Since when you need to pay for a hiking? Understand is sacred place with limited access but so why if you pay it is not? A bit controversy! Amazing place by the way!

Great hike! However, highly recommend tall hiking boots and tall socks. The descent down the lava rocks will otherwise be a bit painful.

This was an excellent trek around the crater, to the top of Mt Tarawera and then down into the crater. The weather makes it mysterious and spiritual as the day we went, was a mixture. Need to be healthy to do this hike with appropriate footwear. Highly recommended

So i did the morning walk and it was amazing, literally the views were spectacular. To be able to walk in a sacred space was an honour. I enjoyed the stories the guide gave which come from Maori culture and that they give a prayer before we do the walk as a sign of respect that we walk around. Highly recommend it.

Gorgeous views and a pretty decent journey. The guided tour was fun and educational with lots of vibrant culture. The skree run was pretty intense on the legs but alot of fun! Highly recommend booking a tour

PLEASE READ There are comments on this saying that its stupid that its closed from public etc. Everyone should do at least a simple google search before climbing a huge great big mountain! With a single search you'll find the land was closed because local Maori believed it was being used badly and overgrown by pests. The one company that does guided tours are the only ones the Maori groups allowed to use the mountain. The mountain iteslf is spectacular. Beautiful views and a great walk around the craters guided by Kaitiaki. A long scris at the end of the walk takes you deep into the largest crater, where simple geology shows exactly how the mountains are formed. Kaitiaki Adventure guides were great, and allowed plenty of time for photos, questions and general chat. They were extremely knowledgeable with the local tales and events.

Amazing place with an amazing history. If you ever get the chance to get to the summit take it! Unique and beautiful part of the country.

A must-see experience! A beautiful walk through nature’s wonders — from emerald green to sky-blue pools, steaming geysers, and bubbling hot water you can actually feel beside the path. The smell of sulfur is strong, but it’s all part of the incredible experience. Absolutely worth it!

Lucky for beautiful spring weather and early morning small crowd. Lovely moderate hike down to the boat dock with multiple documented view points of the steaming vents and springs in the valley along the way. Peaceful yet awesome views of what the 1883 eruptions did to the original valley and lakes and the vegetation that repopulated the valley. Ryan gave us a great commentary and boat viewing tour of the crater lake and its steaming vents - a must do to add to the hike. Bus options for those not up to the full hike.

It was an absolutely amazing experience. The walk with multiple viewing points and their relevance and history was brilliant to learn. The boat ride was so informative and a delightful experience. Staff were supportive, informative, and helpful.

Fascinating and beautiful. Well organised. Great staff. Do all 3 walks (only about a relatively easy 3.6k) and the boat trip to complete the experience with a close up view of a geyser in action. A fabulous half day. Don't miss it.

The lake cruise is so worth it! Absolutely stunning being out on the water. The walk to the lake was also amazing - stunning landscapes and scenery all throughout.

Really interesting site. Walking involved...but not strenuous. There are 3 trails to walk...choose one to your abilities.

Fascinating walk down the volcanic valley. The guide had a great overview of the area and the history and pointed out the different fauna and flora as well as the details of the volcano and its history. The return journey was by bus which was great as it would have been a steep climb back to the visitor centre.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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...

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.

A wonderful holiday location at any time of year. A good choice of cafes, restaurants and shops. Blackies cafe behind the surf club is a favourite.There’s plenty to do - beach for swimming and walks, Wentworth Valley walk to the falls, a local gym, mountain biking, fishing or just relaxing.

My husband and I went to Whangamata Beach today 6/6/2024. The beach there was very peaceful and tranquil so we could enjoy our relaxing stroll along the beach. Even though the weather was not so good and chilly today, we still enjoyed our time there. We highly recommend you to visit there on a sunny day.

Looked a great and safe beach. Even though this place is relatively small had toilets and so many restaurants!

Great beach. Great walk. Take me to the Island (at low tide!!)

Excellent sandy beach. Midweek on a sunny November day, there were no crowds and no problem finding a parking spot. Also, a good cafe, Blackies, behind the surf club.

Voted best beach. Heaps of choices for safe swimming spots. Surf or flat. Long sandy beach walks close to an easy going main street with lots of great eateries and shopping opportunities. Friendly happy locals cos how can we not be happy living in paradise😁

This is a lovely beach. One local told me that this beach was voted the best in New Zealand last year. I have been to better beaches in NZ to be honest, but it's still lovely. The views are great and if you get to kayak out to the island then you should definitely include that in your trip.

I’m so glad we did this! Kayaking with a bit of a history lesson — what a great combination. Our beautiful guide, Moanaroa, was informative and thorough in explaining the kayaking basics and making sure we were properly geared up and ready for our morning out at sea. A big thanks also to Hayden, who looked after our safety and shared fascinating historical insights with such enthusiasm. It was a fantastic way to spend our morning! Love the tea that was included on our rest stop. Highly recommend this experience.

We had an amazing time on the Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour with our guide, Jerard. He was friendly, experienced, and even had great photography skills, capturing some fantastic moments for us. His knowledge and enthusiasm made the tour truly memorable. Highly recommended!

Such a fantastic morning. Loved seeing this magical coastline in a kayak with my son. Our guide Georgia was outstanding - we felt really safe and she was full of fascinating stories and insights about the area. A great combo of relaxed meandering and more energetic paddling with a heavenly stop at Cathedral Cove for a perfect hit choccie. Can’t imagine a better way to experience this stunning place.

OMG What a wonderful team of people so polite and caring this is a trip that no one should miss!!! My guide was a lovely sweet young lady called mo ( just an abriviation of her first name) she worked so hard pulling the Kayaks into and out of the water by herself with 2 people inside bless her! And when we reached Cathedral Cove she had all of the stuff to make the whole group hot drinks from Coffee's to Hot Chocolate I would personally like to thank her from the bottom of my heart ❤ for a lovely trip xxx

We had a fantastic tour Louis was super nice and talked to everyone and showed lots of great interest in clients. It was a fantastic family and great fun paddling along the cathedral cove. We had some of the best hot chocolates of our lives. Experience of a lifetime in an incredible place. Louis we can’t wait to see you again

Had an epic time on this kayak tour. Finding the launch point was super easy, just a 1 min walk from the car park down to the launch point on the beach. Check in was smooth and easy. Small group so really personalized. Provided dry bags to keep all my gear dry during the tour. I’m a hobby film photographer so that was great! Our guide for this tour, Lui, originally a Wellington local, took care of everyone so well, super attentive, funny, and we got to see so much with him. I was visiting from Hawaii so I feel very comfortable on/in the ocean. Traveling by myself so I was given a solo kayak and it was great to feel trusted enough to go at my own ability and with the freedom to explore while with the group, while also remaining respectful to the group and tour and making it easier and not harder on Lui. Took us around some of the smaller islands off shore, then got us right onto the beach. We were given time to walk around at cathedral cove, check out the spots, take some great photos, there was even some small shorebreak so I got to bodysurf a bit. All while he made us hot chocolate, coffee and tea right there on the beach. Really appreciated the emphasis on Māori history and legends to honor the rich indigenous culture, some more recent local history, and facts about wildlife in the area. Would recommend 110%, hopefully you get Lui, you won’t regret it!

We absolutely loved the kayak tour! It was such a fun and relaxing way to explore the area, with stunning views all around. Brad was super friendly and made us feel safe and comfortable the whole time. A smooth, enjoyable experience — highly recommend!

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

Great place to visit, lady there was very helpful and knowledgeable, giving us a great run down of its amazing history. Road to it was narrow and winding, but worth the journey. Really nice trails and water features, cool and peaceful. Ducks to feed. Highly recommend A+++

Beautiful place to spend some days. Caretaker and owner very friendly and helpful. The gardens are lush and beautiful to walk around.

Rapaura Water Gardens – He Taonga Ora A Living Treasure Rapaura Water Gardens in Tapu are a taonga, alive with wairua, history, and the mauri of the whenua. From the moment we arrived, the sound of the awa carried us into a different space — a place where past and present flow together.We climbed to the end of the track which we were blessed to view an opening of the shallow part of the opening of the waterfall, where the wai tumbled gently over the rocks. It was here that we acknowledged all that have been before us and left and the many stories and history this Awa has. Feeling completely blessed and appreciating the wairua and mauri of this space we felt this was a perfect time and place to karakia, give thanks and to cleanse our whanau, our greenstone taonga and really tune into this incredibly spiritual place. This was such a blessing, and a reminder of whakapapa and the timeless connection between people, land, and water.Standing there, with wai in our hands and our babies by our side, we felt the aroha of our tīpuna and the embrace of Papatūānuku. Rapaura Water Gardens in Tapu are more than a visitor attraction it is a sacred taonga where wai, whenua, people, and wairua flow together. The awa, now called the Tapu River (once known as Waipatukahu Stream), runs clear through the gardens, carrying with it stories of the land and its people.Since 1993, a whānau has lovingly carried the responsibility of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for this whenua and awa. Their aroha and care can be felt everywhere – in the thriving native rākau, in the calls of ngā manu that echo through the gardens, and in the peaceful pathways that allow manuhiri to walk gently upon the land. Rapaura is not just a place you see — it is a place that touches you, cleanses you, and stays with you. A sanctuary of healing, grounding, and connection. 💧🌿✨ ❤️

We are blessed to have found this beautiful place to stay on our way to Driving Creek. The house was so cozy , clean and with character! Our appreciation to Serena (?Spelling ) for her warm and attentive service. We ordered food for BBQ dinner and they turned out excellent. The house was surrounded by the watergarden that we saw friendly little ducks , we enjoyed the walk there . Highly recommended to anyone looking for a place to stay in the Thames .

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Perfect Stay! We had an amazing time at this accommodation! The host was incredibly welcoming and made sure everything was perfect for our stay. The house itself is spacious, spotless, and beautifully decorated. every detail felt thoughtful and inviting. The view from the house overlooking the garden and river is just stunning. The garden is beautifully maintained, and the walk along the river was such a highlight, it leads to a breathtaking waterfall that’s absolutely worth the stroll. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay. Highly recommend this wonderful home to anyone looking for a peaceful and picturesque getaway.

Just visited the gardens. Restaurant was closed for main meals. Could do light fare only. Lovely day to visit in the mid 60's and overcast. A lot of stuff in bloom already and it's only end of Oct. Wheelchair/ Walker friendly to the lily ponds, but not the yellow track or up to the falls. I'd say to the falls you'd need to have decent knees. Maybe a 3 on scale of 1-10 for difficulty. Worth it for sure if you can make it. We spent 1.5 hours doing all the paths including feeding the ducks and sitting for awhile.

The host was welcoming, friendly and helpful. A beautiful tranquil garden and bush retreat with natural water features. Followed by a panini, cake and coffee. We loved our time here ❤️

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.

One of the cheapest and wonderful experience of sky dive near Auckland. They mostly work based on appointment so call before you go. They also have small airfield and airplane license classes.

Our super awesome experience so far in Aotearoa! Thank you GoSkyDive NZ for making this happen. Excellent communication during inquiry stage, very friendly staff, great pilot, and most importantly experienced and professional sky jumpers (Billy and Steven) - highly recommended team!!!

How do you not rate a sky diving experience excellent? I knew I was gonna have an experience of a life time but what made it even better was the professionalism, friendliness and stoke the guys had! Thank you for the best experience ever!

I have got great experience and life lasting memories after my first ever jump from 13,000 ft with 45 sec of free fall. This the event that blows mind, make life different and improve self-confidence greatly. The team is very friendly, the location is excellent. I would like to jump here again.

Loved it they made it so exciting and was so awesome so would do it again thank u guys

I did my first skydive earlier this week and can 100% recommend GoSkydive. The instructors were so friendly and supportive, and took the time to get to know you and make you feel comfortable. I felt safe the entire time and was really impressed with the whole operation. Couldn't recommend them enough A+++ amazing experience and I will definitely be back! :)

The guys at Go Skydive are awesome. The tandem jump with Billy was amazing. Friendly, highly experienced and chilled out. Darren communicated quite well and let me know when it would be the right time to jump. The whole experience was very well managed. Highly recommend this place if you want to skydive. It was the best jump ever and the video was well edited. Will definitely skydive again. What a thrill!!

Just visited Hunua Falls with family and a few friends, what an awesome spot! It’s a bigger than usual NZ waterfalls and super impressive, even though the water was brown from the rain the day before. Still, the whole place has a really peaceful vibe and it’s amazing how close it is to Auckland. Would’ve been perfect if the weather was sunny and dry we were hanging out for a picnic right next to the falls! But even with the damp ground, there were some great seating areas around for picnics or just chilling out. Definitely worth the short drive. Loved it, and will be back for sure (hopefully with sunshine next time!)

Such a beautiful spot 🌿💦 Just a short walk from the car park and you’re greeted with this stunning waterfall. Kids loved running around the open space and watching the water crash down. Perfect for a little picnic or just to take in the fresh air. Definitely worth the trip! 😍

A must see if coming to Auckland, such a beautiful place to go for a trek along the different trails, or a quick dip to cool off on the hot days we have here, the waterfall is beautiful and such a nice backdrop for the family photo. Can get busy during the weekends so may have to park up the drive down and walk down, a fairly easy gradient too.

Visited Hunua Falls recently and it was such a refreshing experience! The waterfall is stunning, especially with the lush greenery all around. The walking tracks are well-maintained and easy to follow, making it great for a short scenic walk. The sound of the water crashing down is so calming, and it’s a perfect spot for photos or just to relax and enjoy nature. Parking was easy, and the area felt clean and well looked after. Definitely worth the drive if you’re looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway near Auckland!

Very organized, comfortable park we enjoyed spending time here!

The way going there too far from west Auckland. Take me 1hr driving but it’s worth it. I love going there. Don’t need to walk so far to get to waterfall. The toilet is so clean better than other waterfalls that I went before. Can picnic there with your lovely family.

Easy trail with option for only a few stairs(20min) or a long trek up to the dam (3hours). Absolutely stunning as you walking to the jungle and become surrounded by trees and birds. The roaring waters are only loud as you get close to them. Theres a clearing with picnic tables at the bottom of the falls. Very nice. Great for all ages.