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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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 great little museum with loads of information. During our visit, we had the chance to create our own art and photograph them as portraits. There is also a treasure hunt to spot particular items on a laminated sheet which keeps the young and old entertained. The astronomy photography was also on and that was truly spectacular to view. Bear in mind that it was an extra fee to view but well worth it. We also explored the kids area which was interesting and would also suit children of the younger age group. Overall a great place to visit especially if you’re looking for an indoor activity.

I really enjoyed the exhibitions in the museum, the one in the most of the photos is the Weaving Exhibition. Taken in February 2025. There were many other permanent and very informative displays in other rooms. Frankly I didn’t see the art gallery exhibits as I’d spent so long in the museum 😉 Spoke to a lovely gallery assistant on various subjects, she was very helpful.

This is a beautiful place with art, a good one for the kids to be out of the house and go read some history of this country and mostly thr Waikato area. Really beautiful art and good customer service as well they are very welcoming and informative 😀

The Waikato Museum in Hamilton is a captivating destination that offers a rich blend of art, history, and culture, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting the region. The museum showcases an impressive array of exhibitions, from local Māori history to contemporary art, providing insights into the diverse cultural tapestry of the Waikato area. One of the highlights is the museum's focus on Māori heritage, featuring artifacts and stories that celebrate the region's indigenous culture. The displays are thoughtfully curated, allowing visitors to engage with the history in a meaningful way. The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities are particularly enjoyable for families, making learning fun for all ages. In addition to its permanent collections, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions, which adds to the excitement of returning for repeat visits. The layout is spacious and welcoming, with plenty of natural light enhancing the overall experience. The on-site café offers a pleasant spot to relax, with a menu that emphasizes local ingredients. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always willing to provide insights into the exhibits or recommend nearby attractions. Overall, the Waikato Museum is a gem that beautifully reflects the spirit of the region. It’s well worth a visit, whether you’re a local or a tourist, as it provides a deeper understanding of the Waikato's cultural and historical significance.

Straddling the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton is a city of rich diversity, from its thriving cultural precincts, lush gardens and sweeping parklands, to award winning eateries, vibrant nightlife and colourful street art.

We come for Excite (separate interactive learning area for kids), my girl looooves it, it's $10per kid which seems a little steep for quite a small area, but there are family passes and I think the equipment and knowledge is worth it, and when she's soooo persistent with her requests to come here, its gotta be good. They could really do with more interaction, I understand from others reviews that there used to be a lot more to this section that was taken away,so hopefully, there's more to come...

Loving the Maori historic and the history of the Waikato! The museum needed abit more to it as it was too small and abit dull. Maybe just something we can connect with or use senses with as at the moment we were just looking. Overall it was real clean, toilets were clean, it was free entry and we learnt a thing or two about the Waikato.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Amazing place! This is the only geothermal park where dogs are allowed (on a leash only). It is a self-guided walk that is approximately 2 km, accessible via a short 2-minute boat trip. The price is very fair.

A well structured board walk experience after a small boat ride to the geo-thermal area across a small water area. The majority of the walk is on formed timber walkways and has handrails in place. There are also a couple of areas on small sections of earth walkways. Total walk time is about 90 mins. All of our group (3 family members) were happy we attended. Staff on-site were very friendly and helpful.

This was such a cool stop. We had already been to some geothermal areas so I wasnt sure how different this would be. It was stunning! The trails were lovely and an easy walk. You can go at your own pace. The boat takes you to and from the island on demand. We left and were picked up within minutes. Bring water because it is warmer than youd think walking around the trails, even on a cooler day. I heard about this place on the radio and Im so glad we added it to our drive.

We loved this. It's a journey somewhat. Once you park you can buy a ticket and then immediately proceed to the boat landing. This will take you across a very small lake to the walkway. The paths are very well kept. The geological items consist of mud pits, geysers, boiling water, flows, and quite a bit of foliage. Highly recommend, a full loop will take something like 90 to 120 minutes if you go slow, it's not super huge.

There are a few natural sites in New Zealand that will totally amaze you and ask yourself why travel abroad when we have these at our doorstep! Totally amazing! 634 steps around one of the wonder's of New Zealand from hot water coming out of the ground to boiling mud pools elephant shaped rock to an impressive cave! I also loved the boat ride over the waikato river to get there!. Massive friendly guide to speak.

A truly stunning and unique place! Beautifully set up with wooden walkways that guide you through fascinating volcanic activity — bubbling mud pools, steaming sulphur baths, colorful mineral deposits, and even small glaciers. The whole area feels alive with color and energy. The experience starts with a short boat ride across the lake — the only way to reach the park. It’s such a special way to begin the visit, and we were the only ones on the boat, which made it feel even more peaceful and exclusive. Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can take the boat across at your own pace. When you’re done exploring, just ring the bell on the other side, and the boat comes to pick you up again. The walk itself takes about 1.5 hours and is easy to follow, but the best part is how quiet it is. We saw maybe 20 people in total and spent most of the time completely on our own. A magical and unforgettable experience — highly recommended!

Absolutely incredible place that simply begs to be visited in New Zealand. Here, geothermal fields and mountains feel like nature’s own spells — impossible to forget and impossible to resist. Bubbling mud pools wink at you playfully, warm rivers glide past like silky ribbons, and the quiet caves wrap you in an embrace so gentle and deep that a part of you happily stays there forever. ❤️