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 🙂🥝🌿

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.

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!

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.

Absolutely stunning place to visit! We went to Bridal Veil Falls with family and kids, and it was an unforgettable experience. The walk to the falls is easy and beautifully maintained, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful nature sounds. The viewing platforms at different levels give breathtaking views of the waterfall — truly picture-perfect! It’s safe and family-friendly, with plenty of spots to stop, rest, and take photos. A must-visit if you’re exploring the Waikato region — nature at its finest!

Impressive waterfall! There is a small parking lot and then a beautiful walk through a rainforest to take you to the top of the waterfall in less than 10 minutes. The views are gorgeous! There are wooden steps to a middle viewpoint and then to the bottom. We loved it! Come on a cloudy day to appreciate the colors!

Nice place. Only a 5-10 mins stroll from the car park. There’s 4 different viewpoints, the bottom one is probably the best but it’s 235 steps down and back up again, although not overly strenuous. Waterfall was raging after all the recent rains.

This place is quite the gem and one of the highlights when visiting Raglan. A short relaxing walk through the forest followed by an option to view the waterfall from 3 different vantage points. Getting to ground level will be challenging for those with physical limitations as it’s a steep decent and climb back up to the car park. Viewing it from the top is already very majestic. Going to the base of the waterfall is definitely worth the effort if you are up for it. I got a good appreciation of the size and beauty of the waterfall from there. Highly recommended if you are in the area.

Bridal Veil Falls, also known as Wairēinga, is a stunning natural attraction located just 20 kilometres from Raglan Beach, making it an ideal addition to your travel itinerary if you're exploring the area. Surrounded by lush native bush, the falls drop an impressive 55 metres over a basalt cliff into a tranquil pool below, creating a breathtaking and peaceful setting. The site is free to visit, making it accessible for everyone. However, please note that dogs are not permitted, and personal promotions or campaigns are also restricted to preserve the natural beauty and serenity of the area. The walking track to the falls is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, with several viewing platforms offering different perspectives of the waterfall—from above, mid-level, and base. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or simply looking for a quiet escape, Bridal Veil Falls offers a serene experience away from busy city life. The sound of cascading water and the surrounding greenery create a calming atmosphere perfect for relaxation or reflection.

It was a great experience for us. Me and my wife really enjoyed the short walk. I am not that good at hiking or long walk but we didn’t get much tired of the stairs.

A family friendly, well maintained walk. The first section of the trek takes you through lovely native bush and you come out at the top of the falls with 2 viewing platforms, you can then walk down the stairs to a mid-way viewing platform and then right to the bottom.

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!

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

Beautiful black sand beach. Great shells and beautiful scenery. Nice rocks on the south end that create tidal pools at low tide. We had a great time exploring. Nice changing facilities, toilets, and showers at the car park and also down at the beach.

We visited Ngarunui Beach from Hamilton and it was absolutely worth the trip! There was plenty of parking which made things stress-free, and the beach itself was stunning. The ocean was so refreshing, the atmosphere so peaceful, it was exactly what I needed to unwind and clear my mind. An amazing spot to relax, recharge, and enjoy the beauty of the coast. Definitely recommend!

Amazing beach. You can do surfing and have a quite big car park. Dont stop at the first car park you see and go to the 2nd park. You can do surfing and sea bathing. I saw there is small place where they give surfing lessons with surf board

This is a stunning beach with its black sand and. on the day we visited, its wild surf. Unfortunately the weather wasn’t great so didn’t get to spend as much time as we would have liked looking around.

Ngarunui Beach is a must-visit if you’re near Hamilton. This beautiful, well-maintained beach offers a clean and relaxing environment, perfect for unwinding. It’s also an ideal spot to catch a stunning sunset. In short, a fantastic place to visit!

Beautiful black sand beach and a great day trip from Auckland or Hamilton.

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.

Cheaper if you book with motel direct. We paid $42 extra booking travago website. The rooms are small and not laid out well. No armchairs and only bed to sit on apart from plastic dining chairs. Brown decor. That said it's very clean. Managers so friendly and helpful. Now we know what you get and at a better price we would book again.

Only stayed one night, pool closes early on colder days and spa was booked out. I only booked the place for my daughter to swim in the pool but even in the mornings pool not open only at 10am when checking out. So we had no chance at having a swim at all. Stayed in room one , toilet so noisy when flushing and bathroom very small had dirt in them when arrived and stove needs to be replaced. The soap and shampoo dispenser was not even working too they were full but not even working. There were ants all over the kitchen bench and by the fridge. The bed was the only best thing for me to be honest.

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.

One tiny soap for 4 ladies body wash in shower did not work,bottom of shower not clean enough, but beds were very comfortable and covers were good,location good

The motel is run down and in need if maintenance. Door handles on kitchen broken net curtains decades old with holes and look grey with dust. Holes in blinds. Found last guests food in fridge and an unwashed microwave. No sound insulation between units. We had to ask for towels and teatowels when we arrived. On the plus side sheets and pillow cases were clean and fresh.

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.

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.

Took miss 8yr niece there for the cave tour. She a little nervous, but the guide did a great job. Back to the Cafe afterwards, for a fantastic pizza home made lemonade and wild pork sausage stack.... great food. The grounds and facilities are great with plenty of outdoor seating, gardens and stream (with hungry eels in you can feed). Popular with motorbike riders as it's a great ride out n back.

A beautiful spot nested on the Waikaretu Valley Road. Visited quite a few times during motorcycle rides & a drive via Waikato Port. Peaceful ambience all around and a small stream to add to its beauty! Staff are kind & accomodating, and food is good too! Definately a place to visit if you haven't!

Stayed overnight here. What a great place to stay. The night is absolutely quiet as you are in the middle of nowhere. In the morning you wake up to the great golden view of the limestone hills and the grazing sheep. The host is very friendly. Also have mention the great and quiet scenery of the road to this place. Then you can have their roasted coffee for breakfast.

I went for the cafe and not the cave. If you’re looking for a tranquil escape paired with exceptional coffee and food, this cafe is the perfect spot. Nestled between towering rock faces, the setting alone is enough to take your breath away. The ambiance is serene and soothing, with the gentle babble of a stream out back adding a natural soundtrack to your visit. The outdoor seating by the stream is the real highlight, offering a peaceful retreat to savor your meal while soaking in the natural beauty. It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret hideaway, making it perfect for a relaxing morning or an afternoon recharge. Overall, this cafe is more than just a place to grab a coffee—it’s an experience. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates great food, excellent coffee, and the serenity of nature.

Loved our stay in the White House! Such a peaceful spot with amazing views, perfect for enjoying an early coffee on the deck. The café food was great, and Philip and Anne were really accommodating with my wife’s food allergies. We also loved the bush walk nearby. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming. We’d love to come back later in the season!

This has been on our bucket list forever since seeing this place on seven sharp and today we finally did it. It was such am amazing experience. The cave tour was great and it was awesome to see spiders, cave Weta, many glow worms and we waited for Eddie the cave eel but he didn't want to appear today. Some spaces in the cave were tight and went through water, but Phillip and his trainee guide helped us feel confident and safe. Afterwards, we went to the Cafe for a very tasty lunch which we also enjoyed. Totally recommend this experience. It is amazing and well worth it.

The Nikau Cave tour is awesome. I think everyone should experience it. It took us about one hour to cross the one km cave. Prepare to get wet, as we need to crawl narrow section and squeeze through holes. The view inside is awesome. The cave is privately owned, and the owners took care of it extremely well. We are blessed to be able to enjoy it. Totally worth the trip. Philip, the tour guide is awesome. Very knowledgeable, joyous and experience guide. I would highly recommend everyone!

We had so much fun and memories are established here! Surely, the council work alongside the owners and develop a collaborative plan to restore a community resource! Let's find a solution and make this work so the fun times and memories return and remain sustainable. There should have been some legal obligation for maintenance, restoring and sustainability moving forward. Iconic places like this have a community responsibility. Just my thoughts and obviously just my opinion without legal knowledge but surely the message is restoration, reopen, maintain, and sustain. Places like this should have provisions before sale.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Out do or heated pool near the east coast lovely staff and hot food available. Family friendly business.

What a fun place! About 8 species of butterfly. Worth a stop.

Good for a warm up and interesting for kids under new friendly ownership

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.......

Was great to walk through, was able to take the buggy through so the little one could see. Lovely staff and quiet.

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.

Cool place to visit. Beautiful butterflies and the owner is okay too.

Best thing do on a cold day. Was awesome see so many different types of butterflies

Authentic vintage feel. Retro train cars and historic steam train. I went with the first class experience. Initially I thought only first class had a viewing deck due to the pictures and desperations on the website which was one of the main reasons I chose first class, but turns out the standard cars also have plenty of viewing spots. The high tea was a bit underwhelming as I found most of the savoury stuff to be dry and flavourless. The website also stated that there would be tea and coffee and cold non- alcoholic drinks like soft drinks available, which was the second main reason I chose first class as I thought it would be great with cold soft drinks, but low and behold, when I asked about soft drinks, the attending staff member informed that they didn’t have that on the train. I felt misinformed and quite cheated but the car for first class was at least pretty neat. And the staff was nice as well. Ride was pretty short, and not the most scenic but still a good experience.

Loved the Christmas light up at the village. Great vibe and relaxed atmosphere. Well worth taking the kids out to this fun family event. We purchased cheaper tickets online and got there right on opening time (6pm) which gave us plenty of chill time to get food and let the kids play before the crowds arrived. Took the 8:30pm train and caught a magical sunset. Beautiful!!!

Great place for a family outing. Takes us back in time to the days when steam train was the main mode of transport. All staff were dressed in period costumes that helped enhance the experience. It was an educational trip for the young family member

A fun outing for young and old. We have been to GVR many times over the years, but signed up for the high tea experience for King's Birthday Weekend and had a blast. A fun outing on an old steam drawn train in the first class carriage with high tea. It's a short run from Glenbrook station to Waiuku with time to enjoy the snacks and tea or coffee on the trip there and back. About an hour all up and well worth the drive to get there.

It is worth a trip but the high tea food was a bit disappointing....we are not full of nonsense when it comes to food but only the brownies and lemon tartlett was VERY nice...rest was awful and the scones seemed to be old...🤷🏻‍♀️ staff super friendly...

If you love Steam Trains this is a must do if you’re in the area I have never seen Such enthusiastic volunteer as these guys I absolutely loved my experience with them 👍

Glenbrook Vintage Train – A Short Trip Back in Time 🚂✨ Visited Glenbrook on Matariki. A public holiday, and apparently, everyone else had the same idea. 😅 The place was absolutely buzzing! Food stalls, families, and enough people to power a whole second train with body heat alone. Booked tickets online in advance (NZD15 per adult), and after a 1-hour drive from Auckland central, we were greeted by vintage vibes and steam-powered nostalgia. 🚆💨 Now, the ride itself? Short and sweet, just 15 minutes back and forth, but the experience is golden. That choo-choo, the horn blowing, and the old-school wooden interior really made it feel like a trip through history. The view outside though? Meh. Let’s just say you won’t miss much if you blink. 👀🌾 Toilets? Surprisingly clean, no steam or time travel involved. Crowds? Heavy today, but that’s expected on a festival day. On a normal weekend, it’s probably more chill. "Logan was here for the train, stayed for the vibes. Would definitely choo-choo again".

Dry beautiful garden • Location: 102 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland.  • Size: ~ 64 hectares, including about 10 hectares of native forest.  • When established: The gardens were opened in 1982; land for them was purchased back in 1968.  ⸻ What’s There / Highlights • Plant collections: A wide diversity including native New Zealand plants, exotics, edibles, African plants, magnolias, camellias, roses, etc.  • Native Forest Trail: A bush/forest remnant walk that’s quite scenic.  • Threatened Native Plant Collection: For seeing rare and vulnerable local species.  • Gondwana Arboretum: Trees that reflect ancient lineage or plant families with long evolutionary histories.  • Potter Children’s Garden: A child-friendly themed garden to explore.  • Seasonal displays & gardens: Rose garden, Camellia, Magnolia, Edible Garden, African Garden etc.  • Visitor Centre (Huakaiwaka): Includes café (Café Miko), display/exhibition spaces, map & garden information.  • Outdoor sculpture: Large scale artworks are scattered throughout.  ⸻ Hours & Entry • Entry: Free entry for the gardens.  • Opening hours (Gardens): • Summer (October–March): ~ 6:30 am to 8:00 pm  • Winter (April–September): ~ 6:30 am to 6:00 pm  • Visitor Centre & Café have more limited hours; closed Christmas Day, café may close earlier.  ⸻ How to Get There • By car: Take the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1). If coming from the city heading south, exit at Manurewa / Hill Road (Exit 451), then left onto Hill Road; the gardens are the first driveway on the left.  From the south, exit at Takanini (exit 453), then follow a combination of roads (Great South Road → Alfriston Road → Claude Road → Hill Road) to reach the gardens. • By public transport: There’s a bus route (366) between Manurewa bus interchange and the Gardens. Also possible combination with train + bus + walking from Manurewa train station. Approximately 2 km ride or walk from the station. • By bike: You can take a bike on the train for free, then cycle a short distance from the station. There are bike parking facilities at the visitor centre.

Auckland Botanic Gardens is peaceful, beautiful, diverse garden experience that suits many interests, from families and casual visitors to plant lovers. If you visit, allow a few hours (or more!) so you can wander without rushing, stop to sit and take in the views, and perhaps have a picnic. Highly recommended.

Beautiful place to have a walk with your dogs and take pictures. Here’s a pro tip: the I cream van line is always very long so just go to the cafe and buy an ice cream tub or a popsicle. Overall, place is full of amazing flowers and trees and my dog had an absolute blast here. Just make sure the weather is nice before coming here!

Had a lovely time at Auckland Botanic Gardens! The gardens are so beautiful and peaceful, with lots of space to walk around and enjoy the flowers and greenery. My family really enjoyed exploring different sections, and the kids loved the playground. A perfect place to relax, take photos, and spend a quiet day surrounded by nature.

A Day Well Spent at the Auckland Botanic Gardens 🌳 My recent visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens was an absolute delight and a perfect escape into nature. The images showcase the incredible variety and beauty of the gardens, making it clear why this is a must-visit spot. Overall, the Auckland Botanic Gardens are a spectacular place—a beautifully cultivated space that offers both horticultural interest and a peaceful retreat from the city. I highly recommend spending a few hours exploring its paths and diverse collections.

Beautiful day at the Gardens, the Camellias are blooming and very pretty to watch! Also the Magnolias are worth mentioning. Lovely for a quick or longer stroll. Easy to grab a coffee to go, parking in the morning is good and definitely will go to see more flowers bloom.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens is hands down my favorite spot in Auckland! 🌿🌸 It’s huge, filled with all kinds of plants and flowers, so no matter what season it is—spring, summer, autumn, or winter—you’ll always find something in bloom. The walking paths are easy to follow, and just wandering around here is such a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Not sure why Google is calling ManOWar a hotel? We had lunch there and unfortunately our prosciutto pizza came out with no prosciutto on it and several of our pizzas had burnt bases. They were very good in taking these items off the bill but the food served was 2/10.

Gorgeous, as always ❤️ great service, beautiful venue, nice food and bev, stunning views. This time there were just 2 of us, however we have been a party of 20+ before and the experience was just as good, if not better for the company. The addition of a zip line is an excellent idea, we are a bit older so maybe one day, never say never! Buses run regularly, the road is narrow and winding, beautiful and part of the kiwi experience, but care needed.

Went to the restaurant during a whale watching trip. Didn’t see anything in the ocean so I’m glad we at least got some great food here. The view is great! They were super busy so a reservation, while unnecessary for us,would be a safer option if you don’t have much time. The wine was amazing, the food was fantastic, but be prepared to wait a bit when they are busy. Would go again if I’m ever in the area. It was also nice that they have delicious Gluten Free options! They did forget our prosciutto topping but we reminded them and they brought some out for us.

Stopped off from the Eastern Explorer. They were fully booked for lunch but we were able to sit on the front lawn and order a wine (or two) and a pizza. Both were outstanding. Great service and view.

we found the food quite poor @ man o war restaurant we had- dry aged sirloin medium rare steak frites- this is really below par..beef was overdone and not sweet and flavourful expected of a dry aged steak pizzas are average ok standard - prosciutto, fungi and salami. cauliflower is average below par. white wine clams had nice huge clams correct texture but really poor sauce, supposed to be white wine sauce but came like a gluey clam chowder. focaccia, fish pate and truffle fries ok. quite disappointed with the lunch food for NZ$321 11.10.2025

Was sent an email asking for feedback, sent reply which was not responded to or acknowledged. The zip line was fantastic — great staff, well-run, and something I’d absolutely do again. Lunch at Man O’ War was a disaster. I’d booked months in advance requesting an outside table, only to be told we had to sit inside. Service was chaotic, we had to wave someone down for drinks, food took forever, and there was a 30 minute gap between the first and last main (luckily the first of our party served didn’t wait for the others). One entree was brought out twice, one main never arrived, and the food was disappointing - in particular the steak frites was cold and poorly cooked. The table next to us had the same issues and they ended up walking to the kitchen to find out whether the chef was still alive. The whole place felt completely disorganised. Easily the worst dining experience I’ve had on Waiheke, and I was embarrassed to have brought friends visiting the island here.

Visited Man O'War for lunch on Friday 14th Nov. The reviews will tell you how stunning this bay is, absolutely gorgeous spot. I can recommended the clams with cream, lemon, chilli and white wine which was so delicious and we also had the Harissa chicken which came on a bed of bulgur, chocked full of tiny chopped up ingredients which was very flavoursome and filling.

Beautiful island with a determinedly rural vibe despite proximity to New Zealand's largest city. There are wineries and secenic lookouts and the island is easily reachable on the regular ferries from central Auckland

Such a beautiful island escape! Loved driving around, taking in the stunning beaches and charming wineries. The vibe is super relaxing and peaceful — honestly felt like the trip should never end. Perfect spot to unwind and soak up nature.

Waiheke Island is an absolute must-do day trip in Auckland. The ferry is short (45 minutes) and smooth. We enjoyed beaches, wineries and restaurants. From gelato and fish n' chips to wine tastings and charcuterie boards, everything was delicious. I would definitely recommend Island Gelato Co. Waiheke (the passionfruit coconut flavor was to die for) and Postage Stamp Wines (amazing drinks, meats, cheeses and views).

The ferry ride to any of the islands is a must when you are in Auckland. Stunning & peaceful beaches & shores. Beautiful vineyards. The island has enough activities to choose from. There are scenic lookouts where you can enjoy the present doing nothing. There are no vehicles, other than the hop in hop off buses. These buses take you everywhere on the island.

Wonderful island experience with amazing beaches, art walks and wineries.

Beautiful small island with stunning views and a peaceful vibe. Waiheke Island offers great beaches, charming vineyards, and scenic walking trails. It's a perfect getaway for a day trip or a weekend escape. Highly recommended for nature lovers and those seeking a relaxing break. With exciting ferry journey 🤩

Waiheke Island is a beautiful place and definitely worth seeing at least once. Most places were closed during my visit, but the scenery was still lovely. Glad I visited, though I don’t think I’d return.

It was an amazing experience! Not only the ziplining part was so much fun, but the landscapes you see are really worth it! Our instructors and guides, Lucy and Rob, were so nice (and funny haha), but they also know a lot about the area so you learn interesting facts and that’s a cool bonus ☺️ highly recommend it! Thanks!

Lovely day zip lining with EcoZip Adventures on Waiheke Island today! They picked us up from the Waiheke Island Ferry Terminal, and drove us to the site. The staff were friendly and professional, and we had a great time zip lining the 3 courses. Beautiful views as well. Finished off with a bush walk back up, and dropped back off at Oneroa Village and the Ferry Terminal

This was a highlight for our Auckland holiday! It was so easy to organise and it we were collected from the ferry terminal, and taken on a scenic drive up to the HQ. Our guides were super informative and so much fun! My daughter was quite nervous and they worked with her to work through her nerves to make it such a memorial experience. They dropped us off at a great spot for lunch. The scenery was spectacular, the Fraser’s animal impressions on the zipping gave us a good giggle.

Fabulous friendly and informative staff who helped us from the booking, organise the ferry, pickup and showed us an amazing ziplining experience and some incredible bush walking on the majestic Waiheke Island. I would stay longer on the island for sure next time to further explore and enjoy all the restaurants that the island has to offer...just beautiful!! The ziplining was also epic, finishing with a real ripper!!!! The kids and I loved every minute of our adventure!!!

A must see and visit in the island. Both Lucy and Marcus bring the highest quality of service to our family. Not only the exciting zip but also the lesson for the forest and nature protection. If you have a family of 2 kids, please make sure you booking from the website and choose the family plan. For all customers from other than western country, no need to afraid the barrier from language, the warm and kind welcoming will help you overcome all the difficulties. A big thumb up for them.

Fantastic experience beginning with spectacular views over Waiheke with Rangitoto and Auckland in the distance. Professional operation with 3 zip lines followed by an ecological informative walk through the old bush. Highly recommended

The guides were super friendly embedding confidence in a very relaxed atmosphere. My young Grandson was really enthusiastic and I had to try and restrain him from going first jump at every station 🤸🏽‍♀️🤣🤣 .As we walked through the lovely shaded native bush back to the start , the young one looked up at me and said “Thanks G.Dad that was such fun” 😊😊👍 Thankyou EcoZip adventures for a great afternoon 👍👍🇳🇿

The views are just unbeatable. Lion Rock is an amazing natural feature, though sadly the hiking path was closed during our visit in early September 2025. Still, hiking around its foundations and investigating the tidal pools and beach was a lot of fun. The drive to get here from Auckland was very winding and treacherous for a person unfamiliar with the geography, so those with weak stomachs or nervous dispositions may be in for a difficult trip to get here!

Absolute must when in Auckland. Stunning huge beach with sparkling black sand and even penguins! Lots of surfers and families, is practically empty if you come in the morning. The parking is free and has so much to explore.

Lovely black sand, fun to watch the surfers…. Or book a surf lesson if you feel up to it. It does get busier throughout the day so maybe try and go early although we found plenty of parking

Love this beach at this time of year - very few people on beach but plenty of surfers as the waves were good. You can do a decent walk along the beach and you will fall in love with the Wild West Coast of NZ. Only 45 min from Auckland Central.

The drive to Piha Beach is an experience in itself — a long, winding road that’s both fun and a little challenging, so a bit of carefulness is needed. Depending on the day, the view from above the beach can be breathtaking, or it can completely disappear under a blanket of sea fog, which makes each visit unique. At the main carpark, there’s a restaurant that serves really yummy food — a nice spot to recharge before or after exploring. The beach itself is stunning but deserves respect. The waves can be unpredictable; during my visit, we got unexpectedly soaked, though thankfully not pulled out to sea. It’s a reminder not to underestimate the power of the surf here. That said, Piha is also a safe and relaxing place to simply take your shoes off and enjoy a “beach foot spa” in the sand and shallows. It’s wild, beautiful, and memorable — just go prepared for changing conditions, both on the road and at the beach.

If you're looking for a place that combines the power of the ocean, the calm of the bay, the majesty of the mountains, and the softness of the sand — this spot won’t disappoint. Only about an hour’s drive from Auckland, it’s perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway with family.

Stunning black sand beach. Surf is incredible..Could just sit and watch the sea for ever...Just stunning

Iconic Museum in Auckland and an absolute must see ! My highlight was the Vulcano simulator 🌋 You can easily spend 3-4 hours here and all floors host tranquil exhibitions. The team is excellent and will help you with all your questions. The cafeteria is nice and there is also a very popular cafeteria ☕️ I can highly recommend to go there !

I would say this museum offers some of the best exhibitions in New Zealand. It features a wonderful collection showcasing Māori art, culture, and New Zealand history- from artefacts, paintings, and carvings to impressive life-sized pieces like the Māori waka (traditional canoe). The museum has also hosted incredible showcases such as the Guo Pei exhibition and, more recently, the DIVA exhibition in collaboration with the V&A in the UK. I travelled all the way from Wellington just to see DIVA! Tickets are reasonably priced (around $25) and include headsets, which is a great touch. The building itself is beautifully designed with sweeping ceilings and a bright, welcoming foyer that houses a café, restaurant, ticket counter, and access to toilets, a drinking fountain, and exhibition spaces. The layout is accessible and easy to navigate, and the facilities (including the toilets) are clean and well maintained. There’s also two floors of undercover parking located downstairs, accessible via lift. Parking payment is made at kiosks by card.

I highly recommend the Māori experience! It’s not a show but a sharing of culture. So don’t expect a long form of entertainment. I really enjoyed being part of it and being able to ask questions afterwards. The museum itself had a lot of items from many different wars and countries! It was interesting to see whole fighter planes up close! I’m only a bit disappointed that the main Māori exhibit is closed at the moment but it was definitely an informative time!

They discounted my ticket because so many exhibits were closed but I was still disappointed. I really went out of my way to get here from the cbd and there were only a couple of interesting exhibits. Further, I went here on a weekend and experienced a lot of small children screaming and running around. I believe because admission is free for locals and parents were looking for a way to occupy their children. I enjoyed the war memorial exhibition, but was disappointed parents didn’t explain to their children that the exhibit deserved a little respect. I would recommend avoiding this museum when children are not in school.

A well planned out museum for both young and old. The history of New Zealand's people both first nation and the rest are presented to us both visually and physically in items of historic value. Parking is limited especially during school holidays, weekends and public holidays. Excellent 👍 👌

What an outstanding museum! The style of the building is gorgeous. Inside you are presented with a variety of areas related to New Zealand culture and history. At the time of my visit in late August 2025 , plenty of areas were closed off hopefully by my next visit, they will be open. The highlight for me was the World War level and everything related to our past. Would recommend to anyone who can appreciate NZ history! Also note the statue of Zealandia 🤍 If visiting, you should consider a donation. Entry is free for residents of NZ with proof of identity.

I had a good experience at the war memorial museum, though it was somewhat dampened by the museum being approximately half-shuttered due to long-term repairs being made to the building and galleries. The ticket cost was reduced by 50% to compensate, which seems about right. Highlights included the Auckland exhibit, which was very colourful, progressive, and optimistic while also reflecting on more difficult parts of the past. I also really enjoyed the gallery about New Zealand’s flora and fauna. It was especially cool seeing reconstructions of giant flightless birds. WWII scholars will love the reconstructed Zero. When I went on a weekday, it was quite busy with many children, so just be aware!

Such a fun place to go as a family. The dinosaur area is so cool! Ice cream and coffee isn't stupidly overpriced. Would definitely recommend! We went on a Friday which was a lot nicer as there weren't big crowds.

I really enjoy this zoo. It sets an entirely new standard and I feel like I could spend forever there. The new do up is gorgeous, especially for the Tigers, Gharial and NZ Bird Aviaries. I love that the enclosures are all so spacious and that the animals are able to have space away from visitors if they want it. Sea krait is awesome too, hopefully in time it will also get a nice enclosure upgrade.

Mum of under 3, we go almost every week ! We love Auckland zoo 🫶🏻. We have the annual pass and go through the zoo slowly though my toddler has other ideas (aka running !) it's such a great open space for them to run around to burn the energy. Recommend going in the weekday, although there can be lots of school kids during these times. Weekdays do get pretty busy and I would have to park in the outer parking lot. Weekdays are easier to get tickets but it's a lot easier if you buy tickets online so you can just go into the zoo. Don't forget to take a picture with the elephant !

Incredibly impressed by how happy and content almost every animal was. I am used to seeing stressed animals pacing back and forth, but most of the animals were happily resting or interacting with their environment. There is a lot of renovations currently happening to improve the zoo so we did not get to see everything, but it was a wonderful place to go. I only wish I could know more about the individual animals, lots of staff around but it is a large sprawling area so hard to always find someone who knows about the animals

I hadn't been to the zoo for about 10 years, but I was very impressed with the changes that have happened over that time. It has wonderful enclosures for the animals, showing off animals from around the world and here in Aotearoa, and if utilizes it's space very well. A great place to take the family. The only hassle was car parking which, unless you get there early, will see you parking on the streets surrounding it.

Such a cool place for both adults and kids. Lots of animals to see and they seem well looked after. The playground areas are also fun for the kids! It seems lots of schools visit on a Friday but didn't cause any delays and it was fast to by a extra ticket. The annual pass gives a decent discount on all purchases.

Been twice in the last decade. Animals look well and happy. Large variety of animals. Beautifully looked after grounds. Facilities good. Currently getting upgraded in time for summer.

Sky Tower (part of the SkyCity Auckland complex)  • Height: 328 metres from ground level to the top of the mast.  • Location: Corner of Victoria Street West & Federal Street, Auckland CBD.  • Opened: 1997.  ⸻ What You Can Do / See • Observation Decks: There are multiple levels you can go up to for views. You can see up to ~ 80 km in good weather, including volcanoes, harbour, city skyline etc.  • Orbit 360° Dining Restaurant: A revolving restaurant located near the top — dining with panoramic views as the restaurant rotates.  • SkyBar: A bar high up in the tower with expansive views.  • SkyWalk & SkyJump: • SkyWalk — walk around the exterior of the tower at height, harnessed.  • SkyJump — a controlled “jump”/plunge off the tower from a height (for the thrill-seekers).  • Gift shop, cafes, and casual dining, including Sky Cafe.  ⸻ Structure & Design • Built with high-performance reinforced concrete shaft (about 12m diameter) with support from piles, and with a steel mast at top.  • It’s designed for safety: wind resistance (can sway in strong winds), seismic design to withstand significant earthquakes, fire safety features, etc.  ⸻ Hours & Tickets • Opening hours: The Sky Tower is open daily, from morning (around 9:30 am) until evening/night (hours depend on the day & season).  • Last entry times vary with season.  • Admission fees: There is an entry fee for the observation decks. The cost depends on which deck, whether you want to add things like SkyWalk or SkyJump.  • Booking: Better to buy tickets in advance online to secure times and sometimes get discounts.  ⸻ Why It’s Worth Visiting • It’s an iconic Auckland landmark — visible from many parts of the city, a symbol of Auckland.  • Unmatched 360-degree views of the city, harbour, islands, volcano cones etc.  • Combination of experiences: you can just enjoy the view, or add excitement with SkyJump / SkyWalk, or dining high up. Gives options depending on how adventurous or relaxed you’re feeling. • Great at sunset or at night for city lights.

In cities that have a big tower like this it's almost always worthwhile to go up and check out the view. This tower has two levels of observation and one level for dining and bungee jumping. There may be other levels but there were some renovations happening at the time of writing. I'm sure this could be made into a much bigger activity by dining here during the sunset or jumping off (a desire I'll never understand) but just as a casual place to spend some time between outings in Auckland it's pretty great.

So worth the money to visit the lookout! A bit scary at first but well worth the beautiful view. We really love that there’s also a sit down option where you can enjoy the view and some good kai. There’s also ice cream and coffee at one of the lookouts.

A good view of the city and probably one of the only things to do in Auckland that is actually in Auckland and doesn’t require a day trip. Price felt a bit expensive for what it was as there wasn’t actually that much to do at the top bar the views. But if you’ve got a spare hour or two in Auckland and aren’t strapped for cash then I’d do it.

If you come to Auckland, DO NOT MISS THE SKY TOWER!!! Yep, both my wife and I enjoyed our time looking at the majestic views and taking photos. Seeing Auckland from this vantage point was a great way to see the city. Plan your visit for a clear day to maximize your viewing pleasure.

Had a great time up here. Price was a little steep for what it is but we had a good time nonetheless the less. Some fantastic views across the city and had the weather been nicer I can imagine some of the views would have been majestic. Elevator takes you up to the 51st floor and then another elevator takes you up a further 9 floors. All in all, worth a visit for an hour.

Sky Tower is definitely one of those must-do experiences in Auckland! I’d give it a strong 9/10. The views are absolutely stunning—you get a full panoramic look over the harbour, city, and even out to the islands. The photos you take up there will be some of the best from your trip. The glass floors add a thrill, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the SkyJump or SkyWalk turn it into more than just sightseeing. The only minor downside is that tickets can feel a bit pricey, but honestly, for a once-in-a-lifetime view, it’s worth it. It’s the kind of spot that really makes you feel like you’ve “arrived” in Auckland.

Its a very beautiful and peaceful place to go for a nice day trip from Auckland. The walking trail is short so not much to walk. Plus the views are amazing... And you can park your car and watch the beach while sitting in the car thats the best part.

It’s beautiful!! Nothing more wonderful than seeing animals in the wild 💗 *I’m shocked by the lack of culture from some people. There are clean, well-maintained public bathrooms in the parking areas, yet we still saw a pair of friends urinating right in the middle of the trail… unacceptable. Dogs are NOT allowed because they are potential predators of birds and because they leave their scent wherever they go, which can disrupt the ecosystem. If you can’t control your bladder, you should wear diapers and above all, if you can’t respect the rules of a national park, stay home.

The gannet colony is incredible to see up close. Thousands of gannet birds nest right on the cliffs, with stunning ocean views all around. Perfect place for a peaceful walk, photography, or just soaking in nature’s magic.

We're sooo happy that we were able to see the Gannet Colony in full swing! These are beautiful and amazing birds. We could have watched them for hours.

Muriwai's gannet colony is a one hour drive from the centre of Auckland. Next to the car park, a short walking track leads to a viewing platform. The gannet colony at the south end of Muriwai is well worth a visit between October and February. The Muriwai Gannet Colony is one of only 3 places in NZ where they nest on the mainland (normally they are nesting on islands)

Great walks, lots of bays to explore, and the Gannets were relaxed even though we were close!! Wow!

Enjoyed our visit today in January. Beautiful weather, definitely needed a hat and sunscreen. Easy parking at lot, then a short concreted wide path, most of the way, a short dip through shaded bush to the timber viewing platforms. Ocean view was gorgeous. Interesting to see so many fluffy baby gannets being looked after by their mums. Few birds sitting on nests. Strong smell of guano, but not unbearable. Worthwhile trip about 1hr 10mins from South Auckland

Such a lovely place to visit, so many birds and there are a couple of pretty good beaches. People here really try to safe endemics and it’s very admirable!

Fantastic! Well worth visiting. If you like nature and wildlife. The views are spectacular. A must do. Saw many different species of bird.

Incredible! Will definitely be returning in a few years to see how it has developed. Libby is a GEM! Amazing guide with so much knowledge. Peter was great too! Would recommend keeping an eye out for the pigeons. They look like they might be eating too much…

We had an incredible time on the island. Would highly recommend the guided walks with friendly and knowledgable supporters. We loved Jackie and had the best time on our tour with her. The way that local nature has been recovered here is incredible - a must do for anyone who loves wildlife!

I've become a bird enthusiast lately and took a trip here with my friend. It's lovely to hear and see that all these birds are living their best lives 🥰. There's a souvenir shop too where all proceeds fund the island. Just come here to walk around, enjoy the views, listen to the birds and be closer to nature.

If anyone from the Dept of Conservation is reading this, great job! I'd recommend adding a tagline to the island name e.g. "for the love of birds" :) It's a perfect day trip from Auckland. Big shout out to the amazing volunteers! A guided tour is a must for all first timers.

A most rewarding experience for those wanting to encounter our rare wildlife without to much effort. Firstly a pleasant ocean voyage, and then an abundance of birdlife and other critter to find on the many easy tracks. Good swimming beaches too.

Such a lovely place, full of greenery. We could hear the sea and watch a fantail playing with us. We drew in the sand and had a pleasant chat with a cheerful elderly couple. I saw a little bird and thought it only had one leg. It turned out it was just tucking one leg up to rest.

Shakespear Regional Park is a wonderful place to spend a peaceful day outdoors. The scenery is truly beautiful, with a perfect mix of open grasslands, forest paths, and coastal views. Walking through the forest while listening to the sound of birds creates a very calming and refreshing atmosphere. The park is well maintained, and the walking tracks are easy to follow. It’s an ideal spot for both casual visitors and those who enjoy longer hikes. What I like most is how quiet and natural the area feels, even though it’s not far from the city. Overall, it’s a great destination for anyone who wants to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the stunning New Zealand landscape.

Incredible place. One of my fav regional parks. Go on a sunny day and you will see the greenest pastures and blueest skies! Different trails to go from 1hr to 2 hrs+ loops

Safe and open easy walk, with beautiful views - felt comfortable walking alone. Convenient parking and easy to read maps, different path options depending on how long or what you want to see

Beautiful walk with 360 degree coastal views from the main lookout. Open paved track with surrounded by native trees and birds. Stunning area.

I guess its one of the best picnic spots for family and friends to have outdoor fun. Truly a great experience during summer. The place is settled by the beach which makes it even more exciting for those who wanna do water activities and swim. Perfectly safe water and also the water is so clean. I really had fun at this place and would definitely recommend you all to visit this place with your fellow friends and family.

Shakespear Regional Park was about an hour’s drive from West Auckland, and 100% worth it! 🌿 We didn’t realise there were multiple walking tracks to choose from, so I’d definitely recommend doing a bit of research beforehand to plan your route and pack accordingly. We started with the short track to the waterfall—an easy 10-minute walk surrounded by beautiful native bush. From there, we continued on to the Picture Frame lookout, where the track opened up to stunning views across the landscape. We then followed the Lookout Track which led us to a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Auckland skyline, Hauraki Gulf, and the surrounding islands. On the way back, we walked part of the Heritage Track, which brought us back to the carpark. The whole walk was peaceful and relaxing—a perfect chance to unwind from work and spend quality time with my partner ❤️ We’re keen to come back and try the other tracks, which I’m sure will be just as majestic. Visiting this park made me appreciate even more how beautifully New Zealand protects and preserves its native plants, wildlife, and history.

I was blown away by the beauty of the beach, the white sand and crystal clear water. we came here just before sunset so didn’t get enough time to explore. Kids loved to run around on the beach, climbed the rock and draw in the sand. We will definitely come back for trails and kiwi spotting at night, thinking of camping here in the summer time. For me, this is by far the most beautiful and magical beach around Auckland.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Slice of Paradise in New Zealand Tawharanui Regional Park is an absolute gem! 🌿 The drive in itself is beautiful, with rolling hills and coastal views, but the real magic starts once you arrive. The combination of golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and lush native bush makes it feel like you’re stepping into a postcard. The walking tracks are well-maintained, with options for all fitness levels—from peaceful coastal strolls to slightly more challenging bush walks. Along the way, you’ll spot native birds thanks to the predator-free sanctuary—tui, fantails, and even the occasional kiwi if you’re lucky! 🐦 The beach is stunning—perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand. If you love photography, sunrise here is absolutely worth waking up for. There are clean facilities, picnic spots, and plenty of space to spread out, so even on busy days it never feels overcrowded. It’s the perfect place to escape the city, reconnect with nature, and just breathe. Highly recommended for families, couples, and solo explorers alike. Me and my husband go to place whenever we get time love this park ❤️

Beautiful large campsite in protected wildlife area. Short walk to beach. Lots of birdlife and birdsong - love hearing that!! Clean composting toilets. Drinking water on tap. You will need to book and pay online to get access code for gate. Would definitely be back if up this way again.

First time in our Motorhome and it was perfect. Lovely calm night, sun shining, no one on the beach, just our footprints left behind. Beautiful walk in the morning. Saw a Dotterrl chick on it's own and heard the Kiwi calling last night. Also the Morepork was active. Birdlife incredible. We should have booked for more nights as one wasn't enough!

Nice scenic hiking/picnic/surfing spot. You probably need to allot a day so you can explore the whole park. Will definitely come back here to explore the other hiking trails.

Had a great visit one Wednesday in late October. Helpful staff, lots of birdsong, very well maintained tracks, great toilet facilities and so few people!

Beautiful place with extra green rolling hills, incredible cliffs and a very vibrant ocean. The cattle wandering across the area creates some beautiful photos. We did the north/south coast hike with all of the viewpoints included. Beware that the elephant rock track was not maintained at all.