjoyed, it would definitely be a fun filled experience for the kids. The penguins are cute. Felt bad for the small jelly fishes swimming around in circles in one place, but they have no brain, so hopefully they don’t feel anything. The ambience of the place was good. I have been to the S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore, that’s massive, compared to that NZ one is smaller but still impressive. 100 percent recommended 😊
Niketa — Google review
This is indeed one of my favorite aquariums, where you can observe a variety of Antarctic penguins and the ecology near the Antarctic; the design of the aquarium makes people feel like they are in the ocean, and marine life will swim around you. They also look at you curiously. It is recommended to go on weekdays, when there are fewer crowds. So you can spend more time observing these sea creatures. We didn't plan well. So we paid the full admission fee. There are many ticket packages on the Internet that suggest buying them first is much cheaper.
J. Fang — Google review
Loved seeing all the animals here. The penguin enclosure looks big and well kept, bigger than other zoos I've been to.
There's a lot to see here. You can touch starfish, anemone, walk in the shark tunnel, see turtle rescue efforts and so many smaller animals such as clownfish, jellyfish, or seahorses. It's very interesting and educational, and very kid friendly with colouring and a small playground, bold and easy to read text and diagrams.
The giant squid was pretty cool too
megabus — Google review
One of the coolest experiences! Staff were friendly, everything was amazing! I loved all the sea creatures and doing the turtle activity to set them free, my one was Pounamu. Came home learning about dolphins and turtles gift shop was my favorite part they have loads of soft toys at affordable prices, kids had lots of fun!
Anahera Kingi — Google review
What an amazing experience! A first for our young family and we were awestruck by the marvel. An aquatic adventure like no other. It has to be lived to be believed. I was particularly amazed by the sheer size of the sharks and giant manta rays swimming over my head! We absolutely loved it specially with our 1 year old. Lots to do and see for the whole family. Kudos all around!
Avikil Nadan — Google review
This was our first visit of Sea Life visit at Auckland. We like to visit aquariums. We generally take our time and many photos. Our visit lasted 4 hours. It is pleasant and the children will appreciate it, with a diversity of animation for them.
My partner and I found the section with the penguins remarkable. This is the first time that we have been so close to penguins and have confortably observed them. We took best shots of penguins, even better than the one we took at Bird Park @ Singapore. Sea Life deserves a high score for this.
The other parts are worth seeing but average compared to other aquariums. The aquarium is small, quickly overloaded, noisy with the crowd. It may need some renovation. It needs better education materials, to help identify the species, to describe their ecosystem.
The photo taken at the entrance were not even given or e-mail to us as a souvenir for free. As any attraction park, all is made for paying additional services or else. You feel more being moren in an attraction park than a conservation « zoo / aquarium ».
Note: Our favorite aquariums remain that of La Rochelle for its diversity and quality (min 6-8 hours of visit) and that of Singapore which, although small, offers huge aquariums with a wide range of fish and crustaceans together (4 hours of visit).
STEPHANE ROMEI — Google review
This is an excellent aquarium. Small but has plenty to offer, with a large penguin exhibit. This is a great place to spend a few hours if you love marine life.
Harrison Jeffs — Google review
This aquarium is really beautiful and has a great variety of marine life and informative exhibits. There's a nice spot about midway through were you can rest and grab a snack. There are scheduled events throughout the day to watch and some interactive spots for the kids.
We took the bus and it dropped us off right out front but there was some parking available
Margo Prodan — Google review
We took our 15, 8 and 5 year old and they all loved it! Something for everyone. We were there for about 2.5hrs but could've stayed longer. So much to see and experience. A must do in Auckland if you can afford it!
Jenny Chapman — Google review
We had an impromptu visit and loved every minute. The displays are outstanding but the stand out for us were the staff. The shows/talks and feedings they put on are world class. I want to make a special mention of Jenna who went above and beyond answering my son’s hundreds of questions. Her knowledge is incredible! Thank you! We had the best time.
Aleysha Knowles — Google review
Good fun for the kids. Unfortunately we visited on what must've been the busiest day of the year - with poor weather and it being during the holidays. Definitely book in advance to secure a spot during the holidays.
Our daughter still had a blast and enjoyed the playground in the middle. We didn't end up having lunch here, the food looked pretty average and it was busy. The penguins were the highlight for us. I have lots of fond memories of visiting so I'm glad to see it has held up. Lots to educate the kids too if they have the patience
Clare Milford — Google review
Before arriving I messaged sea life via their Facebook page to ask if we could bring our own food, I didn't receive any response at all. There is no contact number for sea life on the website. I checked the website for more details and it said we could not bring our own food. Upon arrival we noticed many people had bought their own food. There were only 8 tables in the Cafe and 2 small tables for kids drawing. We visited during school holidays and found that there was no where near enough seating available, although there was room for more tables and chairs. We found the restrooms really unclean, it was quite a shock for the amount of people there during school holidays there was not more staff on to cater for these times. The actual aquarium itself was great! I would be good to see more resources going into the upkeep and maintenance of the rest room facilities and a revamp of the Cafe area. Hopefully one day they will revamp the parking so there is move available spaces. We purchased our tickets in advance but found we didn't get in any quicker as everyone was queuing in one line.
Charis Work — Google review
Visited with a 2 year old. Expensive for a days activity but a great activity for a special treat. You have to pre purchase tickets
Easy to get to from downtown on TMK bus, stopped right across road from entry and ran every 15 minutes (ditto for return trip)
Total time spent there, including sitting down to eat a packed lunch, was 3 1/2 hours and toddler was engaged and interested through majority.
Heads up that you reach the gift shop around a blind corner and are confronted by wall to wall, floor to ceiling soft toys which is every parent’s hell.
Travel through in a one way loop so no bag storage option, cafe is expensive with very limited options, and it’s chilly inside so we were glad we had extra layers with us.
Gabrielle Duggan — Google review
Took my little sister here and it was well worth it! A great variety of animals and lots of educational stuff posted around the aquarium. Would be great if they had more variety at the cafe and had more seating available, but apart from that the aquarium was amazing and I’d recommend it to anybody.
Kaiya Sothern — Google review
Lovely place with great staff. My one drawback is the floor of the tunnel. There are signs asking people in wheelchairs or anyone with a pram to stick to the left, but for me there was only just enough room and even then I kept slipping on to the moving walkway, especially when going around corners. We weren't able to focus on the views as much because we were so busy trying to make sure my wheels didn't slip off the side. We eventually tried just going on the moving part anyway since I kept slipping and it's actually wider, but again corners were an issue. Everything else was great.
Desmond Marcoschi — Google review
Great Aquarium, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves!
The tunnel was absolutely amazing. I've never seen anything like this before!
And never been able to view penguins that close! Fascinating!
Really friendly and well-educated staff (thank you for the well presented info about the fish and the environment in the tunnel!)
There's a little playground and eatery inside as well.
Takes about an hour to get through but can easily spend 2-3 hours there if you go through all the interesting (also historically) bits and pieces.
Definitely a recommendation from us!
Isabelle Auerbach — Google review
Had a blast at the aquarium! 🐠🦑 Colors everywhere, and the staff knew their stuff. The tanks were on point – got to see some cool sea creatures. Super chill and educational vibe. Perfect for a fun day out! 🌊😎
Akash Parmar — Google review
Absolutely loved our visit here.
Small enough to not feel overwhelmed but big enough to get the full experience. Extremely interactive and would be good for people of all ages due to how close you can get to each animal
Samantha Garland — Google review
It's the perfect gift you can give to your children. My 5-and-a-half-year-old enjoyed seeing the sharks and penguins. Although it's not very large and doesn't have a wide variety of sea fishes, it's well-built considering the limited space. My daughter especially enjoyed playing the role of a doctor and receiving a certificate for checking the teddy penguins' health, which is placed near the front after the penguin exhibit. They have plenty of penguins, and it's nice to see them swimming and resting in the artificial rock. It was her first encounter with penguins, and she enjoyed it a lot. I've been to Cape Town and had the opportunity to see them up close, witnessing how they care for the young and interact with each other.
Apart from the fish and other sea animals, there are lots of small activities for children. There's a small play area attached to a cafeteria where you can grab something to eat and drink. Next to the cafeteria, you'll find big and small fish, sharks, and stingrays. Children will love this part. There's a massive transparent glass aquarium filled with these big fishes, and the pathway is divided into two sections—one for walking and the other rotating on its own, allowing you to stand and enjoy the fishes.
The next area features starfish that you can touch, lobsters, colorful deep-sea fishes, and seahorses.
At the end, you can buy goodies from the shop, although they're a bit expensive.
Considering the price tag, it may not seem like a big aquarium, but we got a discount using our AA membership card, making it a decent deal for us.
Regardless of the price, it's a nice way to spend 2 hours and make your kids happy while enjoying the sea creatures. While you may not see all the sea creatures, they've managed to showcase a maximum with the minimal space available.
Renjith cc — Google review
This place offers a truly amazing experience for visitors of all ages, whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just seeking a fun outing. It's incredible to see how they transformed this space from a large sewage system into a captivating underwater world.
Upon entering, you are immediately immersed in a magical marine environment, teeming with a diverse array of sea creatures. The aquarium features unique walk-through tunnels where you can marvel at sharks, stingrays and other fascinating marine life up close. The well-maintained displays provide an intimate look at the animals, including penguins, creating an engaging and immersive experience. Standout creatures such as the giant lobster, penguins, and New Zealand freshwater eels add to the aquarium's uniqueness.
In addition to the impressive exhibits, SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium offers interactive experiences like penguin encounters and shark dives, perfect for those eager to interact closely with the animals. The aquarium also provides various engaging activities, such as the "scan the turtle card" game, which is especially enjoyable for kids. The dining area offers a pleasant ambiance with ocean views and indoor tanks showcasing rays and turtles. Visitors have the option to bring their own food if they prefer not to purchase meals on-site.
I highly recommend including SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium in your Auckland itinerary, especially if you have a couple of hours to spare to discover unique ocean creatures. It's a memorable experience that showcases marine life in a captivating and educational way.
LN — Google review
Lovely check in and knowledgeable staff at the 1 touch tank that was open. Plenty parking and a nice aquarium though it looked like there were less fish in the aquarium you walk through. The artsy part was new and cool. Penguins were the highlight and my daughter made the polar plunge.
Heather C — Google review
We get annual passes each year and it's well worth it. Great for all ages but especially kids.
Great place to go when it's too hot or wet outside but you want to get out of the house.
The animals are well looked after and the enclosures are awesome and well maintained. The staff are friendly and do great talks, animal encounters (penguin walk, shark cage, touch the starfish!) and they help rescue, rehabilitate and release wild animals.
No covered parking, but wheelchair and pram friendly. Good food and drink options. Parent room next to the playground.
A great Auckland staple worth seeing!
Sian — Google review
Had been a few years since my last visit, so it has changed a bit. Basically the same but much improved ( I was happy you now walk past the Penguins rather than ride past them ). We went with the Grandkids who loved it as did my eldest daughter ( her first visit ). Book on-line and skip the long lines.
Shaun Metcalfe — Google review
We visited last weekend with the kids. There's no allocated parking for Kelly T so better get there early or be prepared to walk. Upon entering it smelled like a urinal. I'm not sure if that's just what the penguins smell like, because they're the first attraction. The public toilets were dirty and smelly. They need to be cleaned more regularly. We paid $148 for a family of 4. It was OK, however, the kids loved it as they don't notice the detail . The shark tank was pretty and a cool experience for us all.
K VD — Google review
Haven’t been here since I was a kid. Visited today and wow what an amazing place. So kick has changed and all for the better.
Great cafe, playground for the kids, touch tanks, free talks, helpful staff, and some interesting pieces of NZ history. My kids were blown away and so were we.
Luke Willis — Google review
It was wonderful to be so close to the sea animals and wow the enclosures were very well maintained, I just with that there was more to see. The seahorse area had no seahorses, the section where you could touch the urchins and star fish was a tiny tank and the queue was very long. The lunch area was also very small but otherwise it was nice, but over way too quickly for being so costly
Lee-Ann Ede — Google review
Good experience for young children. Not much in terms of sea life. The best exhibit is the penguins. The aquarium lacks the different sea life, ie fish, when compared to sea life aquariums in Australia and Singapore. Does not have enough parking and had to park far away. Overall not satisfied. For the price of the tickets, it’s not worth it.
Meth Herath — Google review
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23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
The Sky Tower is a landmark in Auckland, New Zealand that offers panoramic views of the surrounding communities as well as a revolving restaurant and bungee-jumping platform. The tower is situated at 328 metres above street level and has three observation levels namely the main observation, sky deck and sky cafe.
Very nice place in the city. Great for wide panorama view but also for some refreshments. Yeah, it's a bit pricy but these places around the whole world are like that. So even a cup of good coffee is worthy here because the view around is just different as from the other places in Auckland.
If you are willing to spend more time and money as well then you will never regret it cuz the food is also awesome.
Ales Tvrdy — Google review
Goes without saying please Visit this!!! Absolutely stunning panoramic view of the whole city and beyond! What we Absolutely loved was that on the windows they have described what we are seeing and the meaning behind it. The staff is so courteous and they even have clear window panes to look underneath. We made a reservation but when we got there the lines were minimal (I'm sure because of covid) you can also dine there but definitely need reservation for that!
D Sh — Google review
If you are visiting Auckland and have time a must is the Sky Tower. Once up the Sky Deck which is the Main observation area you can get 360-degree view of Auckland and on a clear day the views are just phenomenal, it's said you can see 51 miles from the sky tower.
Yes I wouldn't say it's a cheap experience but it's certainly worth it even if it's just once you do it. The tower also is so well built with high strength, high performance concrete, it's also suspected that during up to a 8.0 magnitude earthquake the tower would still stand and honestly you can believe this by just looking at it.
When visiting we found the staff to be very welcoming and friendly and overall there isn't much else to say other than look at the pictures and see for yourself if it's something you want to witness for real.
Keiran — Google review
I give it 5 stars, however, with a minus. You really get amazing views of the Auckland. You see the city sprawling out to all sides. However, comparing with similar attractions in similar countries it is a bit shabby and aged.
darius savolskis — Google review
Nice views from both decks. Crowded but well organized. Worth a 1-2 hour visit. NZ$75 for a couple in Dec 2023 plus add-ons if you want to try the walk or sky jump.
Pavel F — Google review
I have been here twice before, once during the day, another for dinner on the revolving restaurant. This time was 7pm on a Monday evening when the visibility was amazing. The panoramic view of our city make me love it more and more. I would recommend the 60 floor -sky deck-200 meters above and the bridge and motorway look stunning. Particularly the window is much clearer on Sky Deck. I also bought a pair of red merino gloves. God bless Auckland, God bless our NZ.
Monica Cheng — Google review
Used our free $100 Auckland voucher today which included $25 free gift card for the gift shop. The front counter person didn't mention anything about it, it wasn't a big deal though. All the staff mbrs we came into contact with were friendly. My kids enjoyed it. It was busy, but not over crowded. Worth the freebie, however I forgot to validate my parking n since we were there all up less than 1h10mins my parking was casual rate of $24 😢😢 will return in the near future
olivia mefi — Google review
A must visit in Auckland! Of all their activities we only tried the VR experience which was short but fun. Watched a man do the sky jump, looks very scary but fun!! Had a drink and snack at the cafe with awesome views. Pics don't do it justice. Definitely recommend a visit!
Nicholas Lindsay — Google review
Such a beautiful view at night time, has the sky bar which was busy so opted for the walk around instead. Recommend booking if wanting to enjoy a beverage at the sky bar. Also 2 adults for 70 vs 40 pp was great value
Corey Neligan — Google review
Two of us did the 'sun and stars' entry today. This allows a day and a night visit. Well worth it. The stars experience was wonderful on the upper level (60). Great information bites everywhere, and the staff were excellent, friendly and informative.
I would have liked a Cafe onsite. The bar would have done, but with no under 18s allowed, it was not an option. It would have been lovely to just sit with a coffee and look out.
Maybe a dining experience will need to be next visit.
kitnkat nz — Google review
The Sky Tower is a remarkable piece of architecture. The views of Auckland are absolutely stunning and no photo or video can replicate. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. There were binocular viewers that look like they needed a coin to operate but they were free for use. I highly (pun intended) recommend this attraction.
Margo Prodan — Google review
Very iconic views and definitely worth it if you're making a trip to Auckland. Great way to see the entire city, grab a cocktail, or dinner reservations. If you eat at the restaurant, you get discounted tickets. Walking along the clear glass floor was a little scary, but super safe. Bungee jumpers can be seen jumping off which is neat to see. Elevators are extremely fast and overall it's a very easy experience.
Melissa Previte — Google review
Spectacular views, entry was included with our reservation at the Orbit Restaurant so that‘s a bonus! Really cool to see the city from above, some sections have glass floors (makes you realize just HOW high up you are!).
A must do when you‘re in Auckland!
Anne Victoria — Google review
Very good. Prices are a bit steep but if you’ve never been it’s a great experience! I would recommend trying to visit on a sunny/clear day as on foggy days it can be hard to see
Also recommend going up to the sky deck, which is the highest level; it doesn’t cost anymore and provides a massive view.
Brynn Pierce — Google review
Friendly staff from the ground up to the sky deck. Good place to bring your visiting families. The album at the exit costs $55 which is overpriced, but somewhat expected at this touristy place. We visited on a Saturday but the place is not that packed. I recommend booking your tickets via Klook!
Kathrine — Google review
Very impressive and fun experience. Was wonderful to see the city in such detail. Great dinner. Very romantic for a date! Was also an awesome double date location for our group. Great service all round. Perfect Birthday dinner location. Such fun.
MJ Raatz — Google review
I'm happy to share my review of the Sky Tower! Our recent visit, starting from the 51st floor and ascending to the 60th floor, left us with an unforgettable experience. The moment we stepped onto the observation deck, we were greeted with breathtaking views that stretched as far as the eye could see. The city's beauty and vibrancy were on full display, creating a sense of wonder and awe.
The transition between floors was seamless, and the journey itself was an adventure. It's evident that the Sky Tower team has invested in creating an enjoyable and well-organized experience for visitors. The staff's hospitality and assistance further added to the positive atmosphere.
From the panoramic windows to the interactive exhibits, every element was thoughtfully designed to enhance our understanding of the city's landscape and history. Standing at such heights allowed us to truly appreciate the urban tapestry below.
Overall, our visit to the Sky Tower was a highlight of our trip. The opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and capture incredible memories is something we will cherish. Without a doubt, this is an attraction that offers not just a good experience, but a truly exceptional one.
Mohit Gautam — Google review
A simply incredible experience as one of the things you must do when in Auckland. The views are stunning. Friendly staff. Toilets and food available at the top.
Greg Facer — Google review
Seattle has their Space Needle, Toronto has their CN Tower and Auckland has their Sky Tower. All have similar purposes as a communication towers, tourist attraction/ Observation deck and iconic land mark that can be seen long distances away. I find these towers very useful as a visual land reference when walking about in an unfamiliar city. I also like how they change the light colours of the towers at night. It does create a post card look.
If you like my reviews, photos or videos then reach up to the Sky and Tower over the like button
Seeing the world In a different way — Google review
Wonderful experience. No time pressure, plenty of time to admire the views and take pictures. Be careful if you buy tickets in advance, we accidentally bought two lots of two admissions and they would not refund our mistake. Please read the details carefully.
Howard Farr — Google review
Visited on a Sunday morning, no queue getting in and up the tower, bought my ticket on the day no hassle quick and easy, I ended up spending a couple hours checking out the views floor 51 is the main observation deck, but you can go up to floor 60 for sky deck, incredible views, the glass seemed cleaner on the top floor but as you can do the tower walk I guess it's easier to keep clean who knows, the sky deck floor did get busier and there was a queue to get back down the one lift but enjoying the view it's easy to either wait or do another lap around and enjoy the view again, watching the boats in and out of the harbour, well worth a visit in my opinion a good way to see the city (helps getting bearings for wandering around the city for me)
JAMES Barton — Google review
A great way to see the whole city and enjoy the sights. It's also a thrilling time if you want to bungee jump or do the Skywalk which isn't for the faint of heart. The sky bar is also very enjoyable.The trip to the Sky Tower in Auckland was exhilarating. The panoramic views from the observation deck were breathtaking, offering a stunning perspective of the city and its surroundings. The glass floor added an extra thrill, making it a memorable experience. Well worth it. Great information bites everywhere, and the staff were excellent, friendly and informative. The dining experience is awesome! You can see the 360 degree view of the city while enjoying your dinner an a glass of wine. Cheers!👍
Mayet Zupanek — Google review
A quick ride to the top via the elevator and outstanding views of Auckland spread out before us. The platform is a little shy of 200m above the ground and for the more adventurous you can do a 360° walk around outside (while attached to a harness) or even simulate a free fall off the side (being slowed by your lines before hitting the sidewalk).
For the less brave, looking down at the tiny cars below, while standing on the thick toughened glass in the viewing platform, might be more than enough to make your heart race.
David Westaway — Google review
One of the best place to visit in Auckland. It’s joint through Casino. Access for everyone. Paid entry to tower top . Different levels to visit. Awesome view of Auckland from the top.
Harry & Harnaaz Wairar — Google review
We were very confused when we got there as we couldn't find the entrance. You have to go inside the casino then down the escalator. We had bought online tickets which included the Hop on/off bus & the email said there was no need to print them, but when we got to the desk, ready to go into the tower, we were told to go back outside & have them printed at the bus stop. So we weren't very impressed with that. The views are very good, but it is definitely over priced.
Janice Jeffries — Google review
As this was the third we'd been up in six weeks the novelty had started to wear off. It's still worth doing but perhaps Auckland has less to see than other cities with sky towers. Reasonably priced but disappointing that you can't get a drink unless you pre book your visit so spur of the moment decisions are not the best.
Adrian Walter — Google review
Soared up to top in just 4 seconds. A lot of visitors had to turn away from the front window that showed the climb to the top but not me. It was an adrenaline rush. Off the elevator, the whole city is beneath your feet. Auckland is beautiful. The observation deck is clean, bright and tall. There are wooden benches to sit on while observing the view. There are also transparent mats for those daring to stand on. Caused my heart to flutter for a moment. Missing is a souvenir shop at the top or a kiosk for drinks. Take another lift to get up higher and see sky jumpers risk their life for 5 seconds of their life.
Tony Li — Google review
4.5
(17223)
•
4.5
(11521)
Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Viaduct Harbour is a popular tourist destination where one can enjoy the scenic views of famous landmarks like the Sky Tower, towering skyscrapers and luxurious super-yachts in port. It's a great place to walk around and take in the sights, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to stop at for refreshments. Image credit is attributed to Atomic Coffee Roasters.
4.5
(3441)
Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
27
EcoZip Adventures
Tour operator
Tours
Eco Tours
Nature & Wildlife Tours
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks
Very lovely, helpful and knowledgeable staff, from David the shuttle driver who shared with us many local tips/well-known places to the zipline operator and guides Rosie and Sophie, who are so friendly and nice. It's quite refreshing to see someone who is very passionate about their job, the environment, sustainability and know all little cool facts about all the plants that we walked past. Thank you for the great experience guys! 😃👍
Linh Nguyen — Google review
A must do experience in Waiheke. Bookings are recommended. Awesome staff who take great care of you. There is a total of 3 zip lines on the way, with each one getting gradually more exciting. The guided walk back up is fairly easy going and a very informative talk along the way. Great family experience and beautiful views as you glide over tree tops. Don't forget to leave your problems (rocks) behind
William Lin — Google review
Fantastic experience! Felt very safe yet fun and the staff was very encouraging and entertaining. The 3 ziplines were just long and high enough to get great views and to get that thrill of speed. The nature walk was a bonus as well and learned alot about the area and the history. Thank you for a great time!
LavenderRoseFarmer — Google review
These guys were very professional and fantastic to work with. Our guides, Dylan and Frasier were amazing and fun! This place has incredible views of the country side and bay. The walk back to the top was on a well groomed trail winding its way through the jungle. We had a great time!
Craig Wall — Google review
Ziplining was awesome! Amazing location, great friendly guides and a good cause as a large part of the money goes into reforestation and caring for the land.
Wish there could be a slower, longer Iplime to appreciate the views even more, but the walk back up through the bush was a good way to complement the full experience.
Jorge Bisteni — Google review
We visited EcoZip and found the operation to be exceptionally well run, safe, and fun. The staff were wonderful. The zip line runs weren’t as exciting as we’ve experienced in other parts of New Zealand or places like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, however they were still enjoyable. The walk through the forest was arguably the favorite for all. It was magical and informative. Overall we would recommend EcoZip for the entirety of what the experience is. Match it with a visit to Batch Winery (just one hill away) and you have a great Waiheke day!
Caleb Whitmore — Google review
Great experience! Loved the whole thing. Would definitely recommend
Trace — Google review
Great ziplining. 3 zips in total - only downside is I wish it didn't have to end!
Had two great guides with us who were knowledgeable about the local ferns and wildlife around the Bush too and how important it is to protect it.
Emma Hill — Google review
It was such amazing experience at EcoZip Adventures the kids and I had yesterday morning. We are from Gold Coast, Australia and just visited Waiheke Island for a day trip. It was the best decision to choose this experience. All staff members we have come across were very professional. Got picked up from the Waiheke Pier by warmly greeting staff Marie. We had Ella and Lucy as our guides for the zip lines and nature walk. The place, the view, the weather, another family that we met- everything was beautiful and perfect. We absolutely loved and enjoyed this experience. Love to come back again in the future for sure.
Nan Clark — Google review
Enjoyed our Ecozip Adventure. The scariest part was being weighed 😂 but fortunately it is discreet. We had an awesome time.
tracy nagel — Google review
Wow, the whole experience was amazing! From the pick up to the guides, they really made us feel safe while providing a great experience. The zip lines had stunning views and the hike back to base camp was beautiful and informative. Highly recommend!
Sounds Good — Google review
Great set up, views are amazing and staff were friendly. Felt it was expensive for what you experienced and took a long time for how little you do. Took around 3 hours to experience 3 zip lines and then walk which is described as a nature forest walk and it is just the walk back to the top once you have completed the zips. Glad I did it to see the island in a cool way but found it expensive for what it is.
Emma Lievesley — Google review
Great staff and ziplines. I had a lot of fun!
Mithun Das — Google review
From the Shuttle driver Ruth, to our guides, Alex and Ella; everyone was super friendly and reassuring. They know what they are doing and they all are very knowledgeable. They always made us feel safe. We had an absolutely wonderful day and i so would do it again in a heartbeat.
Thank you so much for the amazing experience team. You guys are awesome! ♥️
Shani Gunawardana — Google review
What a fun adventure! So much so, you want to do more after the 3 zip lines!
From the easy online booking process/informative website, to the straightforward free transfer service from the ferry, what a great team of staff that were professional and made you feel safe and comfortable at all times on the course.
J and Ellie(?) were an awesome team. Great communication and informative throughout the experience! Thanks guys!!
Ramona Stratful — Google review
Excellent. The driver was kind enough to let my husband and I in Onerea town explore because we got to the island early. He also recommended where the best Gelato to get, and he was right. The staff ensured you that you are in safe hands. The views from the three runs in Waiheke are beautiful, and we got lucky w the weather even though it's a dreary day in Auckland.
Jennie Yau — Google review
Fantastic adventure on a beautiful island. Friendly helpful staff in Nicky Georgia and Jess.
Had a great time very safe and professional and suitable for anyone all ages. I'm 60 and had no dramas. Get out there and do it
Laurie Kennedy — Google review
Had a great time at EcoZip Adventures! Our guides Ella and Lucy were fun but professional, making sure we were safe and comfortable during our awesome experience. Highly recommend!
Michelle Bielat Rowe — Google review
Loads of fun, beautiful scenery, very well run with great experienced friendly staff. The trip back through the bush afterwards was lovely. High recommend doing this with a group of friends/family or as a work function. Thank you all.
Linda Mudrovcich — Google review
Great, wonderful experience! Daniel and Jack were so helpful and safely harnessed us up. We flew over the forest canopy and vineyards on three separate zip lines each time adding length and height. They took the time to photograph us with our own camera. There are lockers so you can bring a backpack and bathrooms at the top. The hike was great to learn about the flora and fauna, plus get a rest from the climbs. The tour can let you off afterwards at the village above Onamia beach so bring a swimsuit and towel to do that, too! Then you can walk back downhill to the ferry. Also, when you catch the ferry in Aukland, give yourself extra time to get in the queue as we almost didn’t make the ferry as they only allow so many to board the ferry. When we signed up through Get Your Guide, make sure you buy both the zip line tickets and ferry tickets, then you will get an email to fill out the disclosure form which will save time when you arrive. This was a great experience!
Janet Smith — Google review
4.8
(771)
•
5.0
(1625)
150 Trig Hill Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island 1081, New Zealand
Waiheke Island is a popular day trip destination from Auckland, which can be reached by taking a 40-minute ferry ride. The island offers plenty of options for visitors to enjoy, such as famous vineyards, diverse beaches and adventurous activities including zip lining and sea kayaking. Waiheke was once a quiet summer vacation retreat with hippie beach houses dotting its edges but now boasts of around 35 vineyards along with friendly locals and charming shops and bars.
Friendly locals, lovely little shops and bars
cameo wilson — Google review
We just went last Saturday and to my surprised 😮 there’s a long line waiting for us. We arrived in Viaduct at 10:00 am and get in at 11:40 am. Around 35 mins travel time. When we arrived in Waiheke Island we waited for another 1 hour for the Tour Bus. Lots of patience you need if your going here 😤 we had our lunch at cable bay vineyard at around 3pm and just enjoyed the rest of the day.
Maricar Dela Cruz — Google review
We did a wine tour on the island. Lots of really cute wineries and great food. The beach is beautiful. I would love to go back and spend a few days exploring.
Kim Dominguez — Google review
I fell in love with this beautiful island. Family visited this on a Saturday through a ferry from East Auckland as we brought a van with us. Left 8am trip returned 7pm, had enough time to explore the beaches, vineyard, Catholic church, CBD for our brunch. We had a taste of oysters and wine tasting for our late lunch. Able to enjoy Waiheke ostend market every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, grandchildren loved the art gallery and parks. See you again.
Arlene Barraca — Google review
Great day trip from Auckland. Better if you find accommodation there for a night or two so you can enjoy the winery's and rend a bike to go around the island. It has amazing spots all around. I highly recommend to do the AT hop transport car and use that to travel to the island as the tour agency the rip you off 45$ return ticket.
Traveling with Apple — Google review
Waiheke Island is only 40 minutes ferry ride from downtown Auckland and has a lot to offer. You can walk, ride a bike or take a shuttle bus to all attractions. If you can walk I strongly recommend you do so. It’s a lovely walk to Oneroa Beach, Cable Bay and Mudbrick vineyards
Pia Cristina — Google review
Just about 20 km away from Auckland, you find this landmass, which is so magical and beautiful. Island has a population of over 1000 permeant residence. This unspoilt beauty is all about nature and landscape. I took the ferry in the morning and after speeding a day I came back to Auckland in the evening. The lifestyle, culture and locals within the island was inspiring. They were friendly relaxed and fun. Next time I would spend a couple of days on the island itself, rent a beach house and wake up to the sound of the waves. Also, I wish I could own a home on top the of a cliff like in the photos and retire in a heavy island like this.
Rajinda Fernando — Google review
Loved Waiheke Island. Such a diverse island. Well worth the visit. Must drive the island.
Vanessa Hillerman — Google review
In the summer season, it is super busy which requires preparing well to enjoy.
Things to know:
- Ferry: As the ticket says, it would be really good to arrive at the ferry terminal an hour before your estimated departing time. We aimed to take a ferry at 9 am and we arrived around 8.20 am. The 8 am ferry arrived at 8.25 am and left from the downtown ferry terminal at 8.35 am. We were super lucky, and I am unsure how this would impact the rest of the hours ferry.
- Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus: Although we purchased tickets, we didn't use them. Yes.. it is a waste of money, but we wanted to avoid possible hassles. On Friday, the interval is an hour and most of the winery at the bus stop was fully booked. Some people complained of 1.30 hours waiting at the bus stop.
- Rent a car: In the end, we rented a car a day after checking all the recent reviews.
-- Pros: good to go wherever you go, enjoy some viewpoints and avoid crowded spots.
-- Cons : limits for drinking and unable to go Man O war bay road if it is not a 4wd car.
Jean Lee — Google review
It's beautiful island and if you are a wine-lover this is a must.
We went there for a day and used the fullers hop-on hop-off bus; and highly recommended to start early to make the most out of it as it's quite expensive. It's a good way to have look at the entire island then decide which stop fits you the most.
We had lunch and few wines in Mudbrick (also quite expensive too) but the food’s yum.
mean cagadas — Google review
If you are in Auckland , this place is a never miss one . 35-40mims on boat will take you to the Waiheke . It’s a scenic island with great vineyards and some little beaches. You can go around the island by bus or on bicycles. Vineyard tours are the main attraction and you can pre book these tours. Most these vineyards offer great food too…views on the way to and from the island on ferry is also mesmerising.
Jesto Jose — Google review
Breathtaking place. If you want to see the entire island in a day, take a bus or hire an electric bike. I completed the trails on the southwest and northwest sides, and they are beautiful.
If you have some time in Auckland, do not miss out on Waiheke island. If you're there, be sure you check out the shops and the wineries if that's your fancy.
Adam Hof — Google review
Lovely day trip to see the sea, beautiful beaches and natural beauty of this small but picturesque island. It was easy waving on a well scheduled ferry from Auckland’s downtown Harbour to go to Matiatia ferry wharf and loved the smooth fresh air ferry ride. (I purchased tickets for both the ferry ride and hop on hop off bus shuttle at Auckland ferry terminal and was pleased I did so)
Once on Waiheke island I hopped onto the scheduled 30 minute island circuit ride and enjoyed exploring the many vineyards, several beaches and a good forest walk. There is lots of to do on your day trip so be mindful of the last hop-on hop-off bus on the schedule.
Make sure that you respect this beautiful island and avoid going off established pathways, put garbage in its proper place and keep your eyes open for the road traffic. Local drivers don’t have much patience for pedestrians.
If you like my reviews, photos or videos then don’t stay stuck on an island just jump on and off and hit the like button
Seeing the world In a different way — Google review
Definitely a must visit if you are in Auckland. Only a quick ferry ride here and lots of beautiful scenery and wineries to visit. Beautiful beaches and just an all around perfect place.
Jessica A — Google review
Waiheke Island 🏝️🏖️ .....
Yesterday we had a grand trip to Waiheke Island which is a popular tourist destination in NZ . It's been ranked 1st by 'National Geographic Magazine' as the top island escape in the world. Its the fifth largest island in New Zealand & is located off the east coast of North Island. It can be reached in 40mins by a ferry from Auckland. The ferry service is fast & frequent.
Waiheke Island is known for its Vineyards, Beaches 🏖️ and seaside villages...
Dr Rajan Ekatpure — Google review
A must do if you’re in NZ. Easy ferry service from Auckland and incredibly beautiful.
Olivia — Google review
A beautiful island with lots of beaches, walks, nature reserves and wineries. A day worth spending
wilson veranakunnel — Google review
4.7
(439)
•
4.5
(2077)
Auckland, New Zealand
29
Man O' War Vineyards
Vineyard
Food & Drink
Man O' War Vineyards is a charming beachfront winery with a cozy tasting room and a pet-friendly picnic area. While it's a bit secluded, the experience is worth it. The cheese board offers delightful selections sourced from outside the vineyard, complemented by their own delectable honey and robust olives. The wine tasting experience is enjoyable, with both reds and whites to savor. Visitors can also indulge in farm-to-table cuisine at the restaurant.
Amazing how this place has grown over the years. Lots of friendly staff, table service, gluten free options. Wonderful wines. Great on warm summer days, a good indoor section for rainy days.
The road out can be a little rough, but just come by boat!
Rose — Google review
Great place.
Had a great wine tasting. Delicious wine, knowledgeable descriptions before you drink.
Right on the beach.
Live band playing in the background.
Children love Dr Feelgood ice cream.
Lots of space and playground for the kids.
Eddie Peel (Ed) — Google review
We are big fans of Man'o'War wines, so we took the ferry to Waiheke and rented a car just to visit your restaurant and tasting room today. The service we received was unfortunately absolutely abysmal.
The service wasn't great in the restaurant, and after we ordered two steaks, we had to wait over 30 minutes for the steaks, and then the steaks were lukewarm. So we thought perhaps the restaurant was overworked, so went to try the tasting room next.
We waited over 5 minutes at the var before the guy behind the bar even acknowledged us. A woman came behind the bar before that, but said we had to wait for the man, who was in charge there. After 6 minutes, the man came over, and I said I wanted to do the $24 tasting session. He told us we would have to wait 20 minutes, as he was dealing with two large parties at the time.
Meanwhile, he seemed to take 3 - 5 minutbes for every single wine order he was receiving from other customers. Other customers who came in after me were sold bottles of wine while I waited.
Another party of 2 also requested a tasting session, after I had requested it, and they were told to wait too. After 20 minutes, the gutmy behind the bar came outside where we were told to wait, but served that other couple first. He took a lot of time doing it - at least another 5-7 minutes. At that point I just gave up! I'd already waited over 30 minutes, and hadn't received a single drink!
I've been to at least 25 wine tasting rooms in NZ, and this was by far the worst service I've ever encountered. Absolutely shocking!
Andrew Beer — Google review
Beautiful setting of this winery, directly at the water. Wine tasting included also little snacks which was different from all other wineries we visited in New Zealand. They are truly professionals.
Regina Wagner — Google review
Nice food. Though we got some shell fragments in the oysters. Not much wine selection if you are not doing tasting. But every drink was very good. Service is good. View amazing on a sunny day. The drive there is a but bumpy but view on the way is nice. Had a little kids playground outside.
Vonnie Wan — Google review
Amazing food, amazing location, amazing service.
Food was delicious and really generous portions too. Unbeatable waterfront location and the service was top notch. loved the vibe as well! Wish we had came straight here instead of trying out some of the other places on the island. Definitely a highlight of the day!
Jen Z — Google review
One of the best quality fresh oysters we have had. The beautiful beach is just a stone throw away for you to indulge. Great service. There is also a beautiful tasting room for wine lovers.
Maggie Chen — Google review
A very nice winery right on the beach. My girlfriend and I went there and had a wine tasting and lunch. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the food was also very good. In addition, the service was very nice and courteous. We are looking forward to coming back soon.
Lukas Bittner — Google review
This vineyard is a bit secluded thus a bit pricey. The cheese board was great though, cheese is absolutely lovely (sourced outside the vineyard), the honey which was from the vineyard was amazingly good, the olive is quite strong also from them, the bread is lovely, the red is something else not bad thought but not for me. The white is good. Overall it was a good place to unwind and enjoy some company of friends or family. If you don't have a rental, call them to book for a shuttle.
Lind Orb — Google review
Nice dog friendly winery. It is 30 min away on the gravel road. You don’t need a 4wd or anything, any vehicle can access here.
Pricing around $80-$100 per person including 1-2 drinks.
Oysters are fresh, all dishes are great, service is very friendly. Overall, five stars.
Makoto Takaoka — Google review
We did a wine tasting and had lunch. Service was outstanding. We were looked after so well. Our food was utterly divine and arrived so promptly. We were absolutely delighted.
Natalie Pitfield — Google review
I'd give this place 10 stars if I could. One of the most beautiful settings for a winery in the world. If you can get to this place, it's well worth it. The wine is incredible and I've since purchased a bunch more after arriving back in Australia. I just wish I didn't live so far from it. The tasting room by the beach is gorgeous as is the drive to it. An unforgettable experience for us. Grab a bottle for the ferry ride back to Auckland.
Steve Deal — Google review
Gorgeous setting. We were a big group and the staff was great with the wine tasting. Only downfall is having to pay $30 corkage. Nowhere does it say this. The takeaway bottles have prices on the menu but if you wish to drink it on site they charge $30. Seems very steep. The lady at the till was pretty rude when I questioned her on this.
Gay Morgan — Google review
Had an amazing time here with kids. It's got a newly built playground, a great area for a picnic, food service and most of all a wine tasting. Both food and wines are exceptional and one of the reasons I would come back here. The staff is friendly, helpful and accommodating. Come here for an hour and stay the whole day! Highly recommended
Andrey K — Google review
Man o War is a must-visit winery on Waiheke, wonderful menu (where there's something new every time we go), gorgeous location and knowledgeable and attentive staff. I would recommend booking, to insure you can get the whole experience! Restaurant, wine tasting and a walk along the beach. We'll be back next year!
Jenna Borst — Google review
Pleasant, but not spectacular.
Lovely beachfront location, but so is half the island. Menu is very limited and a bit hit and miss - arancini was possibly the blandest thing I've ever eaten, heirloom tomatoes were stunning.
Staff tried hard but simply had no clue about any of the wine. I got a comical rambling comparison between two chardonnays that ended up being nothing more than 'this one is usually more expensive than the other one'.
I'd say it's not worth the drive, but the drive itself was beautiful.
Ryan — Google review
Didn't take long at all to get there by boat from east auckland. A great spot for friends and for the family. Really kid friendly, a great big playground and plenty of open space for them to run around. Great music and a lively vibe. A nice selection of food and drinks, and if it's getting too hot, the beach is right there for a quick dip. Will definitely be going back.
Abdul Rahman — Google review
Great location good food. Regretfully the staffing is very light on expect to wait 30 minutes plus on any engagement. U would be better off ordering all meals and drinks the one time u might get waited on.
Rob Rizzo — Google review
The most stunning scenery and location. I can see why it's so popular. Book a table, (unless you're bringing a picnic blanket, which is a cool option) we got there at opening time and it filled up super quickly. The Rose Pinque was delicious.
Vanessa Martin — Google review
Very nice winery in a secluded location, felt intimate despite being the largest vineyard on the island. Recommend the shuttle bus if you're not comfortable on windy gravel roads. The wine tasting was great and the staff were lovely. The restaurant is quite pricey but excellent quality foods, and we did appreciate the farm-to-table mentality. It was easy to spend several hours here enjoying the wine, the food, the scenery and atmosphere.
Donghee Lee — Google review
Man O War was incredible! We took the direct ferry with Explore from the city to the vineyard which was so easy + we had beautiful views on the way!
The Man O War staff gave us a warm welcome on arrival and the service by their staff was amazing, everyone was incredibly professional & truly cared about our experience.
The food and wine were outstanding!
Can’t wait to be back & highly recommend!
Rebecca Fuchs — Google review
such a beautiful remote area, worth going here for the location alone. the food was simple done well, the best type. i don't usually rave over hot chips (not what i go to a winery for), however the truffle fries here are absolutely insane... even the husband who is a simple steak burgers pizza chips type of guy was blown away. the chorizo pizza was delicious too - the gf base we (i) requested wasn't stodgy or crumbly like most are which is worthy of mentioning. the wine was nice too, not spectacular or anything but still nice...not a huge selection on the restaurant menu tho.
Anony Mouse — Google review
What a dreamy place!! Great spot to spend a couple hours for a tasting and lunch. Service is on the slower side but come on - it’s wine country! Give them a break. I came on a Monday and sadly they were out of the oysters and clams, so for oyster lovers I would recommend visiting Wednesday or later to be on the early side of the week when they stock up.
The absolute best service was the shuttle service to/from the ferry terminal for only $10 each way. Fi is awesome!
Great time and can’t wait to come back.
Shelly Gu — Google review
Visited: 1st April 2pm. Rude, unfriendly staff, lack of hospitality and poor communication!
Was wanting to do a wine tasting and get a bottle, so I walked towards the wine tasting room and was stopped by a red headed female staff member who stopped me saying, “didn’t you see the big sign in front? You just walked past that big sign that says no walk ins”! The sign clearly says “restaurant is fully booked, no walk ins until 3pm”. Nothing to do with wine tasting or purchasing wine. Unnecessary attitude and behaviour towards customers from front of house staff. I witnessed this again on several occasions with in 10sec of standing there amazed at how she was speaking to customers. Bad experience.
Matthew Graham — Google review
Worth the trip on a sunny day!! Absolutely blown away by our visit here. Stunning location, incredible food, in a low fuss setting that felt special. Thank you for a fabulous lunch.
Lydia Ellis — Google review
We were excited to drive out to Man o War for wine tasting, as we enjoy their wines.
It was a stunning venue, and the wines were good, but the service was disappointing.
We felt unwelcome and an inconvenience. We had a large group and hadn’t pre-booked, so had to wait for wine tasting which was no problem for us, so we went to grab a glass of wine and got told we could only drink wine on the grass and not on a table undercover or under an umbrella, as we weren’t eating - even though there was hardly anyone there and there were a lot of free tables. The wine tasting wasn’t a great experience - wine was poured in a hurry, with hardly any explanation of the wines, then we were left to it. We asked for the bartender to take a photo and he wasn’t impressed but begrudgingly took it anyway. We also saw people wait over five minutes to be seated in the restaurant - even though staff were present.
We went to other wineries that day and had much more engaging service.
Catherine Hall — Google review
4.5
(1094)
•
4.5
(505)
725 Man O War Bay Road, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Devonport, a charming bayside village in Auckland, offers a relaxed atmosphere with its upscale cafes, seafood restaurants, and classic Kiwi pubs. Visitors can explore small boutiques and art dealerships along Victoria Road or relax at Devonport and Cheltenham beaches. The area also boasts the volcanic cone of North Head with its harbor views and underground army tunnels, as well as Mount Victoria for hiking enthusiasts.
The drive from Raglan to Auckland is 98.2 miles (158 km).
How long does it take to drive from Raglan to Auckland?
Driving from Raglan to Auckland should take you 1 hr 49 mins in normal traffic.
How much would gas cost from Raglan to Auckland?
Gas from Raglan to Auckland would cost around $9 to $20, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Where should I stop on the way from Raglan to Auckland?
You could check out Kiwi Cave Rafting - Black Water Rafting - Waitomo and The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo, or the always popular Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tour!
What are the best cities to visit between Raglan and Auckland?
People love visiting Hamilton, among others.
What's the weather like in Raglan?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.