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.

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!!

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!!

Wow what An amazing tour! This is easily the most inclusive and action packed black water cave rafting tour in the region. 4-5 hours of absailing, rock climbing, black water rafting and cave exploration. Our guide Kat was exceptional and very experienced in caving, she was a treat and made a fun day very special! This adventure tourist would recommend to anyone! A+++

Really nice and adventurous experience for me. Totally love it and recommend! Almost 4 hours down in the caves, thousands of Glowworms, absolutely fantastic guide (Krys) with sense of humour 👍thank you for perfect day.

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!

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!

I can really recommend the Spellbound Glowworm and Cave Tour. our group had just four adults, which made it feel very relaxed and special. Unlike the more touristic caves, we were actually allowed to take our own photos here, which was great. Our guide was local and super knowledgeable. His father had already explored these caves, and their family helped make sure the caves were not turned into a mine. That makes the whole experience feel even more special. There are two caves to explore, one wet and one dry, and both are amazing in their own way. Even the short walk from the van to the cave is beautiful and totally worth it. At the end of the tour our guide also shared us his best pictures, even one taken from his front door. Overall, it was an authentic and unforgettable tour. Highly recommended!

Highly recommended! The best glowworm cave we have ever visited. We have seen glowworms in a few different locations before in Australia. However, the tour with Spellbound truly exceeded our expectations. The boat ride was amazing, and we were allowed to take photos with a very specific setting and without the flash; then everyone put their cameras away, just to enjoy the magnificent 'sky full of stars'!! It was truly magical🤩🤩🤩. Thanks to our very kind and knowledgeable tour guide Ross!🥰

Spellbound is the perfect name for this amazing tour. Five star from start to finish. Huge thanks to Dave our guide who was friendly, professional and patient, explaining so much and entertaining us with his great knowledge and enthusiasm. The Glow worms were incredible as were the caves and fantastic boat ride. An absolute highlight of our holiday. Thanks to all concerned 😊

My girlfriend and I really enjoyed our tour with Spellbound. Our guide Ross was very easy-going and gradually shared a wealth of interesting information throughout the experience. Everything was also well organized, and we especially appreciated the sense of intimacy within the small group – something that has become quite rare in tourism these days.

Visited Spellbound Glowworm Caves in September 2025 and it was one of the most enchanting experiences of our trip! Unlike the larger Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Spellbound offers a smaller, more personal tour with fewer people, which made it feel truly special and peaceful. Our guide was fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly and passionate about the caves and their history. The highlight was the boat ride through the glowworm cave. Drifting silently beneath thousands of glowing blue lights was absolutely magical , it felt like floating under a starry sky deep underground. The glowworms were bright, plentiful and close enough to really appreciate their beauty. We also explored a second cave filled with incredible limestone formations, stalactites and fossils, making the experience even more fascinating. Everything was well-organized, from the van transfer to the safety instructions. The pace was relaxed, giving us time to take in the surroundings and ask questions. Visiting in early spring was perfect, cool, comfortable weather and fewer crowds. Spellbound truly lives up to its name, it’s mesmerizing, intimateand unforgettable. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a more immersive and peaceful glowworm cave experience in the Waitomo area. A definite highlight of our New Zealand adventure!

An unexpected tour cancellation leads to an incredible adventure! Facing a last minute tour cancellation by another tour operator, we sought out an alternate Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour. Expedigo Tours and Transfers were prompt in replying to our message and answering all of our questions about what the tour covered, the costs, and availability. We were met the next morning by Matt who did an excellent job as our guide throughout the day providing info on the area and making a couple of special stops along the way - no spoilers here! Our Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour took place at Spellbound - a charming private farm with acres of rolling green hills and photographic farm animals in addition to some of the most exceptional glowworm caves. Ross took over as our cave guide and his knowledge of the glowworm caves, their formation, the topography of the region, and the importance of the caves existence was impressive. The tour first includes a walk above ground to see how the underground caves impact the land above, then you explore an active glowworm cave on foot to see glowworms up close. Next you board a boat for a long ride through the caverns - first time through you can take all the photos and videos you want (Ross helped everyone set up their cameras/phones to the best settings!) and the second time through (yes, you get TWO rides!) all devices are put away and you are left to nothing but your eyes and ears to experience the true magic of the experience - the glow of the lights, the sound of rushing water, the soft drops of water that periodically surprise you, and the slight breeze that pushes you through the caves. A truly magical experience! After a quick tea break, you will learn about local animals that lived in the area and then set off to explore another cave system. Spellbound gives you multiple ways to experience the glowworms, the caves, and the area and the small group size is perfect so you are never crowded or rushed. Expedigo did not disappoint in booking us on a tour that we will never forget!

Please book your glow worm experience with Spellbound! It was absolutely perfect. The area is beautiful. Doug was a fantastic tour guide. Pictures and words do not do this tour justice. You can take as many photos as you like here. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with a tour group, and I wanted to share my experience. While it may be a bit of a journey from downtown Auckland, the adventure truly felt worthwhile. Before entering the cave, a photographer captures special moments for souvenirs. They do this because photography inside the cave is not permitted, primarily to protect the delicate habitat of the glowworms. It also helps support the local economy through tourism. I have to admit, the photos can sometimes be a little cheesy, but there’s no pressure to buy them. Once inside the cave, our guide warmly explained the importance of not touching the rock formations, as this could harm the unique ecosystem surrounding the glowworms. When the lights went off, the sight was nothing short of magical—glowworms twinkled like stars above us, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The walk was about 800 meters, so wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is essential, especially since the ground can be quite slippery. At the end of the tour, we boarded a boat to exit the cave, and we were kindly reminded to keep our voices low to preserve the peaceful ambiance. As we emerged from the cave, a gift shop awaited us, which was a nice way to wrap up the visit. I found a lovely Christmas ornament there, and the prices were quite reasonable. Additionally, you can retrieve the photo taken before the tour, which is a nice touch. Overall, I found the experience to be quite fascinating and uplifting, connecting with such a unique aspect of nature.

An awe inspiring experience. Impressed with the professional moving deliverance of the presentation our guide Shawnee shared with us all. She connected well with international and local visitors with her humour, warmth and knowledge. As soon as it ended we wanted to go through again....in case we had missed something. We didn't want it to end.

Fantastic experience, great activity to do with the whole family, the cave and the river are beyond expectations and all the scenery walks around are something everyone should do at least once. Guides were super friendly and knowledgeable the place is super clean and they have everything to make it a lifetime experience. Thank you.

Good tour of the cave with Taylor who took us through the history and culture. No photos or video allowed until the very end due to respecting culture. The cave before the glow worm section is very ornate and interesting but it’s the glow worms that everyone comes to see. It was fascinating to see the worms and the light that they omit but the publicity photos do kind of over estimate the brightness of the glow. That’s said we enjoyed it. The boat handling via a series of ropes takes some doing. It does get busy so recommend booking tickets in advance if you can. Cafe, restaurant, parking and the obligatory gift shop as well.

Great set up. Interesting guides. Large cafe and gift shop. Parking down a huge slope! We did walking and boat tour to see the glow worms. Loved it but had manage so many stairs in the almost dark.

This is by far one of the best and most unique excursions that we have done during our various travels. The guides were all very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the tour. We were a little nervous about the water being too cold but you are in so many layers, including an optional fleece under your wetsuit, that you dont even notice! Definitely a must do while on the North Island.

When on holidays I make it a point to visit caves, as such I've seen heaps. As far as formations go, I can only remember one that had less to offer. Then there are the few minutes that you're under the glow worm ceiling. And for that the cave would deserve 3 stars, maybe 4 on a generous day. BUT. The experience is way overpriced, I have visited 5+ star caves for half the entrance fee. The guide was unmotivated and didn't even try to hide it. The caves are overcrowded. They are pretty short and with a tour starting every 10 minutes you can basically see and hear the tour in front and behind you. Outside the actual tour. The toilets were disgusting. The restaurant terrible, I can honestly say it was the worst meal I had during my 4 weeks in NZ. And by the way the photos you see online and in the brochures are not what you will see.

I did the 4-hour Lost World tour, and it was honestly one of the best experiences ever! The 100m abseil was absolutely wild and when you land inside the cave, it feels like stepping into a scene from Kong vs Godzilla if u ever watched it, so epic! The reception staff were super friendly, and our guides Shaun and Joel were just awesome — couldn’t have asked for better! If u visit waitomo this is a must visit.

Best adventure ever! My 13 year old son and I had the most incredible afternoon completing the half day tour (we will be back for the full day without question). A must do!! We also did the blackwater rafting and this was our favourite activity hands down. Huge thanks to the guides who made the experience incredible!

This was one of the most thrilling and exciting experiences I’ve ever had! The 100-metre abseil down into the cave was absolutely breathtaking. I joined the 4-hour trip — it was very safe, and the instructors were fantastic and made everyone feel well taken care of. Highly recommended!

The Lost World Half day tour was absolutely incredible. One of my best travel experiences ever! Joel and Erin our guides were just fantastic. I felt really nervous before the abseil down but they were both so calm and reassuring I felt really at ease the whole time. It’s such a unique way to see the glow caves. The 30m ladder climb at the end was a bit brutal on the hands so would recommend taking some gloves with you. Other than that they give you everything you need and really look after you. Thanks for an amazing experience!

An unforgettable experience, made perfect by our guides Joel and Shaun. Their expertise and great humour made the entire tour. Absolute legends!Amazing photoes and videos!!Perfect weather,perfect cave,perfect guides!!!!

I did both the Haggas Honking Holes in the morning and the Lost World Half-Day Adventure in the afternoon, and both were absolutely incredible experiences. Nick was really helpful and easy to coordinate with, and my guides Joel and Hagan were fantastic - knowledgeable, fun, and clearly experienced, which made the tours even better. Everything ran smoothly, felt adventurous but safe, and was just a great time overall. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to more of mine!

Waitomo adventures is an exhilarating, engaging and thrilling experience! If you crave adventure, something so exotic that you feel as if you have entered another world, then do not hesitate to book this tour. I found the tour to be highly unique and memorable. However, it is quite the physical challenge and can really humble you! The staff at Waitomo are exceptional. I especially enjoyed my guide who was very attentive, chill, kind, positive and always willing to give me a helping hand. I did this adventure, The Lost World, 22 years ago, and I can say that this time I enjoyed it even more thoroughly. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy in 2003, but this time was absolutely amazing and special.. The scenery down in the cave is surreal and like nothing you have ever seen before! It’s hard to say which part I enjoyed the most because it all was so beautiful and so unique. It would be unfair to say one moment stood out over another. The abseiling part is actually the easiest and least scariest part. Things can get a bit rough when you’re having to climb slick and muddy rocks but thanks to the industrial strength boots Waitomo Adventures provides it does help. However, you do need to be in fairly good shape to comfortably complete this adventure. It is not easy but the rewards far outweigh any discomfort or pain you may feel during the journey. I can guarantee you that you will leave with a sense of personal accomplishment once you see the light at the end of the cave. Overall 5/5 experience and perfect to those looking for something a bit extreme and exotic! I’ll be back again 🙂🥝🌿

Simply amazing. Such a fun way to go caving and what an amazing experience seeing the glow worms in the caves via the river. Floating is fun. The rapids are awesome but the tour guides made the trip. Chicago was heath and safety on the trip but gave great chat and was really nice. Locky fresh outta high school was knowledgeable and a great guide for a virgin.

This was easily one of the coolest things I have ever done. Crawling through caves, floating down underground rivers, jumping backwards off waterfalls, and then drifting under a ceiling of glowworms that looks like a galaxy… absolutely unreal. The guides were fun, safe, and very supportive the entire time. The wetsuits kept us warm and the whole experience felt like a full adventure from beginning to end. 10/10... A true bucket list experience you can only find in New Zealand. Do not miss it.

Absolutely amazing experience, we did the 5 hour black abyss tour. I was worried about the time but it went by quickly. Highly recommend it, it is a little physical but manageable. Our guides were amazing. Aaron and Harry were fun and hilarious Aaron was a ball of energy like I have never seen before and it made it a fun adventure. We got to rappel down to the cave, jump into a underground river, float around, see glow worms, and climb up some water falls to the exit. Absolutely must do when visiting.

Had a great time on the Abyss tour with our guides Kallie (sorry, might be spelling wrong) and Aaron! The tour involves absailing into the cave, a short zipline, black water rafting in cold water, as well as walking through lots of cold water (the wetsuits help, of course!) You get to see lots of glowworms, it's so cool! If you're looking for an intense and awesome experience, I would recommend the Abyss tour!

Myself and 4 teenagers (aged 13-15) went on this adventure and had an unforgettable time. Our guides were amazing, check in staff were friendly. One of the best experiences you can do in New Zealand. Thanks for having us.

Thank you to Alex, Leo and Owen, our magnificent fun guides on the adventure of a lifetime at The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Company in New Zealand … We were expertly and safely guided and entertained on journey down under, into the dark mysteries of Earth, back in time surrounded by 35,000 year old limestone caves which were magical ally lit by glow worms guiding us as we floated on tyre tubes down Blackwater streams looking up at what looked like a glow worm lit Milky Way above our heads … Sublime, Devine Adventure

The tour guides are amazing! It's hard to add much to the incredible experience you will receive from the caves themselves, but the tour guides managed to make this tour perfect! My 2 friends and I did a 3pm Black Water tour on a Thursday. I wish I had caught the name of the guides, but the red head lady, the bearded man, and the short haired aussie are awesome!! 10/10 would do again. Book this tour!

Hamilton Zoo is a fantastic place for families and animal lovers. The enclosures are spacious and thoughtfully designed, giving the animals room to move and making the experience feel natural. The highlights include the big cats, giraffes, rhinos, and the incredible aviary walk-through. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about conservation. Keeper talks are engaging and give you a deeper understanding of the animals and the zoo’s work. The grounds are well-kept, easy to walk, and there are plenty of shaded areas and picnic spots to relax. It’s not overcrowded like some larger zoos, which makes the visit more enjoyable and peaceful. A great balance of education, conservation, and family fun—definitely worth a visit if you’re in Hamilton.

This was my second visit, and I had a great time again. The grounds are quite large, so I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. I really love zoos, so I always take my time to look carefully at how the exhibits are designed and to make sure the animals don’t look bored. I was surprised to see so many peacocks freely roaming around right near the entrance, but they seemed very used to people and were quite friendly.

Spent a few hours here, my daughter had a blast. Wouldn't mind returning to see the tiger as we never got the chance too since there were so many people in the viewing window. In my eyes it was well worth it. Zoo keepers seem to take great care of the animals.

Had a fabulous family day out and were lucky enough to enjoy two of the animal encounters the zoo offers. Both our encounters and general viewing experiences were top notch. We got to see a variety of the animals being fed, playing, and living positive and enriched lives.

A wide variety of animals. All animals seemed healthy and with a reasonable amount of space and activities to do. I'm very torn over the chimps because most of the time they just don't look active or happy. We paid extra to do a lemur encounter as we have done in the past and it's a reasonable price to see the lemurs up close and hand feed them. The interaction is on the lemurs terms and the keepers have interesting information on their behaviour and hierachy. The takeaway is that all lemurs are now endangered due to deforestation in Madagascar (citified). For the animal encounters I recommend buying tickets in advance online to ensure you have enough for your party. The zoo entrance is a separate fee. Wear the shoes as stated on the ticket. You'll need good walking shoes anyway as the grounds are massive. The addition of a nice cafe at the entrance, improved parking and several wee playgrounds around the zoo have all improved the zoo immensely.

My daughter and grandson absolutely enjoyed a Sunday morning spent at the zoo. Loads of cute animals with play grounds in-between which was great for me to have a breather lol it's definitely a must do for the family. Thank you Hamilton zoo for the great experience, we'll be back

We loved Hamilton Zoo, even on a rainy day it was a really fun experience. We had half the displays to ourselves, given that not many people were out braving the weather. Totally worth it though, such a nice relaxed environment and the animals all appeared to be in good health! Definitely recommend the trip here

Bird life, clean paths, range of shaded and non shaded areas. Flat walking track, perfect for any fitness level. Great place to watch the sunset

A sunny spring day at the end of September. Beautiful place to chill and have lunch with the kids. Awesome play areas for toddlers thru to bigger kids. Ice cream shop and cafe. Public toilets. Free parking.

Enjoyable walk around the lake, not too much foot traffic. Track looks maintained and taken care of. Stopped to feed the ducks but a Tuna come up to eat instead :)

We are SO LUCKY to have this asset in our city. Whether you are looking for somewhere to picnic, need a great playground, feel like an ice-cream, want to spend time in nature- or seeking a lovely walk- Hamilton Lake has it all.

Beautiful place for weekend outing with your family. Suddenly you feel like you are in Dubai.. because of the palm trees!

The children's playground I'd fabulous and offers children a safe place to play and exercise. There is a closed off area for smaller children to safely play.

Great venue for dragon boating event. Clean, tidy. Lots of grass. Good toilet facilities.Nice playground for kids.Thank you Tron!

Well worth a visit, the lake is lovely with little ducklings currently. We went into the enclosed garden (paid entry) and it was worth it. Stunning design and so fun to explore! We took a lunch break before heading back in. We ended up spending 5 hours there with my senior parents. Plenty of seats along the way to rest and sights and floral displays to photograph. Bring your power bank! One tip - Make sure you head to Mansfield Garden then to Picturesque Garden to follow the story. The cafe has menu and items in the cabinet. Highly recommend the apple feijoa smoothie! Parking was easy. A great experience and highly recommended!

Hamilton Gardens is one of the few places in the city that’s truly worth spending some time exploring. Each themed garden may not be a perfect replication of its cultural origin, but they do a great job showcasing the key elements within the limits of the space — from the pavilions and traditional structures in the Chinese Garden to the tatami-style layout in the Japanese Garden. I’ve visited many times — sometimes with friends, sometimes with family, and sometimes just by myself. Even within the same garden, the scenery can feel completely different depending on the season, which is part of the charm. It used to be free, but now non-residents need to purchase a ticket. Staff at the entrance will ask where you’re from and sell the appropriate ticket, and there’s a check at the gate before entry. The whole park is medium-sized. You can do a quick walk-through in about 30 minutes, or spend half a day strolling slowly through each garden. It’s a wonderful spot for families, offering both relaxation and a bit of education. A solid 5-star recommendation.

Such an amazing place with amazing spaces. A joy to wander around. You could easily spend the whole day here, there is so many wonderful sights to see. A photographers dream! The eatery has great food when you need to refuel. Well worth the entry fee.

Beautiful place with various gardens from multiple cultures. I was fascinated by the aesthetic and the upkeep of everything. Highly recommend checking this place out for a casual stroll. Admission fee was about NZ$20 You could spend up to a few hours here depending on if you just want to see all the gardens or just relax.

I have been to quite a few gardens all around the world. This one is now my favorite. So much to see and experience. So well laid out. Highly recommend a visit. 3hrs allowed us to walk the entire garden at a leisurely pace.

The Hamilton Gardens truly took me by surprise. I didn’t expect such a wonder — so full of unexpected diversity. The way each garden is shaped by its own culture and country feels absolutely unique, something I’ve never encountered before. Everything is beautifully cared for, charming, and delightfully unusual. And now, in spring, the blossoms add their own magic — a touch of fragrant mystery drifting through every corner.❤️

My wife dragged me here because we couldn't check-in to our hotel as early as we arrived. I'm really glad she did! It was a lovely walk around, plenty to see, and not overly crowded. I appreciated the variety of gardens and how each is unique. There are two little ice cream shops for kids of all ages, including husbands. If you're passing through, or just want a cool place to walk around and relax, I highly recommend stopping by here.

Dave is doing an awesome job keeping this amazing place running with almost all of his earnings. He is a true legend and he is living his dream making others dream. Loved this place and recommend all the people to visit this place that has a lot of knowledge and the virtual reality is great.

This was absolutely fabulous! We have all been raving about how fun an experience we all had - I honestly cannot recommend highly enough. Was a great experience for adults and kids alike. Dave has done a truly awesome job of curating a space that is incredibly kid friendly and super interactive plus interesting for the adults too! Costs $12 per adult, $8 per child and free for under 3 - so cheap and so worth it plus includes a cool VR experience too. We spent about an hour and a half here and honestly could have spent longer. Definitely pop in, you won’t regret it!

What an incredible accident treasure we happened upon after missing our turn off. Loved all the space info and the amount of live screens with data blew our minds. We were even lucky enough to be able to look through a sun telescope and see sun flares. Totally recommended

After months of encouragement/pestering from my 7 year old space mad boy we decided to come here as a family ( he had been before and had always wanted come back with the rest us to show us around). It may not be as fancy as some museums but you can tell it has been put together with a lot of passion and imagination. There is a huge amount of relevant information that is really well laid out and easy to follow, which is an aspect that has been overlooked in many museums I have been to. There is also a lot of interactive screens, interesting space memorabilia and a huge array of space books (as a mechanic I fell in love with the collection of Haynes Manuals on the space equipment, I could have read them for days) The VR show is really well done and is a must do also. I loved the fact that there is a lot geared towards kids including the opportunity to earn badges for doing quizzes and other trivial type worksheets. Great way to spend a few hours with the kids if they are into space and a great place for adults to expand their knowledge and their minds. Really enjoyed this place and we will return. Booking in online isn't necessary but it is appreciated if you do.

We had a fantastic day here, stayed for about two and a half hours. There is so much to do we could have easily stayed longer!! Will definitely be back, thanks Dave for sharing all your knowledge with us!!

Amazing place to visit, great service. Was a parent helper for a group of young primary school kids, really enjoyed and explored so much. Virtual reality was a breathtaking experience.

Such an awsome experience the VR headsets and the Lego displays were our favourite part. Highly recommend if you have children who are into learning about space.

Amazing place! The team here is so passionate about protecting NZ’s native wildlife, and the guided walks are first class. A must-visit if you want to see the beauty of our forests and learn how we can help protect them. I will be back in late spring for sure.

This is an incredibly gorgeous and serene place to visit! We had a very knowledgeable tour guide and learned so much. There was a lot of birds to spot and different walking trails you could follow. The night tours are best for people interested in nocturnal creatures like arachnids and insects. You will definitely need comfortabke shoes and a reasonable amount of fitness if you're wanting to keep up with a tour - the walk is all uphill.

Great experience with our special guide "Lyn of Tawa"; very knowledgeable and tolerated my endless cheeky questions. Staff could not have been more friendly. Birdsong seems to be a given but catching them in photos is let's say "challenging" :)

This ecological preserve and trust is absolutely breathtaking and that applies to both its size and what can be seen within. The people who run the visitor center are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and can answer any question you could possibly have and them some. The land is surrounded by 26 miles of predator proof fence, so the wildlife inside is protected and thriving. We saw so many birds enjoying the space, even some endangered ones- a surprising and hopeful sight. Highly recommend. Donate on top of the admission fee, if possible.

A beautiful place to visit! Abundant bird song (and sightings) and lush green undergrowth. We did the Te Raki and Te Tonga tracks over the mountain which were a great little adventure (comparable to a DOC “tramping” track).

Nice spot. Definitely like what they are doing with the place & being my first time going there not knowing what to expect. Almost had it to myself arriving early. Wasn't expecting to pay that much to see it though. Tbh thought it was more a donation & not $32. But that wasn't a worry.

We journeyed from Mid Atlantic US. This was well worth the travel. Imogene was our guide. Our tour was highly educational and completely enjoyable as Imogene has a sense of humor about the sometimes shy avian residents. The fence, its size and its monitoring including volunteer involvement was truly impressive. Saw several birds, was able to identify more with our birdsong app with the NZ download which added approx. 60 bird calls. Fun to watch as they darted around the canopy. Binoculars are helpful and comfortable shoes a must. All in our party easily completed the walk. Visitor’s center is educational and fun as well.

We had kids from 11 to 13 and adults who had never kayaked, we had 2xdouble kayaks driving in circles and they ended up getting towed by our lovely guides but the other 5 double kayaks were sweet and once we got to destination they lit a small fire got us drinks told us to toast marshmallows and cheese and crackers and biscuits came out too we were supplied blankets to sit on for picnic and were able to use them if we were chilly for ride home. Noone fell out of kayaks and on the way back we grouped up to head back we enjoyed slowly floating back seeing the many many glow worms and the guide jack was amazing at explaining everything and giving us details on the glow worms and the night sky he was a great host. It didn't feel rushed which was great and everyone had a good time.

An absolutely amazing experience! The guide was knowledgeable and made the trip both fun and informative. The sea kayaks were stable, making it an easy and enjoyable paddle. The glow worms were truly mesmerizing—a magical sight that made the journey even more special. The added touch of wine, cheese, and crackers was perfect, and for those not drinking, the hot chocolate and s’mores were a great treat. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure!

Were enjoyable experience! Highly recommend it. If you try to book when the sky is clear with no moon, you will also have the chance for stargazing! Richard was amazing and very professional.

Our group (adults & kids) have had an unforgettable kayak trip last Friday! The tour guide were very professional and friendly, this is probably the closest and largest number of glow worms I have ever seen in my life so far, and there were full of stars in the the sky which was breathtaking! We enjoyed every moment, highly recommend this activity and company to everyone!!

We are group of 16, 9A and 7C. Emma Rose Trent are the most professional patient fun guides we can ask for! We had absolutely blast!!!!!! The bonfire on the riverside and kayaking along the glow worms were beyond our expectation. Definitely recommend!

We had a wonderful time! We were a little bit late and our tour guide Blake was really nice guy. He waited us for 20 minutes. The kayaking was really fun. He also told us a lot about the glow worms. It's was a trip of life time according to the three boys. Part of the adventure was has a camp fire and toasted marsh mellow. It's Scouts style activity. The glow worm was and the night sky full of stars are just breathtaking! We had an unforgettable night.

We made the major mistake of hiring the sit on kayaks and weren't given any indication that they wouldn't be suitable for kayaking for a decent distance or length of time. One of us is quite large and really it wouldn't take their weight and was hardly above the water and they didn't think to let us know that this wouldn't be suitable for the trip we told them we were going to do. .When we mentioned this on return they seemed pretty ambivalent and admitted we should have hired different ones if we had wanted to kayak to the waterfalls. Which we told them at the beginning. Was the worst kayak experience we have ever had and we all usually really enjoy kayaking so it was very disappointing.

Hobbiton was amazing! Beware though, it books up months in advance, so definitely book way ahead of time. For the tour itself, the Shire is stunning - it has truly breathtaking landscapes and gardens. Our tour guide Mira was fantastic and provided a lot of great LOTR facts. The complimentary drink from The Green Dragon Inn was very tasty and you can buy bottled drinks from their gift shop exclusive to Hobbiton. We wanted to do the Evening Banquet Tour but it was booked up so we did the day tour which was still great. We got lunch at the cafe after which had lots of tasty options. Walking through the houses was also a very special treat since it’s only been open since 2023. Overall, we are so happy we got to experience this!

Visited the Hobbiton Movie Set in September 2025 and it was a truly magical experience, a must-visit for any “Lord of the Rings” or “The Hobbit” fan! Even if you’re not a huge fan of the movies, the beauty and charm of this place will win you over instantly. From the moment we stepped off the bus and saw the rolling green hills dotted with colorful hobbit holes, it felt like stepping straight into Middle-earth. The guided tour was excellent — our guide was enthusiastic, funny and shared plenty of behind-the-scenes stories about how the movie set was built and filmed. Every detail was so well preserved, from the tiny mailboxes and laundry lines to the perfectly maintained gardens. The whole area looked exactly like it does in the films, only even more vibrant in person. We took tons of photos and every corner was picture-perfect. The weather in early spring was ideal, fresh air, blue skies and blooming flowers all around. The highlight for us was enjoying a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn, which completed the magical experience. Everything was well-organized, from the ticketing to the bus transfer and tour timing. The staff were warm and welcoming, adding to the overall charm. Hobbiton is pure movie magic brought to life, charming, beautifully maintained and full of heart. Whether you’re a Tolkien fan or just love scenic spots, this is an experience you’ll never forget! Recommended 👍

Absolutely amazing!! Just magical and enchanting. The tour guide, Rob, was very knowledgeable, funny, kind, and super friendly as well. The hobbit holes are so incredibly detailed and well kept, it’s all very impressive! You get to go inside a hobbit house and take photos in it and see all the rooms, very cool. And a complimentary drink (I recommend the stout), just wow! I’ll definitely go back if I am ever in NZ again.

We did the behind the scenes tour and it was a truly magical experience. Our tour guide (Hayden) was enthusiastic, friendly, funny and very knowledgeable! We knew we were in for a good one when we saw his lotr tattoos! Hobbiton massively surpassed our expectations and The Green Dragon was a lovely cosy pub! The spread for the meal was really excellent and the food was absolutely delicious. My wife is a vegetarian and was very happy with the fried Tofu provided for her. It was a real treat to walk around the workshop seeing designs on the wall and the craftspeople in action working on fixing and repairing pieces for the hobbit holes. If you love Lord of the Rings this is an absolutely unmissable experience.

What am awesome experience. BOOK IN ADVANCE!!! I booked my nighttime banquet 6 months in advance and almost did not get a spot. You will not regret the banquet. Loved our tour guides, having the place practically to yourself (small group), actually going into a Hobbit hole and seeing the entire inside set up. And ending with dinner and an amazing lantern walk back to the busses.

Forget Disneyland, this place is the most magical spot in the world! Walking through the site is like stepping straight into Middle-earth. It’s so surreal; the whole experience is something you have to experience. I visited Hobbiton twice during my trip to New Zealand and each time it was just as enchanting. If you ever get the chance to visit, I absolutely cannot recommend it enough! It’s a must-see for any fan of the movies or anyone who just loves breathtaking scenery. Plus, they even give you a free mug at the end of the tour, which is a lovely little bonus! Honestly, it’s 100% worth it…such a special place. Just go!!!!! :)

A Truly Magical Experience at Hobbiton Movie Set We recently booked our tour of Hobbiton, and I can confidently say that the experience exceeded all expectations. Unfortunately, our flight to Auckland was delayed, and the traffic on the way to the set was much heavier than anticipated, causing us to arrive late. However, when we contacted the team, they were incredibly understanding and kind. They assured us that we'd still be able to take the full tour, and they made sure we had a complete, unforgettable experience. Hobbiton itself is already a magical place, with its lush landscapes and charming hobbit holes, but what really made our visit extraordinary was the warmth and charisma of the staff. The team’s enthusiasm and passion truly elevate the magic of the place, and it’s clear they love what they do. Their friendliness and dedication made all the difference and helped create a truly immersive experience. I would absolutely visit again and highly recommend anyone to make the trip to Hobbiton. It’s an enchanting place, and with the amazing people who work there, it's an experience you won’t forget!

Honestly, I don’t like giving a low score or negative feedback, but I wasn’t particularly impressed with the spa. The sealed room felt too small for my family of three and offered no view. Additionally, there wasn’t enough space for changing or storing clothes. At $129 per hour (plus an extra charge for a towel), it’s not cheap. As other reviewers have mentioned, the water didn’t appear clean, with noticeable fragments, such as what looked like sawdust or dead skin, floating in it. On a positive note, the staff were friendly, and the nearby Domain is quite attractive.

Really enjoyed the spa here. The large wooden barrels were lovely and comfortable, as was the waft of essential oils in the air and the cool breeze perfectly offsetting the temperature of the water, which we were able to set to perfection. Would have rated it 5 stars if all the staff were friendly (not just the younger ones), there was no loud buzzer jarring us back to reality at the end (the blue light would do) and if the plants were real. Overall though, a lovely experience and highly recommended. We didn't upgrade to the Valentine's day package, and it was still great.

Service and staff were fantastic! Staff big on client safety which was great to see. Great place to Relax and recharge, and very Private, love the ability to self regulate the temperature of the water. Definitely coming back soon. Draw backs... no hair dryer available and the buzzer was a little frightening after a lovely quiet dip...lol

It is a great location for a weekend relaxation. The showers, toilet and the changing rooms are very clean The entry price is reasonable as well. We enjoyed both outdoor spa and pool. The Te Aroh domain is great as well. It is convenient as there is a cafe close by.

Had one of the last sessions of the day. The location is gorgeous situated on the domain whereas if we had an early booking we would’ve explored the domain. It is a run down place, tacky with some of the ornaments on the window sills. Not much information is given on the minerals in the spa. Usually you get abit of information and background so you know what you’re sitting in and its benefits. Having an in person interaction would have elevated the experience. Nevertheless, we had about an hour in the spa where we can control the bubbles and temperature which we loved! The booking also includes a private change room including toilet and shower which was also another bonus. With the price, we’d expect at least towel service just like other spas we’ve been to but there is an extra charge. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Overall, was an interesting experience but will not be returning.

We stopped here on the way, and since I adore thermal springs, I simply couldn’t drive past without trying it. But to be honest, I was a little disappointed. The water didn’t feel completely natural — there were some sanitizing additives that took away from the purity of the experience. The room itself was quite small and stuffy, with no drinking water inside, so I had to step out and drink straight from the tap. And to top it all off, the session ended with a loud, jarring sound that had absolutely nothing to do with relaxation. A moment I wanted to love… but it didn’t quite live up to the magic I hoped for.

Amazing!! After a day of cycling this was exactly what we needed! We booked a private spa for 30 minutes. It was spotlessly clean and the staff were very friendly and helpful. They showed us to our spa room and showed us how everything operated, including some safety info. Highly recommend visiting, especially if you are cycling or hiking in the area!!!

Lovely information centre :) they had maps, hobbiton merch, the whole centre was themed on a hobbit house :)

Love the vibe of this area. Went here after Hobbiton Movie Set to meet up with friends and family for dinner. While we waited we took pictures around and enjoyed the small town feel. Area was chill and I might have seen a few hobbitsesss walking about. Love the "Welcome to Hobbiton" sign (dumb of me to forget to take a pic). Great experience!

My 2 grandchildren were curious about the contents of the building. We found an excellent range of tourist products. We were not there to shop but I was impressed by the range and the presentation. One staff member offered the girls a free balloon or sweets, after checking with me that it was okay,which was very kind.

provide a comprehensive, impartial information and booking service for Matamata, Waikato and New Zealand for accommodation, activities, attractions and travel bookings.( Hobbiton tour tickets😀) Opening Hours Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm Saturday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:00 am – 4:00pm Closed Christmas Day

Building very cute Good attention I was hoping to see someone for the tour (there is a table for this but haven’t seen anyone) Lovely souvenirs but those you can find in Amazon I was hoping for something more special In front of the hobbiton sign

Lovely little town With a great central business district, with great restaurants pub and cafes, visiting the Hobbiton movie set was a delight and the food there was great too. But be warned weary travellers! Be warned of the cave troll that operates the Information site. The trolls name is Gail and she’s a witch that weaves a web of deceit. She will claim there is only one taxi in town to take you to the hobbit city. She will call a number and identify herself by name- soon after a scam taxi will arrive and demand 30$ a person - or 120$ for a ten km ride- there only. Gandalf only knows what the goblin taxi driver will charge for a ride back. We had the taxi drive us to our rental and just drove ourselves. 13$- One of us had to stay sober at the Green Dragon pub but it was worth it. Lovely experience overall but don’t let yourself get scammed by Gail the troll or her goblin henchman taxi driving friend. Those two are working together and we didn’t trust them. There are lots of other taxis available. A stain on an otherwise lovely day.

Matamata visitor centre: After booking the online ticket,take it from a kind staff and wait a hobitton shuttle bus at out of the centre. Let's go to the hobitton movie set

An amazing walk. Took us 3 hours there and back with half hour for lunch. The river is crystal clear and the colours stunning - a hidden gem. The walk is easy a farm track and wooden walkway in places plus some stairs running alongside the river.

Visited Te Waihou Blue Springs in September 2025 and it was one of the most beautiful natural spots we saw in New Zealand. The colour of the water is absolutely unreal, crystal clear with a vibrant blue and turquoise hue that looks almost magical. The clarity is so incredible that you can see the plants and pebbles beneath the surface perfectly. No wonder this spring supplies some of the world’s purest drinking water! The walking trail is peaceful and well-maintained, with plenty of scenic viewpoints along the way. We took our time strolling, stopping often for photos because every corner looked stunning. The reflections of the trees and sky in the clear water created a calm, dreamlike view. The sound of running water and the surrounding greenery made the whole experience so soothing. It’s an easy and relaxing walk suitable for all ages, just remember to wear comfortable shoes. We visited in early spring and the weather was perfect — cool, bright and not crowded. Te Waihou Blue Springs is a true gem for nature lovers and photographers. You can’t help but be amazed by its beauty. A must-visit stop if you’re traveling around the Waikato region!

The walk itself is great. It gets busy so if there's been rain expect alot of mud and bring extra shoes and/or clothes to change into if you're not waterproofed lol. There's toilets along the trail as well but the one in the middle of the trail about 3kms in is out of order. They also aren't maintained so bring loo paper with you and hand sanitiser should you need to go. Water is freezing if you dare take a dip.

The amazing blue springs offer an easy walk with two different entrances. We chose the Leslie Road access and found the footpath to be very well-maintained, so much so that our shoes stayed clean and mud-free. The water is incredibly clear; if you look closely, you can spot native fish swimming. It's also mesmerizing to watch the waving seaweed, which almost looks like a mythical water creature moving with the current. The area provides plenty of spots for a picnic and for taking beautiful photos.

Can't believe this place is real!! We parked at the car park that's a bit further away from the main area of the blue springs, which was about an hour walk one way. It's quite easy and mostly flat but not really covered, so make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen! It's totally worth to walk along the river side to the main area, it's just unbelievable how clear and beautiful this water is!

The views were amazing and the water was supremely clear !! I went in from the Whites Road entrance. So, it was a 2-3km walk along the trail before reaching the other end where the viewing platform is. Make sure you come when the weather is good. Some parts of the trail can get muddy when wet.

Lovely hike with nice blue river! Did not know another access point existed for a much shorter hike. Nevertheless, the views along this longer hike were great!

Really cool spot to check out! The size of the Martha Mine is insane. We walked part of the pit rim trail, which was super easy and had great info boards along the way about the history of the mine and how it all works. Definitely worth a stop if you’re passing through Waihi or doing a day trip from somewhere nearby!

a good place to spent during weekend. no ticket needed, can just ownself walk around the gold mine, read about the story, which they clearly stated everything there.

Excellent place, again I would recommend anyone to add this to their itenarary. Waihi has a a lot history based around mining, as I mentioned on my previous review, this would make a brilliant day trip, visit karangahake gorge and then finish up coming here and possibly drive to the beautiful beach only 15mins from the gold mine. There is a great information centre located near the car park. Fairly easy walk around the perimeter, be sure to check out the dozer and the large CAT dump truck.

Beautiful place to visit, with amazing view's. The Rim walkways is also amazing. It's about 4km, with very nice tracks. Must see if you are in the area.

Definitely worth checking out this mine if you're going through Waihi, great to see the old pump house as well as the dump truck. You can also walk all the way around the mine which will take somewhat longer.

Stunning, there's a lovely trek around it as well- 1hr.

Seems this part of history is not that important to look after anymore, being left to deteriorate pretty much...

We only did a short walk, but really enjoyed it Lots of chooks etc, very friendly, some even eat our of your hand. Being there in autumn was perfect, nature at it's finest. Staff very friendly & helpful.

This place is enchanting. Amazing birds full of character, our two boys loved them (they climb on you so he prepared for that!) Cool Balinese style furniture and bits and pieces that make it feel like a big adventure. Two male peacocks and a bunch of females so they do they whole tail thing. Cool playground, charming parrots that talk. Incredible garden walk with exotic and local plants. It's really a gem and wish we'd known about this sooner!

We stopped at the bird garden after seeing the signpost on SH2. It was a great break from a long drive, whether you need coffee, drinks, food, or just a walk in a peaceful garden setting. Also, easy access from main road. For a small entry fee and only $2 for bird feed we roamed around the winding pathways and lovely gardens, with ducks, chickens, pigeons, doves, Guinea fowl and a couple of spectacular peacocks. All very used to people it seemed. The host was also very friendly and welcoming!

Very good stop for lovely gardens and birds and a cafe for scones and tea. Friendly staff, well laid out path, lots of photographic opportunities. Easy parking. Very reasonably priced. Great for kids. Botanical. Ornithological. Ponds. A few subtle sculptures.

Well kept paths and gardens and you can hire a golf cart if needed. Cute ponds dotted around and a good variety of healthy looking birds. You can buy small bags of bird feed and we saw lots of adorable chicks. The cafe is great and we enjoyed THE BEST Devonshire tea I’ve ever had in New Zealand. All staff are friendly and helpful. Would visit again.

This was the second visit to the bird Gardens, the first time was 5 years ago. The gardens are lovely to walk around and the kids enjoy feeding the ducks, geese and chickens. The peacocks were a delight and it was lovely to see the guinea fowl chasing each other through the meadow. The play area/fort has fallen into disrepair as has the once glorious rose garden but the newly hatched chick's distracted us from that. The whole place looks less tidy but the post covid years and the havoc Gabrielle brought could explain a lot. However, the bird enclosures are absolutely dire. Run down, neglected, rusty and empty cages house the magnificently colourful birds. The birds don't have any stimulation, no fruit, no vegetation, other than weeds on top of the enclosures to challenge them. Some cages are so hidden I doubt customers even know they are there. When we left there was no one on site. The parrot food is in larger hanging containers and I got the sense it gets filled up periodically. I may be wrong, the birds look healthy, no feathers missing etc but it was a pitiful sight to see. If I lived in the area I would volunteer to create a better habitat for the birds. I'm writing this in the hope the owners put some effort into the cages. So, would I go again? Nope! Too sad for me.

Not a lot of birds here… and I’m not convinced about the welfare of the birds in the cages (there is a dead parakeet on the ground) but the grounds are absolutely lovely, so I’m giving this five stars because it’s a lovely place to visit! Hopefully the bird gardens will continue to improve their facilities, perhaps adding the kind of cage that you can walk inside - and perhaps have more indigenous birds.

Here at McLaren Falls you are able to camp, kayak, go fishing, swimming, have a picnic or treat yourself to one of the many walking tracks. The park is popular all year round, but autumnal colours make it particularly appealing during the season of autumn. Camping is available for a maximum stay of three nights. All the grassed area is available to campers except Cherry Bay. Camping at McLaren Falls is based on first in first serve.

If you’re in the Tauranga / Bay of Plenty area and want a chill nature-escape that ticks the “beautiful view” box without too much hassle, McLaren Falls Park is absolutely worth a visit. Whether you’re going for a couple of hours, a picnic or even overnight, you’ll leave feeling refreshed.

Water falls exceeded expectations. Large volume and full noise. Really impressive. A short drive to the park gave us clean toilets and nice walk to a smaller fall and a beautiful, serene lake. Wish we had more time to linger and soak in the peace and quiet. Really uplifting

Great views of the lake and surrounding views, plenty of picnic places and well marked hiking trails.

The actual falls are amazing, the whole park would be a great place to stay as so much to explore if you have time.

A striking landscape featuring multiple small waterfalls cascading over dark, rocky terrain. I made it a stop on my way to Matamata, after a 1.5-hour drive from Ōhope Beach.

The most immersive natural beauty in a green environment with plenty of birdlife and majestic trees overhead that the BOP have to offer. Great picnic spots and stunning waterfalls and lake. Don’t forget the lovely cafe where you can get spoilt even more. It’s idyllic

Free. Good selection of walks for all levels of fitness. Great views of the surrounding area. Of course the walk to the summit is best for the views. Well maintained tracks. Great views once you get there.

Breathtaking view from the summit! A bit of a challenge going up with kids but so worth it. Lots of people going up and going down, went there in the afternoon.

Very nice mountain i love walking up. Track is very nice and view

Stupid me, didn’t take my phone on the walk to the summit so I can’t share the stunningly beautiful scenery 😢 Definitely worth the walk to energize your soul and feel at one with nature. Easy enough walk to get the blood flowing without being too strenuous. Having said that, there are different trails to choose from depending on your energy levels and availabilities. The pictures I did take were from across the port

Phenomenol view. Amazing views. Quite a challenge steep track but doable for most, especially if you're unfit you can take breaks should you need. If you're fit, you'll do this in 30-40 mins steady walking. Loved it.

Amazing place to hike up, around 230m vertical climb in total. In September there were sheep and lambs galore and beautiful views in all directions.

There is the possibility to do several tracks to get up to the top of the mountain. All of them get steep after one point and have different ways (steps/path). On the top you have a beautiful view on the beach and to other places as Tauranga city and the island on the other side. You can also do a walk around the mountain at the bottom of the mountain which takes about an hour.

Free. Good selection of walks for all levels of fitness. Great views of the surrounding area. Of course the walk to the summit is best for the views. Well maintained tracks. Great views once you get there.

Breathtaking view from the summit! A bit of a challenge going up with kids but so worth it. Lots of people going up and going down, went there in the afternoon.

Very nice mountain i love walking up. Track is very nice and view

Stupid me, didn’t take my phone on the walk to the summit so I can’t share the stunningly beautiful scenery 😢 Definitely worth the walk to energize your soul and feel at one with nature. Easy enough walk to get the blood flowing without being too strenuous. Having said that, there are different trails to choose from depending on your energy levels and availabilities. The pictures I did take were from across the port

Phenomenol view. Amazing views. Quite a challenge steep track but doable for most, especially if you're unfit you can take breaks should you need. If you're fit, you'll do this in 30-40 mins steady walking. Loved it.

Amazing place to hike up, around 230m vertical climb in total. In September there were sheep and lambs galore and beautiful views in all directions.

There is the possibility to do several tracks to get up to the top of the mountain. All of them get steep after one point and have different ways (steps/path). On the top you have a beautiful view on the beach and to other places as Tauranga city and the island on the other side. You can also do a walk around the mountain at the bottom of the mountain which takes about an hour.

Pretty scenic place for a walk, it does have a concrete sidewalk, picnic tables, benches, accessible restrooms and a grill. Not sure if that grill is for public use since it’s on the sidewalk. There are a lot of street parking spots and some dedicated parking spots, but availability is relative to peak times so plan accordingly.

Very popular for sunsets. Get there early if you want a park.

Lovely & scenic beach at base of Mauao, the Mount.

Got there early in the morning and had the area to ourselves. Great for an early morning walk and swim.

Beautiful setting, laid back atmosphere. Can swim,snooze on beach, fish, take a boat ride,play ball with kids, putt putt golf and other attractions nearby. At weekend,food & craft markets a few minutes walk, accessible public toilets & change facilities.

Great lead in to walk round the mount. Great for young families to take the kids to swim in as it has no surf to speak off. Ready access to downtown the mount which is only a block away. Always a great place to watch the cruise ships and other vessels arriving at the port

This place is awesome for watch the cargo ships come in an out of the port . Great swimming spot . Expect alot of people tho. Parking is also a nightmare.other then those couple points this place is superb

I loved the park because of its variety of display. You can see different animals with little descriptions about them. Water splash is very entertaining for adults and kids. And my favorite, I got a chance to see Kiwi birds. Wasn't so happy that, I admit it was my mistake, to accept the offer of seeing the park myself, by the cashier lady, rather than having a guide . Few spots were closed for public and that was also not mentioned when purchasing ticket.

Definitely recommend going on the free guided tour if its your first time as you learn so much and is quite interesting. They have play areas and interactive learning spots located throughout to keep the kids busy on the way through. The big splash ride was cool but all the speakers throughout no longer worked which was very disappointing. The cafe was average tidy and nicely decorated but bathrooms were not cleaned often enough and the food was overpriced and just okay. They offer free shows through out the days which are quite interesting and fun for the kids.

This place is lush, a little paradise with tones of things for a family to see and do. I added on the hatchery tour and was not disappointed, we got to see two eggs ready to hatch, one had its little beak poking back and forth out of a small opening that it hd already made. This can take up to 5 days to fully hatch. Then we went through another room and they had a baby kiwi, held by one of the staff behind the glass, with another keeper feeding him meat. The most adorable thing ever. We then went through the enclosure to the darker area where there were three separated adult kiwis, moving about searching for insects. Fantastic. I then proceded to walk around to see the birds and eptile areas, it was a good display and the animals did not dissapoint. They have a cafe and gift shop and also very modern and clean looking toilets which is always a pleasent treat.

Awesome wildlife park in Rotorua with some unique features. The walk through the redwoods, aviaries and trout pools is the same as it ever was. They have added 'playscapes' along the way which is great to keep kids busy with physical activities and hands-on games. There's also an area with various water experiments to keep little minds busy. The jewel in the crown is, of course, the kiwi house where you can learn about the national bird and eventually (hopefully) see some for real in the nocturnal house. Beyond this there is a playground (currently undergoing refurbishment but still a small area to play in) and the 'Big Splash' ride by the cafe which is doesn't cost any extra but is looking a bit tired - the drop at the end is still a thrill tho.

Fun for the whole family. Some cheeky wee birds and relaxed reptiles. The waterfall makes for great photos. We managed to get a glimpse of the kiwi too.

A really lovely animal park, with an unmissable tour of the kiwi hatching centre. The information signs for each animal were much more fun and engaging than your typical animal park/zoo, which was good. We also enjoyed the (short but sweet) bird show and the log flume ride very much too. You'd be hard pushed to spend more than 3 hours here, but in that time there is plenty to keep you occupied! If my review and photos were helpful to you, please give me a thumbs up 👍🏼 Thanks!

Beautiful small scale nature park. Great way to kill a few hours touring NZ. The kiwi encounter was very informative, however make note that you are not permitted to take photos or record video in the hatchery. If you are hoping to get a photo of the iconic bird live, you will not be able to. The additional cost you pay for this tour supports the program and sustainablity of the brown kiwi population.

Te Puia is an absolutely stunning and fascinating place — the geothermal landscape, the geysers, and the deep Māori heritage make it truly unique and worth visiting. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the cultural spirit of the place is unmistakable. However, the guided tour was quite disappointing. It felt overly long and slow-paced — 90 minutes, with at least half of that time spent standing around without much happening. While I fully understand that the tour is an important source of income for the Māori community, visitors also value their time and expect an engaging, well-structured experience. Several people in our group clearly lost interest, which is unfortunate because Te Puia has so much to offer. Suggested improvements: • Shorten the tour to 45–60 minutes, focusing on the most interesting and meaningful parts. • Add more interactive or live elements — demonstrations, Q&A sessions, brief performances, or moments for guests to engage directly. • Consider offering two options: a standard tour and a premium cultural experience, so guests can choose the depth they want. • Train guides to keep the storytelling dynamic, with more energy and interaction. The place itself is extraordinary — it just deserves a tour program that matches its beauty and cultural significance. With a few thoughtful changes, Te Puia could easily become one of the most memorable experiences in New Zealand.

What an amazing experience! Our tour guide Hunter was fantastic and shared loads of interesting information about his people and culture. It was so good to see the arts institute and the people keeping Maori culture alive. The geysers also put on a spectacular show for us, going off multiple times while we were there. We also got to see some Kiwis for the first time! Then in the evening, the buffet was great, especially the Hangi cooked food! Then the cultural performance at the end was incredible. Well worth the money as we had a blast for several hours! Ka pai!

An absolutely amazing and informative day! As two uk tourists who had never been to a geothermal area, and had only been in NZ for 3 weeks, this was the perfect place to learn about the geothermal activity in the area and how the people there view it. We did the Tuku Iho trail, which was a perfect length of time, we saw everything and getting to eat the sweetcorn cooked in the hot pool was definitely one of the best parts. Paul our tour guide was so great, obviously very passionate and knowledgeable, chatted with us while we walked between sites, and really clear with his descriptions. It’s quite a lot of walking and not too much stopping (although we stopped by the hot pool while cooking/eating for 30 mins, and you could’ve sat for 15 mins while we watched the geysers), so be aware if walking for most of 3 hours would be too much for you. Overall, an amazing day! Would recommend to anyone wanting to see the geothermal stuff as well as learning from someone who’s connected to the area. The park itself is great, lots of info boards to read. The arts building is definitely worth a visit, it’s interesting to learn how their arts are made and to see the culture being supported with new apprentices all the time. Also a great gift shop if that’s something you like! We saw the geysers errupting and the mud pools bubbling away so can’t complain. Not too busy in the park - end of November when we visited.

A truely wonderful experience and a must for visitors to not only Rotorua but to New Zealand and the magnificent islands. The beauty is how New Zealand has embraced the Māori culture and rich history. This experience includes everything from traditional dancing show to seeing the springs to a lovely buffet dinner. The attraction is only a 5 minute drive from town centre so is easy to reach, but make sure you book tickets in advance! Enjoy

This is a must do if you visit Rotorua. From understanding Māori traditions, craft education, geothermal geysers, and kiwi conservation through to a fantastic cultural experience with song, dance and a haka. And yes if you are lucky you will get to see one of the kiwi birds in their nocturnal house. Our guide Ngahuia was excellent and was passionate about telling her tribe and ancestors story. A fantastic couple of hours. Highly recommend a visit and make sure you book tickets in advance and ones that include the cultural performances. Afterwards we visited the Pataki Kai cafe for a panini and drinks. Nice end to the visit.

This experience was fantastic. We did the Te Po combo. The guided tour through the school was so much more than I thought it would be. I learned a lot and I love the idea behind the school. Its such a lovely concept. The dinner was also great. I wasnt expecting much but the food options were plentiful and everything was so delicious. Cultural performance was stunning and fun and beautiful all at the same time. Seeing the geyser at night was beautiful. So peaceful and pretty. I highly recommend doing this option and taking in all the culture and history. Everyone who works at Te Puia is very passionate about their Mouri heritage. Thank you

This was an excellent 2-hour combo experience, which consisted of 3 parts: Māori arts and craft (with an introduction to the different schools and art forms), the valley of the geysers, and the dance performance. We also got to see a kiwi! It was well paced. Informative. The show was spectacular and we had wonderful views of the geysers. Also, the shop had the best NZ souvenir selection we saw in New Zealand.

Great guide. She really brought the village to life with stories of her family and showing off the culinary skills of her people. Very friendly and wonderful town. Saw geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud

I’m so glad I made time to do this and I highly recommend anyone going to give yourself a couple hours, buy the all day pass, and time it so you are there for their daily cultural performance at 12:30. It was worth every penny. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly and the performance and tour exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Daniel, was very patient and thoughtful. He made an effort to learn everyone’s name and took the time to genuinely try to teach us about the history, the culture, and the language. Huge thanks to everyone involved!

It is the legacy and home of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people, who have been sharing their unique way of life with visitors from all around the world for over two hundred years. The village is open 7 days a week with guided tours. We signed on to one of the paid tours though we had to contend with a slight drizzle. The tour is comprehensive lasting about an hour and half and goes through the village people's fascinating daily life in the geothermal springs area. It includes the bathing, washing, herb cultivation, cooking and walking past their homes. We ate corn cooked in steam for few minutes. It tasted yummy. The historical chief's home and meeting place are well preserved and interesting to see. Sometimes you can watch a cultural show by the village people. The active geysers in the area can be seen during the tour. Toilets available. Very popular place, lots of tourists and locals. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Parking at the entrance is ample and is easy to find. There are many stores in the village selling craftwork items. Friendly staff and great service.

It was a rainy and cold day in Rotorua but it did not stop me from my very first “Maori experience”. It was very cultural and unique place to visit for tourists. The chief guided us through the village. She did it with all her hearts and respect to her culture. We really appreciated the visiting session. We also booked the Haka show and it was very emotional and worthwhile. The artists performed wholeheartedly and the audience can definitely feel it. I highly recommend taking the tour to understand more about the Maori cultures while you are in New Zealand.

The guided tour at Whakarewarewa was amazing! We learned so much about life in the village and how people live with the geothermal landscape. Our guide was super friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience fun. A real highlight was trying the corn cooked in the hot springs—the flavour was exquisite! Highly recommend this village tour if you’re in Rotorua.

Excellent experience walking around the living village with our knowledgeable guide Wawi. He shared so much of his experience and knowledge even my young ones are highly engaged. It was perfect length for our family with young children and we got to see plentiful pools and geyser eruption. Would highly recommend this for family with little ones!

This is a MUST VISIT place as the 1st nation are the people that makes New Zealand . It was an eye opener especially when the chief was the one showing us around. We even tried their cooked food using the thermal springs to cook. Excellent

I’ve visited here twice - once in 2019 and again this month. I was disappointed the first time - most of those leading the tour didn’t seem like they wanted to be there, and it felt a bit half hearted. I also felt a little like I was tolerated, not welcomed, and sensed an arrogance from some people we encountered. This time was totally different. There was an amazing sense of warmth in the family’s welcome, and I sensed an incredible pride in their effort to show the world their culture. Their performance was the best I have seen anywhere (in any culture) - boy this family can sing! They are all incredibly friendly , engaging and intelligent. The food was stunning - a huge improvement over my last visit. I learned from our table host, Waitangi, that her father, the chief, took over after Covid. He has created something special here now, and is doing an amazing job as not only chief and host, but as a father - his children were incredibly gracious, welcoming and brilliant hosts as well as outstanding performers. Fantastic and very emotional experience. A must do when visiting Rotorua.

No matter what I write, I won’t be able to truly express how much I enjoyed being here. This place is a cultural institute, school, and mini village dedicated to introducing visitors to the Māori people — the indigenous people of New Zealand. It’s a large venue that requires prior booking. The staff warmly welcome you and explain the Māori culture, followed by a traditional performance featuring expressive movements and chanting that carry deep meaning. Then, the team takes you on a tour near the hot volcanic rocks, ending with a luxurious international buffet dinner that includes all types of meats, chicken, seafood, desserts, and ice cream. This center is considered one of the top tourist attractions when visiting Rotorua.

This was an experience of a lifetime. We started being greeted by the chief in a traditional Māori custom. We then ventured off to learn more about their culture, ancestry and ways of living. It was very hands on allowing guests to participate in their martial arts and other activities. The best part of this was after when the family who runs Te Pa Tu entertained us singing and dancing the Haka and other traditional songs. Their passion for their culture is immediately shown and is beautiful to witness. Afterwards, we were treated to a feast - which was no joke. They say they’ll feed you a lot which is an understatement. This was a FEAST with many appetizers, three meats, a variety of sides and an array of dessert. As someone who is a foodie, even I couldn’t keep up. I did have dietary restrictions of no seafood or pork which were happily accommodated by the staff an really only covered a small portion of what was offered. We booked the tour for 7:30pm and got back at 11pm. It was a really late night for us. This is a not-to-miss attraction. It was the best thing I’ve done in New Zealand hands down and one of the top travel moments I’ve ever had. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

This was an amazing experience! A great introduction to Maori culture and history. They make it a fun process and include guests in the experience. From the time they picked us up on the bus to the drop off, it was high energy and a great time! Thank you Sam for starting it off and to Dennis for finishing it on a high point!!! Great performers! Amazing voices! All the performers did a great job but the family with Emerson, Elisa, their brother and uncle were so strong together.... beautiful!!! The food was wonderful!!! Plenty to eat, great variety and beautifully presented! My whole family loved it! Would do this again for sure! Well worth the money!!!!

I have had the absolute joy of experiencing Te Pā Tū twice. The first time, I thought it to be so good, that I planned my family vacation around coming back, so that they too, could bare witness to Te Pā Tū's incredible performances, games and kai (food). The passion of the staff and artists is infectious and I found myself grinning ear to ear both times. Te Pā Tū feels like a big family that welcome you with open arms. I very much enjoyed participating in traditional Māori games and it was wonderful to see everyone get involved. Big Baz, you are a talented musician, people should pay just to simply hear you sing. Tiaana, as always, thank you for being a wonderful host. I count down the days until I am back on the doorsteps of Te Pā Tū. Kia ora!

We were picked up from our hotel by a shuttle and then continued by bus to the Maori village. We were welcomed with a ceremony. There were various stations where we spent 10-15 minutes learning about Maori culture. There were also canapés, which were very tasty. After finishing the stations, we were led to a foyer with a small stage. The things we learned at the stations were presented by our hosts in the "right way". The Haka was incredibly captivating. It's amazing how strong and overwhelming individual voices can be. Afterwards, we were invited to take our seats in a large hall and were served dinner. We were entertained very nicely at the end, with our hosts singing songs from different countries. A truly unforgettable experience. It was one of the best cultural experiences we've ever had. A must-do when visiting Rotorua. A truly enriching experience for broadening your horizons about other cultures.

Great experience! A open culture that is willing to teach patiently and kindly. We loved all of it. The performances were powerful and you could feel the emotion of their words. Food was amazing! Lots of it too! THE ONLY THING NEGATIVE id say is do not buy the wine package!! We paid $65 per person for the wine pass, but staff have to many people to serve so you end up paying that for 1 glass of wine that is not worth that much. Because there is no indication we bought the wine package, we got a bill for our drinks at the end that was $90. I explained we purchased the package and so they didn’t charge again but $90 for all of us was a lot cheaper then the package we bought.

Absolutely stunning experience! Walking high among the giant redwoods felt peaceful and surreal. The forest smells amazing, and the views from the bridges are beautiful. I went for the night walk — the lights and soft music made it feel magical, almost cinematic. It’s a bit pricey for the length of the walk, but totally worth it for the atmosphere and photos.

The hiking trip was a great experience, made even better by the clear and easy-to-follow signage along the trails. The signs not only guided the way but also provided a range of walking options with different time durations, making it convenient to choose a route that suited our pace and preference. The variety ensured that both casual walkers and more seasoned hikers could enjoy the area comfortably.

We went just after a coupe of days of non-stop rain and personally was worried it will be ruined but found it just as exiting and quite fresh and alive due to the rain. Well worth the visit and highly recommended, even our 4 year old really enjoyed it.

There are several trails to select from. We walked the Green Trail which is a 5k loop. There are steps to get to the scenic overlook, but not too difficult. Throughout there are benches to rest and enjoy the peaceful forest. The trek is all about the towering Redwoods and worth the excursion.

We loved walking through the forest in the late afternoon with the sun piercing through. There was hardly anybody in the forest. Make sure to visit the creek, its stunning! Ample parking nearby and great signage so it’s hard to get lost!

Google Maps Review (short version): ⭐ 5.0 — “A magical forest that comes alive at night.” When darkness falls, the forest doesn’t sleep — it glows. Hundreds of gentle lights shimmer among the redwoods and ferns, turning the night into pure enchantment. Absolutely unforgettable experience. 🌌

We just did the half hour red route after doing the tree walk. Well worth strolling past the giant trees, there is a small rise, but all easy well marked trail: nothing too strenuous.

We went here for morning tea purely out of curiosity. The cafe is well appointed, tidy and spacious. It adjoins a retail space filled with Comvita products where you can taste different honeys and view an enclosed live hive. Regular bee education tours start from here at a cost of $10. We had earl grey and English breakfast tea. Both came in infuser pots..nice touch. The earl grey was what I know as lady grey but was good none the less. Refreshing to be provided with a generous quantity of milk. I ordered the blue cheese and caramelized onion quiche as a take away. It came with a good salsa and a salad and was especially delicious for gluten free fare. This place was reasonably busy and is obviously on the tourist trail. Limited menu but very well done. I will bring visitors here. A great venue!

Not like a nice ice cream on a hot day. Nice selection of food. Great tasting coffee. Added bonus of being in the comvita premises and next door to their store. Buy your honey products then have something to eat.

We had a simply gorgeous visit and so enjoyed our chat to the tour guide. Lots to learn and be enthralled by. My, bees are wonderful creatures. Fabulous products too.

Poor customer Service. I went to the shop this week, my first time to purchase products from them & not a honey person, I spent quite a bit of time trying to decide what to buy. Staff were about, but didn't bother coming to see me. After approx 10 mins I gave up & took the cold tablets and $20 jar of honey to the counter. A lady was sitting behind the counter but had her head down into her phone, a couple of "ahems" but she never looked up, so I went to the cafe counter. I then got brought back to the shop counter by a staff member who gave a lousy excuse why the other lady never looked up from her phone, just at that time a cruise ship bus turned up and all staf leaped into action. Meanwhile this semi local, who possibly would come back to purchase more was ignored, the cruise ship passengers won't be back, so perhaps looking after local customers would be a good idea also. Unfortunately I won't buy again due to this service, its alot of money to spend on a small jar of honey, so some service to make sure I got one I liked would have been amazing.

Excellent place to have a break when you drive along this side. Beautiful outdoor and indoor atmosphere. Cafe is handy. The retail shop is very appealing.

Awesome coffee, good selection of food to choose from. Beautiful outdoor area to sit and enjoy a good visit.

Good coffee and nice but limited cabinet food. A quick refreshment stop.