If you like animals "the alpaca place" is a must. The animal are nice funny and realy soft. The tour take 1h30 m. You can feed alpaca, wolk whit them and discover interesting stories about them. We are realy enjoy the alpaca !

Be sure to book online in advance before visting this great tour of an Alpaca farm. Liz and Cheryl are very kind and knowledgeable regard the history of the Alpacas. We got to meet both the male/female Alpacas and their young which are super cute. The best part was feeding time! If you like Alpacas in anyway defiantly do this tour😃

My husband and I had a wonderful time on this tour! The alpacas are adorable and the tour was extremely informative - we both felt like this was time and money well spent.

The Alpaca Place is great. Deserves so much more than the 3 google stars. See Trip advisor for a good idea of the sort of experience you will have. Its a fantastic tour. We have gone on to do business with the wonderful women from The Alpaca Place and now own our own Alpaca. We've been very impressed with the service from being straight out tourists, through to potential buyers, and onto a full delivery service of our purchased alpaca which took a full day of their time at a very reasonable price.

Liz gave a very informative and interactive tour for us. It was a great experience as we've never been to an alpaca farm before. We got to feed and pet the alpacas while understanding quite an extensive history on the cute animal, normally confused with its relative, llama. It's a recommended place to go.

Thanks for the great tour Liz and Sheryl, thoroughly enjoyed it, Ella loved your 'awesome alpacas', so disappointed I didn't buy her one. Highly recommend, especially for kids, my ten year old adored it. So much knowledge about alpacas, their history and industry.

This was so much fun and informative. We got to walk alpacas and hug them and learn all about them, a really cool day out

Like one of the best parks ever 😍🥳🤘 Me and my three daughters always stop in for park play when traveling down from Auckland too catch the ferry too Picton or when getting off the boat too travel back home, I always say that I wish they had this park in Auckland lol it's beautiful, colorful, so many options and there's separate age group objects suitable for the babies and ages going up 😊 the entire park is amazing, it's drawing and the primary too intermediate age group objects are super cool too

Amazing place withs lots of play options for all ages . This have picnic area dog are and community kitchen . We had amazing day here today . Thanks

Great place to stop during road trips. Kids get to stretch their legs, play basketball, swings, slides, you name it, they have it. Adults can purchase coffee (ice coffee was amazing) Toilets lovely and clean.

Great place for a picnic for families, kids and dogs.All are fenced and can be freed with hands.

Excellent for a stop off for the kids. Easy parking and open the back doors and watch that pent uo energy get quickly spent. Get em to run when they pull up the flying fox to the start, thatll wear em out for the next leg of your trip!!

Great for kids playground and can book for birthdays with toilet facilities. Have events for family in the weekend with plenty of space and korhanga. Shopping across the road in the main street. Pity the small 🚂 rides weren't working.

Using Google Maps to remember my home town 20 years ago as a child, as a Brit, who eventually went back. The adventure park was brilliant then and is more or less the same as it is now. Epic way for a kid to grow up, I can confirm the memory stays with you forever.

An 11 out 0f 10 experience! a must if you are ever in or passing Shannon. The glow worms are awesome and fascinating. Ross and his staff have really out done themselves A+

Exceeded expectations. I expected a small place but there was enough to do and see to occupy a few hours. Good variety of animals and perfect for families with young children

It was way too expensive for what it has to offer. The guide tour is short and shows only plants and a few owls. The picnic area was nice. There's a pony, peacocks and guinea pigs.

We are new to this area so going to owlcatraz was such a great experience was a little different to most animal attraction getting greating by staff but all in all was really good tour guides were fantastic great for the children as my nephew loved the fact he could fead the animals 👍

Fantastic place with plenty to see. All the animals are friendly including the eels. Staff are amazing and do the group tours professionally and are amazing with the children. Certainly recommend the guided tour, even with children. It is great value for money.

Amazing, friendly staff. Janette and her staff offer a fantastic opportunity of a life time which is to be able to walk through the Ruru (Morepork) enclosure with nothing between you and the magnificent birds. The Farm yard friends are so cute. Thanks again 🙂

Fabulous service, wonderful people and very interesting facts and stories on the tour. Recommend!

A dutch style windmill in the middle of a small New Zealand town. The shop has an amazing range of different foods (e.g. cheese, croketes, and sausages) and other things like cups, tulips, and even cloggs. Went there during an event celebrating the Dutch heritage of the town.

Authentic Dutch pancakes, possibly the best around the Wellington region, well priced pastries and bakes...the brownie was to die for...good food menu too, awesome staff and super-quick service...must visit in Foxton, right across the windmill

There are plenty of seating options to choose from, and the décor feels harmonious and well-balanced. Drinks are tasty — a bit pricey, but fair considering the cozy and relaxing atmosphere. The view outside is beautiful and quite striking, especially with the windmill-shaped building nearby. A great place for friends’ hangouts, casual dates, or family gatherings. 🌿☕️

Tons of good Dutch food and household items. Some items were a little on the pricier side but all of it is authentically Dutch so I would imagine its quite a feat to get it all shipped. Paid the extra little bit to tour the upstairs area. Very interesting to see and love that they provided a booklet with information. Well worth it!

What an experience - both entertaining and informational. This was my first time in a windmill and it was awesome. The best part was knowing that this is a working mill. At the ground floor is the information centre and shop where you can buy milled flour and other goodies. The ladies were great and very friendly. I arrived at a quiet time so was exploring by myself. As the windmill was not operating when I visited, I was able to walk all around the balcony. And the balcony provided some very excellent views. It was a real experience being able to walk between the different floors and view the various equipment that was required for milling the flour.

The only fully working windmill of it's type in the southern hemisphere. Built mostly from locally sourced timber and very earthquake proof. We were welcomed by friendly staff and volunteers then we were taken on an informative tour up three flights of stairs to see how it all worked including onto the railed balcony. Where you could really appreciate the power of the wind turning the sails. There is a small shop selling goodies from the Netherlands and the flour ground by the windmill

Great fun climbing up the levels ($2 donation and take care on the steep stairs) and seeing all the big gears and milling wheels. Amazing views in all directions from the viewing platform whether you look up, out or down. Buy cheeses and other Dutch ingredients and goodies or have a go at the games on the first level. Well worth your time

Really nice venue with lots of grassed areas and shade on a hot day. The iconic Tui tower is looking in dire need of some TLC before it gets condemned. Food was a bit average which is a shame because it's a great spot to visit.

We had a great lunch with friends last weekend. The pub and get quite busy however we were able to get a table upstairs immediately. It’s nice and quiet up there - perfect for catching up. The food was very good - we had two steak sammies, lamb roll, steak and chicken burgers and a chicken salad - almost one of everything on the menu! Service was excellent, with not too much of a wait and the tap beers very good. Being Tui, there are all manner of quirky things on the walls and tucked into corners.

Visited the Flagon Room function venue as part of a large rail excursion group. Front-of-house team worked really hard to cater for a larger group than expected: their efforts are the reason for the second star. Perhaps better event management would have prevented the last-minute surprise. Around 250-ish people waited in a very slow queue to choose from a single buffet table with one platter/bowl of each dish. Food was listed as 'Kiwiana gourmet'. I'm told the prawn-and-ginger dumplings were mid at best. Nowhere were we asked about dietary needs or allergies. If one of the staff hadn't offered to get the kitchen to prepare me a serve of a different meat, my $45 ticket would seen me eating boiled potatoes and steamed vegies. That extra arrived promptly, and was tender and tasty, but wasn't fully heated through. My double-serve of boiled vegies were cooked to my liking, but very plain & others in our group found them under-done. The aioli zhushed them up nicely, but couldn't disguise how dry and pasty the potato was. It was clear a second serving wasn't on offer. The other annoyance was the 'free drink' included in the ticket price: the only non-alc option was Coke. I had to pay for a lemonade. Colour me unimpressed. Friendly, professional and hard-working staff hampered by lousy management and business planning. Definitely not worth what we paid for.

Friendly staff, good choice if seating indoors and out. Well priced tap beer. Pulled pork pizza and fried chicken were quick to be served and good, tasty accompaniments with the beer

A great cafe in an amazing location. Lovely food and the most beautiful surroundings and atmosphere you could wish for. Indoor and outdoor dining.

We spent a Friday evening here and loved it. I think their double cheeseburger is THE PERFECT burger, all great flavours and well put together, not messy! Amazing hospitality from Tayla, the ultimate bar manager with a wealth of information about the Tui Brewery. She is a national treasure! Really enjoyed the museum, hilarious history (and stretched-truths)! I'd love to come back and spend an afternoon out in the huge beer garden. Things have wound down a bit since the epic marketing campaign of the 2000s but Tui HQ is definitely worth visiting, a really special spot.

Can’t miss this classic brewery if you’re in the area! The food is great and the brewery tour is everything you want it to be. Nice garden to walk around with games to play and fun decor in general. If you have the kids with you maybe skip the tour but lots of space for them to run around outside while you’re having a pint. The store is pretty pricey but has some unique stuff.

I go there so many times! It’s perfect for picnics. The flowers in spring and summer are so colourful. It brings me a peace of mind! If you take your time to carefully explore the park, you will love it even more. I’d definitely recommend you going there on a nice sunny day for a stroll. There’s also a cafe! Many sitting areas and birds enclosures.

Kids and I had so much fun. We went on the train ride. Visited the well manicured Rose garden. The place was absolutely clean, people were friendly. So much to do at 1 spot. We loved it. Well maintained playground.

Fantastic park worth while going to . Also great train ride adults and children going through Bush

There's something for everyone here from train rides, nature walk trails, river walkway, beautiful botanical garden, bird sanctuary, birdwatching, picnic spots, lots of shady trees, mini golf and playground. This place is great if you are planning to spend a couple of hours outdoors.

I have visited the Esplanade countless times over the years whenever I am in Palmerston North. This beautiful park has such a variety of trees, flowers, plants and native bush. It’s an absolute delight to stroll along its many pathways and the close proximity to the river only adds to the appeal. Palmy residents and visitors are so fortunate to this beautiful peaceful facility to enjoy at any time of year. 😍

Good quality park. Well maintained. Great for a light walk with your dog.

Worth a stop and wander. Great work from gardening maintenance team at Palmerston North District Council. Wildbase recovery and avairies are a treat to see for free. I enjoyed using my Photography skills for Birds at Wildbase recovery. #palmyproud

This place is absolutely fantastic! One of my favorite features is the playground, which is filled with colorful equipment and fun structures. However, it's a bit disappointing that it's designed specifically for younger children—if I could, I would be playing in the dark room and building a brick wall right now! I understand the need for age restrictions to keep the little ones safe and happy, but it still feels a bit limiting. Despite that, the overall atmosphere of the area is vibrant and welcoming, making it a wonderful spot to visit and enjoy the surroundings.

The art museum wasn't exhibiting big collections when I visited, but it was well curated and inspiring Free entrance, quiet during weekday morning. Highly recommended.

What an eye-opening experience! I learned much about NZ bird populations along with the long-finned eels. I love the diligent work to restore the kiwi! Thank you.

Wonderful amazing place kids loved it were visiting palmerston north was a great edition to just shopping

Great place to take kids, interactive and the playground at end is great. Our kids enjoy stopping here

Excellent (free admission) museum with natural history, educational and outdoor displays worth an explore. Upstairs has the Rugby Museum (paid admission), and special exhibitions. Additionally, there is an art gallery with special exhibitions that change seasonally.

Te Manawa (Māori: The Heart) is a museum, art gallery and science centre in Palmerston North, New Zealand. It is operated by the Te Manawa Museums Trust, a charitable trust incorporated on 20 August 1999. From that date, the Trust assumed responsibility for art works and heritage assets transferred to its care but held on behalf of others.

Awesome museum run by a lovely man who loves a good yarn! So much history and knowledge in one place, along with a rugby simulation area. Top notch, would recommend

Incredible collection of historic artefacts associated with the inception of NZ rugby and the evolution of their team over time! Really well displayed in chronological order with detailed descriptions. Would have preferred more variety of items in their gift shop, but that does not take away from an excellent museum and a must visit for any rugby fan!

Expected more. Displays were good, but not enough room to show anything from 2011 on. Was confusing as to where the Rugby Museum was as another museum in the same building.

Where do you go when on a rugby tour? Why the NZ Rugby Museum. Very quaint and educational. I thought I would have been bigger as well as at larger city considering its New Zealand’s Top Sport.

Located Palmerston North. Open 10am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Adults $15 child $6 , card and cash payment ( no pay wave)(Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day, Good Friday) The New Zealand Rugby Museum contains New Zealand's biggest and most comprehensive collection of rugby memorabilia and records, including some of the world's rarest rugby artefacts. Test out your rugby skills - kicking, tackling, leaping, sprinting and pushing - in the 'Have a Go' area.

Amazing museum, endless information and unique memorabilia. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate it's infectious. We really enjoyed our time there.

Love Rugby 🏉 or not, it's a must see. No Springboks Rugby jersey to see, though. Love Rugby, have to see it!

Some short parts of the streets leading there are gravel but a really nice scenery 😊 we planned on doing the walk down to the falls but a warning said that the track is pretty steep and partly not secured but there is also a lookout up at the carpark, so we decided that the view from there is beautiful enough for us 😇

A short drive from Dannevirk. Quite rural and narrow road. Good parking spot. Short walk down the stairs to beautiful water falls. Great place for picnic. But please take rubbish with you. No rubbish bin by the water falls. There are toilet at the parking lot.

It's quite nice. But the detour wasn't worth it for us, as we've seen more impressive waterfalls. There's a parking lot with a restroom and benches. The path to the waterfall is easy to walk, but if you're not physically fit, the return trip is quite exhausting :D

I've been travelling new Zealand this year and let me tell you, Waihi Falls is a hidden gem, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. The cascading water is stunning, especially after rainfall. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet escape into nature. The new long-drop toilets are a fantastic addition, keeping the area clean and visitor-friendly. A must-visit!

Waihi Falls is a hidden gem nestled in the scenic countryside of Tararua, New Zealand. Located about an hour’s drive from Dannevirke, the falls are a perfect spot for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat. The journey to Waihi Falls takes you through picturesque farmland and rolling hills, leading to a tranquil location that feels wonderfully secluded. The falls themselves are stunning, with water cascading down a series of rocky ledges into a serene pool below. The surrounding area is lush with native bush, creating a beautiful natural backdrop that’s ideal for photography or simply enjoying the serenity. The sound of the rushing water and the fresh air make it a perfect spot for a picnic or a relaxing day out. There’s a short walking track from the car park to the falls, which is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels. The trail offers a few viewing points along the way, giving visitors different perspectives of the falls. Waihi Falls is not only a great spot for relaxation but also a reminder of the natural beauty that New Zealand has to offer. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Best to go with family as there is also flush toilets and shed with bench and table. Must go if you around the area however there’s gravel road around 15 to 20 kms

Comfortable drive into the falls , a mixture of sealed road and some gravel in places . The falls are easily signposted and for those who just want a Quick Look you can view them from just a few paces from the carpark . Otherwise it’s approx 200m of downhill walking and quite a few steps to get to the base of the falls - not a long walk by NZ standards ! The view is amazing at any time and our son just had to jump in for a swim . Great spot on a hot summers day . Worth the visit folks !

There is a gravel road from Waihi Falls road to the car park roughly 2km. Decent sized parking area there are tables and seating under shelter, toilets, and rubbish bins. It's roughly a 5 to 10 minute walk at max to the base of Waihi Falls. There are some stairs but not much as you can see in the videos. It wasn't as impressive as it is after it's rained, but still a great place to see.

Such a lovely place to see all the wonderful things that have been created over the years for the enjoyment of children. We have been 3 years in a row now its so great. The photos with Santa is a Christmas tradition now.

An outstanding visit for young and old . We have taken many of our grandchildren there over the years. A hidden treasure to rival big city efforts .

This place was awesome....run by volunteers....reasonably priced. However lots of steps. Can't wait to take more grandchildren!

It's always a pleasure visiting fantasy cave every year for our family photo with Santa. The staff are wonderful and the kids love them because they are so friendly.

Have never really stopped in town but decided to visit every shop Up one side of the street down the other Enjoyed every minute took about 2 hours Would recommend a visit Friendly chatty shop assistants Great day

Well organized, easy to find, the dogs liked it, the people really knew what they were doing. Good simple facilities.

Great visit for all age groups. Santa gave me a lollie bag even though I am half a century old.

Rueha was a heartless cruel guide. Because of her i had a broken ankle and was left to fend for myself. The wound hasnt healed yet. They even put up a bogus complaint on tripadvisor.com and i had to complain to get it removed. So if you use them, go well prepared. If something goes wrong they won't help you and you are on your own

This is a lovely campsite - so far our favourite one in NZ (we are 4 days in). It is quiet. The location is beautiful, by the river and the dramatic riverbank. The campsite was quiet on an early November weekday. The facilities are well maintained. The bar has a nice outside terrace and is welcoming. I strongly recommend!

The Awastone is run by great people and the place has a great atmosphere. Highly recommend this place for gaining your grade 2 kayak cert Paul takes his time and really cares about how you go he works at your pace. The course is great value for money. The food and coffee at the cafe is also top notch and exactly what you need after a day on the river.

This is one of my favourite places to stay, ever! In the world. It's quiet, clean and beautiful. I've stayed a number of times over the years on both sides of the river camping, and in the studio cabin. I love it, and highly recommend. Thanks Tricia for being awesome btw 🤩

Not only can you get great food, a beer, and an amazing view you could stare at all day, but I also had the most amazing massage at Awastone. We were camping for the weekend, so I thought why not, and I wasn’t disappointed. I started with a hot tub and then a 30-minute massage, I should have gone for longer, it was just incredible. Tricia was welcoming, professional, had great pressure and her wee cabin was so cosy. I felt totally comfortable and relaxed. We can’t wait to come back over the summer and go rafting.

Beautiful spot along the river. Hosts and cook were wonderful. We even got to feed the lambs. Food was fantastic too.

(Lunch Monday 17.11.25) An absolute treasure. Great friendly service. Delicious food. Spotless bathrooms. Ticks all the boxes.

Awesome hidden spot. Lovely service. Beautyful location. We enjoyed every moment.

Spent 2 days and nights here March 2025 and did 2 Burn the Breeze horseback rides for experienced riders. The accommodations were clean and comfortable and along the river. The meals provided were varied and home cooked with produce grown on the premises and were quite delicious. The staff was friendly and helpful and went out of their way to make our stay enjoyable. Our horseback rides were great fun and the horses were wonderful, well trained and responsive. It was a learning experience to ride using Natural Horsemanship and ride without bridles and bits. Miss T was a joy to ride and did many lopes through gorgeous scenery.

Our stay was amazing. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The food was awesome. The scenic rafting tour was beautiful, and our guides, Finn and Tom, were great.

Accommodating is an understatement! We booked a family river rafting cruise, however with me being 20 weeks pregnant at the time, the lodge informed us that per the NZ law I am not allowed to get on a raft, however they immediately had alternative activity options lined up for us and we chose a tour around the neighbouring landscape with e-bikes. What a blast! And this is saying a lot as we had our 3-year old with us which the staff made an effort to accommodate with a toddler bike seat and toddler helmet. They also packed us a lovely picnic to have halfway through our journey. Overall the staff were friendly and accommodating from the minute we arrived and entertained all our toddlers questions and comments :). It is quite the drive to get to the lodge but the views are worth it and the sound of the nearby waterfall makes it feel even more special. Husband and toddler also enjoyed use of the hot tub which had a view of the river. The accommodation is backpacker style but there are options for those (like us) wanting an en-suite bathroom. The bedding is also hotel quality and incredibly comfy. We were there in Autumn so it was cool but heating in the room is sufficient. Definitely a place for nature lovers and people who like to socialise. The restaurant is so cozy. I read about the amazing food that Miranda whips up but I was still blown away. There was plenty of food at dinner and breakfast time and it was super delicious. So definitely something for those that like more luxury than pure backpacker life. There is a communal kitchen if you want to cater for yourself. We didn't use it but seemed clean and tidy. We will be back again when my parents visit from overseas!

This was a delightful place to stay. The food was absolutely amazing. The best vegetables I have ever had. We went for the rafting experience. It was a great adventure. Hazel made the experience so much better! She was funny, very experienced and we always felt safe. Wonderful place!!

Best service, friendliest, most welcoming hosts & staff, and amazing food anywhere. A beautiful natural spot by the Rangitikei River too!!

We want to go back!😍 We experienced the most tranquil and stress free stay. The Valley is both picturesque and breaktaking, the food was 'to die for' and the staff go above and beyond to cater to your needs. I highly recommend adding this stay to your travel itinerary. Thanks again Janey and staff. We will definitely be back for a longer stay in the future! Cam and Chris.

An amazing authentic country lodge with outdoor activities - we had an incredible time whitewater rafting and also horse riding around the beautiful landscape. The food is mostly homegrown and the dinner we had was the best food we had in our stay in NZ. The lamb shank and creamy mash with fresh raspberry crumble was divine. Janey and her team provide a bespoke service and tailor your stay to your wishes. Cannot recommend enough!

We did the Mangapurua Bridge to Nowhere track. Booking and payment was super easy. Briefing was perfect and all the drop offs and pick ups were well communicated and happened as expected. A really well run operation that made for a great weekend away.

So well organised and nothing was left to chance. So pleased we booked with Ben Rebecca and team. Thanks so much for an amazing time on the Bridge to Nowhere track and Wanganui River

Four days riding mountain to sea. Fantastic trip. Well organised by Ben and Rebecca and we were well informed on the way. Accomodation and the food was excellent and everyone we dealt with welcoming and friendly. Would definitely recommend this to others. Our only disappointment was the bridge to nowhere track being closed but Ben had some great options for us. Also meant we spent longer on the jet boat!

Big thanks to Ben and his team for a thoroughly enjoyoble Mountains to Sea five day bike ride. All eight of our crusty old guys made it and had a great time. The accomodation and meals were really good and highlights were the Mangaparua single track sections and incredible scenery. The jet boat rides, canoe paddle and paddle steamer all added to the variety. Top job Mtn Bike Station!

A group of 6 of us did the 4 day mountain to sea trail with 2 sections of canoeing. The organisation, support, briefings, communication prior and ability to tailor the trip to our requirements was outstanding. Mike, Steph and Jeremy were fabulous, so welcoming and helpful. The trail was amazing, day 2 was the highlight and that night a stay at the wonderful Bridge to Nowhere Lodge was special.

We booked a 3 day budget Mountains to Sea trip before leaving UK and we're not disappointed. The service and support provided by Mike and his team met all our expectations. Good quality and we'll maintained bikes gave us no problems and the self catering accommodation was good, with hot showers and clean towels each night.

Fantastic trip - we did Mountains to sea in 2019, and loved it so much we came back for a second trip this year. Ben & team took such great care of us and highly recommend!!

We had a fantastic time at the NZ Army Museum with our family! The museum was well-managed, and although we were a bit late for the guided tour, the exhibits were still engaging. One suggestion for improvement could be offering discounted prices for visitors who miss the guided tour. Our kids thoroughly enjoyed wearing the uniform costumes and taking photos around the tanks – the setup outside was particularly impressive! The interactive elements and displays were great for families. Overall, a wonderful experience, and we'd definitely recommend it to others.

Made an impromptu visit to the museum without expecting much and it turned out to be a fruitful visit. The museum is a nice stopover between Whakapapa and Napier : there is a cafe and petrol station nearby. The museum itself presents a narrative of the NZ army and its history in context with world history with some highlights of its role in global conflicts abroad such as the two World Wars and modern wars. There are plenty of exhibits and dioramas presented throughout and the guides were engaging. There are some hardware within the museum and outside for some photo opportunities as well.

We’ve been past this place numerous times but was always in a rush and often just a quick stop to the gift shop, cafe or toilet break. Made an effort to venture into the museum and it was simply an eye opener. Lots of history of the different wars that took place including some original items during that era. Great place for the kids as well to soak in all the knowledge and nothing gruesome so perfect for all ages. Lots of parking available at the rear and some at the front. Cool little gift shop and a very well equipped cafe for a quick feed and drink. There are display of tanks etc outside where the kids can climb and take pics.

Bought a smelly balls from here. It is a very nice and well-kept place to learn about New Zealand’s soldiers and history. The displays are easy to follow and show real stories, medals, and uniforms. The memorial wall is touching and makes you stop and think. There is also a café and a shop inside, which is handy if you are on a long drive. The place feels peaceful and respectful, and it is good for families, kids, and visitors of all ages. A great stop if you are passing through Waiouru.

Love this place, stope here on the way back to Wellington every couple of months. Love the history of NZ's military. Well laid out, lots of interesting things to see. Great area for the kids to dress up and play. Cafe is great and its a great stop traveling north or south. Staff are great and the tickets are reasonably priced.

Amazing history with beautiful and compelling displays. Second time visitor (first time was early 2000s, has been upgraded since then). Busy cafe, nice little gift shop, and facilities are clean.

A fantastic place to learn about New Zealand's military history, from its early days as a colonial outpost right up to present-day conflicts. ​Inside, you'll find impressive dioramas and a great collection of military hardware. Don't forget to take a walk around the grounds outside, where you can see some of the larger tanks on display. ​When you're ready for a break, the cafe offers a delicious selection of baked goods, and the gift shop has some excellent souvenirs to remember your visit by. Overall, it's a great place to visit. History buffs (like myself) could easily spend the entire day here, getting lost in the detailed accounts.

This was a magic experience for myself and my 10 year old son. Canoe Safaris made the trip easy, informative and enjoyable. Our guides Matt and Jake were the Best - and our group was so much fun. The food was on point and the mattresses were so good! The weather played in our favour making this trip one I will remember forever.

Had a great 5 day trip with Matt and Jake on the Whanganui river. I had never been in a canoe before the trip, and by the end of it I was looking forward to each rapid and wished there were more. The location is so beautiful that my head was on a swivel every day to take in the rainforest scenery. The catering was excellent - easily the best food I have ever had while camping. All round amazing experience and I hope to do another canoe safari in the future.

So friendly!! We felt wanted and taken care of. Very clean and comfortable, location couldn’t be better - right next to the center but very quiet. There’s a drying room for sportsmen. 100% recommended.

Canoe Safari is a highly recommended company for nature lovers and those interested in active water sports, and is also suitable for beginners. Led by a caring couple who truly take care of everything. The guides make you feel safe at all times, assist you in your canoe along the way, and are by your side to answer your questions. They can tell you a lot about the history of the river, the Maori people, and the natural environment in the national park. The campsites are beautiful and well-equipped. The high-quality food is particularly noteworthy. They also cater to special dietary needs. Even the journey to and from the camp by bus is an experience in itself, with snacks and a good mood. I had an unforgettable adventure and am very fulfilled and grateful for this sporting experience in the group!

What a fantastic experience. We were so looked after. Kirsty for your organisation and excellent food& wine. Phill for accomodating my injury in the planning. Matt and Jake are awesome guides. Jake thanks so much for having me in your canoe. Love hearing the Maori history and really appreciate hearing it from a non judgemental perspective. Peaceful scenic then fun rapids. Native birds everywhere. Lots of laughs. Highly recommend.

An awesome 5 days on the river. Loved our guides Matt & Elliott & we had a great group. I would have happily have stayed on the river for a month! The gear was well thought out, the food great (thanks so much for catering for gluten allergies, loved the pancakes & the cheeseboards!). I was grateful we'd chosen the guided trip & especially a company that's thought of all the things to make it a great experience. Highlights were the North Island Robin & Tom Tits, Matt's racehorse commentary, great conversations & a drink at the lodge.

Amazing Experience! This 5-day canoe tour was absolutely fantastic! The group was a perfect mix (families, couples, friends, solo travelers) and worked so well together. Everything was thoughtfully organized, starting with a homemade muffin. The equipment, especially the air mattresses and tents, was excellent. The guides Matt & Elliot were outstanding, keeping us entertained and sharing fascinating insights about the rainforest, river, local culture and wildlife in their unique way. Their energy and creativity made the experience unforgettable. They prepared amazing meals—varied, delicious, and catering to all tastes. I’m so glad I joined this tour and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable adventure!

I am not a skier but members of my family are, Turoa can be a bit of a lottery according to them; sometimes there is snow, sometimes not and sometimes it can be quite icy. The general facilities are nothing special but not bad either with relatively simple cafeteria food at the base of the slopes. The slopes themselves, when the snowfall is decent allow for decent skiing.

We went here July 12 and they were close. We were still able to play with the snow! thank you for the free experience.❤️ We will definitely go back here

Not the best weather today but kids still had fun on the sleds, big thanks Herne (from Taranaki) for your excellent service at the sledding slope.

Amazing experience as a first timer! Cafes and facilities are great.

Beautiful place to visit with family especially during the winter snow season

A huge disappointment. We usually visit Whakapapa but decided to try Turoa this time, and the sledding was a letdown. The slope was too shallow, so you kept getting stuck, and there was no magic carpet (the conveyor belt lift) to take you back, so you had to walk the entire way, dragging the sled each time.

Had a lovely meal upstairs at Freddie’s cafe the other day. Took my young children skiing up the lifts and they’ve done a fantastic job pushing the snow to form tracks. A shame the weather isn’t playing ball but we had a great time regardless.

**Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka: A Journey Above the Clouds** Mount Ruapehu, located in Tongariro National Park, is one of New Zealand’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks. As the country’s largest active volcano, it offers visitors a unique blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural significance. One of the best ways to experience this majestic peak is through the Sky Waka gondola, a world-class attraction that provides a breathtaking journey above the rugged alpine terrain. The Sky Waka, operating year-round, ascends high above the volcanic slopes, offering panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, ancient lava flows, and the sweeping expanse of Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gondola’s large, comfortable cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows make it easy to immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty, no matter the season. In winter, the gondola transports visitors to Whakapapa Ski Area, New Zealand’s premier skiing destination, while in summer, it provides access to hiking trails and the chance to explore the mountain’s unique volcanic features. At the summit, visitors can enjoy a meal or hot drink at the Knoll Ridge Chalet, one of the highest cafes in the country, while taking in the dramatic alpine views. Adding to the experience, the staff at Mount Ruapehu and Sky Waka are known for their warmth and hospitality. They ensure a seamless and enjoyable adventure, sharing insights about the mountain’s geology, Māori cultural heritage, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Mount Ruapehu and the Sky Waka gondola offer an unforgettable journey into the heart of New Zealand’s volcanic wonderland.

First climb Mt Ruapehu (2797 m) in winter, from the southern side (Toroa Ski Field). It was harder than I thought. The last 600 m is very steep, and the average slope angle is larger than 40 degrees. You must be fully equipped. When taking photos, you should be very careful as nowhere is flat (you must stick your ice axe deeply into snow and ice, use it as a post to stop your feet sliding). Unfortunately, I lost my phone near the peak somewhere.

The highest mountain on north island in NZ. Definitely a must visit as it is the spot for mort tourists. It's about 5 hours drive from Auckland. Make sure to travel on a sunny day to get the best views at the Peak. We visited the skiing section of the mountain. There are charges if you would like to go higher up the mountain for skiing or site seeing.

Always eager to see how much snow is on the mountain when we head past every month or so. The Desert Rd is straight in places & windy in others. Don't speed, you will more than likely get a ticket if you go over 100kph in a vehicle (90kph if you are towing something). First views of Ruapehu are when you head north from Taihape.

Even out of season it is worth going up the mountain for the views. I was in luck in that there had been an early snow storm the previous week, so even though it is May, and everything is shut up the mountain (Sky-Waka Gondola was shut on 26th April, to re-open Kings Birthday - maintenance etc - would have loved to of gone up), there was fresh snow up at the base, so my daughter who had not been to snow for 13 years could enjoy the experience. In season parking can be hard to find (have been up other times), and if conditions are bad it is 4x4 or with chains - or of course it can even be closed. Road conditions are posted on-line on the websites, and on Met Service - weather, when clicking on mountains, and Whakapapa Ski Field - it shows mountain conditions, road conditions etc. Useful to check, as the road had been closed just days before I went up. In season there is skiing of course, food and other services. Enjoy.

Worth the trip up to Whakapapa ski field for the views alone, some great walks along the way. Halfway between the village and ski field there is a large vehicle pull over area you ca get some great pics.

You will fall in love with this place...just amazing views 😍 ❤️ ♥️ ✨️

A conversation with the Super helpful staff helped us make the best use of our time here. Tons of information on the history of the area presented in a museum like setting complete with a video presentation room. Clean, indoor toilet facilities. There is a large selection of topographical maps and literature available for purchase.

Friendly, helpful staff helped us plan the best day hikes in the park for the shifting weather conditions. Informative displays on the local wildlife and plants. Clean toilet facilities.

The visit centre have so many historic stories and they can give you so much help 👍

Easy to find and very nice personnel who helped us plan our hike for the day.

Amazing journey through beautiful landscapes all around us, and the destination being above all of them… that’s Ruapehu !

What a beautiful location and amazing visitors center, tons of helpful info for hikes and trails and volcanic information

The Staff at the centre are amazing! They gave solid advice for the northern circuit treck, after a days hiking in torrential rain & cold gale winds from waihohonu hut they gave me warmth & a place to change from my soggy mess. It was needed and appreciated, please don’t underestimate the weather. Seek advice. The centre is awesome, super informative with a lovely shop to buy some bits you may have forgot. Bravo 🙌 😘

Hi! Had an amazing time with Adrift today! Thanks for having me! Our group was led by Stew and Kenny. It was very comforting to have both in our group as you could tell safety was always first and everything else was a close second. Kenny brought so much of his upbringing, culture and knowledge into the tour from beginning to end and you could tell he was extremely skilled at his craft and brought a lot of good energy wisdom and talent to the trek. Was so glad to be a part of his group. Stew was awesome as well — being a quiet yet essential group leader also, scouting and breaking trail ahead. Safety was always first and everything else was a close second. Everything else being fun, friendship, fellowship, and the freedom of the hills. I highly recommend Adrift without reservation. Thank you again and take care! Kia ora.

We had an incredible day hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing with ADrift. Our guide, Kenni, was awesome, highly professional, and provided all kinds of insights, not only about the area we were walking through but also about Māori customs and culture. Stewart was also fabulous!! We were also lucky with the weather: ideal temperature, barely any clouds, and a glorious sunny day. Without a doubt, ADrift is a very professional company and one we would highly recommend.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is absolutely breathtaking, and doing it with Adrift made it even better. Our guide Kenny was incredible — not only a skilled tour guide but also one of two Māori park rangers. His deep knowledge of the land, stories about its cultural significance, and respect for the environment added a layer of meaning that made the hike truly special. Kenny kept us safe, supported, and inspired the whole way, while still making the day fun and memorable. From emerald lakes to volcanic craters, the views were unreal — and having a guide who connected us to both the landscape and its heritage was priceless. If you’re thinking of hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, I can’t recommend Adrift enough. And if you get Kenny as your guide, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure.

Had a wonderful time hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and our guides (Kenny and Matt) were super supportive and provided lots of information and history on the area. As someone who has had experience hiking, I would recommend going with the guides as they will be able to direct anyone through the unpredictable weather conditions!

We were so happy to do the crossing on 15-10 with Adrift! If we would have done it ourselves (we doubded if we should) we wouldn't have made it over, cause of the quick changing weather at the moment. Even though we had a nice day (it was a window in time, cause it rained for 6 weeks), we got caught in a blizzard, but guides Kenny and Ty professionally led us through. There was still some snow on the track, which they provided gear for but we didn't end up using. Would definitely recommend to book with them! Unforgettable experience!

Awesome hike with a great guide. Though we didn’t need a guide to navigate the route, have a guide that could explain the culture significance and history made the day complete. The beauty of the hike is surreal.

Really glad we booked a tour through Adrift to do the Tongariro Crossing hike! The guides were super friendly, kept us on pace, gave tips for navigating different terrains, and shared neat stories and history of the landscapes. Highly recommend booking and buying the lunch as it makes the entire experience very convenient and the lunch is substantial with snacks to eat along the way.

We went on Sunday afternoon with a big group of 15. It was quiet which was nice, the museum and aquarium was cool. There is lots to see while you walk around

Set in lovely Native bush setting includes an easy bush walk with views of rainbow trout in their natural settings. Very helpful staff, although I didn't go into the centre ($22 an adult) due to time constraints. Car park is locked at 4.00

Did the kids fishing package-$60 which was good fun and they prepped and smoked the small fish the kids caught which was tasty. $22 entry fee per adult however which I find overpriced as there isn't a huge amount to do here unless your watching your kids fish. Friendly staff.

Tongariro National Trout Centre is a worthwhile stop, especially for families with kids. It is located 3 km from Turangi town centre along the Tongariro River. It could also be a refreshing stop for nature lovers and curious minds as well. It offers a fascinating glimpse into New Zealand’s freshwater ecology, with native fish displays and a well-curated aquarium featuring species like Giant Kokopu and Koaro. The hatchery tour and museum provide insight into the history of trout fishing in the region, making it both educational and engaging. Kids especially love the fishing pond, where they can catch and even smoke their own rainbow trout, an experience that’s both memorable and delicious. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the riverside walk adds a peaceful touch to the visit.

The trout are numerous (like thousands!!). It's fun watching the kids fish and actually catch them with the instructors, natural setting, and BUY the fish food on entry. $5 per bag but what happens when you feed the wild trout is a lot of fun. We should have bought at least 3 bags (1 each). For fantastic photography and video, have one person feed the trout from the platform whilst another watches through underwater viewing area. They are HUGE and go crazy .... brilliant!!

Great place to bring the kids for a bit of education in aquatic life. It's not very big but you could easily spend an hour or so here. Highly recommend getting some fish feed - the trouts seem to love them. The aquarium section is small but filled with native fish which is nice to see. Definitely pay it a visit if you're around the area.

Went there for the school holiday program - fishing: from providing all the tools to smoking the fish for you It was great and the advice on fishing was easy to understand for kids. There were a few places to explore at the center as well. Would recommend spending 1-2 hours there

Nice place but doesn't open on time. We went there at 10 am but no one there.

Great place to visit learn about volcanic eruptions

Fantastic service, saved us over $500 in rental fares and found other transport options for us. Thank you very much for your help and can definitely recommend their service. :)

I called in for information on bike trails. Both ladies were helpful. I did the Marton Sash and door, which was recommended by 1 lady, and it was great. I would use again if I was down that way again.

Friendly helpful staff. Plenty of information available on local attractions. Some nice merchandise available. We did not do the Volcano Activity as it was a bit expensive for us.

I've been here asking information about shuttles to move within the area, and I may say the lady attending was not very nice. She seems to be annoyed because of my english accent (I'm not native speaker), no effort at all to understand. It seems more than 2 questions is too much for this lady, even if there was no other visitors around. Someone may speak with this lady to be more friendly with people who travel from thousands of kms away and don't know the area and how to move. Maybe she should learn any other language too, to understand why people have different accent when talking no native language.

Rude, patronising and unhelpful staff. Unsure whether it was our accent or young age that brought about her complete change in tone after pleasantly serving the two people before us.

I always come here when need a hot soak whether In the in the public pool (with family and friends) or in the private pools (when i want to get away from crowds) I always enjoy swimming in the Tokaanu hot pools, they have pools of varying heat 🥵 from warm to scalding hot 🔥 for everyone.

The private pool here is an amazing experience of natural hot springs — as if the earth itself is whispering warmth into your skin, wrapping you in a quiet, blissful embrace. ❤️

Great walk around the thermal area before a soak in a private pool. The infrastructure is a little dated, and the stoney pathway into the main pool was a bit sharp on bare feet.

The worst hot pools in New Zealand 💩 We bought 4 tickets to the private pool and paid 56$ for a room with a small pool and no shower. The place clearly needs a cleanup - there were hair and dirt in the water, and overall the place didn’t look clean. The staff didn’t tell us how much time we have, and there were no signs (including in the private pool room) how much time you can spend in the private pool. No clocks either - you MUST feel the time I guess. The announcement about the timing was absolutely unclear - we couldn’t understand a word. And when we are about to leave, a very rude lady knocked at the door and yelled at us that we are 20 mins over our time, and that people are waiting (why she didn’t come early or when our time was up??? - I have no idea). She was SO UNPROFESSIONAL! She requested me to leave the room now (I was almost naked and covered only with a towel) and change in my clothes in the toilet. I was almost kicked out of the room. That was the most terrible service I have ever had in New Zealand. I don’t recommend this place and never want to visit it again.

Arrived 4pm on a cold, overcast Friday, paid for a private pool. The staff are friendly  polite, and there were quite a few people coming for a swim/soak. Reception area looks inviting, well kept, tidy and modern. Would be good if they are able to freshen up the private pools as paint is peeling, and mirror tarnished so not visually appealing. Having said that, the price is relevant to condition of the private pool. We really enjoyed our soak. 25 minutes was perfect. Thanks

A beautiful spot beside the river, surrounded by mud pools and hot springs. Extremely friendly people and beautiful private pools filled with water heated naturally underground. Be sure to check out the easy little walk around the mud pools next door, and stretch out after a private soak in the main public pool. It's a little slice of Aotearoa's own heaven

Lovely staff, clean private pool, and beautiful walk nearby. 20 minutes was plenty, and the staff gave us a reminder over the loud speaker so it was easy to know when our time was up.

We had the most excellent experience with Paul and the team. Great communication and local knowledge. Lots of tips to look for and enjoy along the trail (something we found, other groups didnt know about) Even rode up to meet us for lunch in the sun on day 2. Fantastic camp facilities. Loved the huge camp kitchen, fire and hot showers. Very grateful from a group of novice cycling adventurers, for enabling us to make the most of our trip and come away smiling and happy

All very straightforward. Park up, meet the team, grab your helmet and then be transported to the start of the ride. Great introduction from Paul to the area on the way and after a simple briefing you are into the forest. The route is clearly marked and straightforward although a bit of skill is needed from time to time. The eagerness to cross the ’swing’ bridges varied between our riders! However, the views are spectacular. Camp Epic is epic. Great facility, allegedly the best outdoor showers in New Zealand. The second day is mostly on the disused railway lines from the timber days but is no less interesting.

This cycle trip is an absolute must for everybody young or old. You can take your time. You can go fast. You can enjoy the scenery or just rip through the wonderful big bridges.!!! 100 %, the best thing to do in NZ, North Island. Accommodation was great, and the showers were the best at the end of the day !

I arranged a group of 18 fellow cyclist to bike the Timber Trail. We used Paul and his team from Epic journeys. The whole experience was wonderful. From booking to participation. They certainly run a well oiled cog from start to finish. Super organised great communication. Glamping facilities were excellent. Comfortable beds. High pressure showers. Generator to allow all bike batteries to be charged up ready for day two. Fabulous breakfast. Top notch smooth shuttle service. Thanks team Epic. You are Epic. Regards Debbie on behalf of Hutt Valley Tramping club

The day started in glorious sunshine with my wife and I heading up on the shuttle with Epic Adventures from the Bennett Rd pickup in Ongarue. We chatted all the way to Piropiro, the half way point on the trail where Epic Adventures had set up a permanent Glamping Site for those doing the 2 day ride. The site was awesome, wanting for nothing. We being a little time pour chose the 1 day half distance option from Piropiro. We’ll once on our e-bikes which make hills fun and downhills exhilarating we proceeded down a well makes and signposted trail. The work done to rebuild the trails and tracks let alone the numerous bridges and suspension bridges from days of old timber transporting routes is brilliant. Lots of stop points with details to educated you on what had actually occurred. The whole ride was relatively easy, especially with an e-bike with the first climb and downhill at low Grade 3 and the rest at Grade 2. This ride is an excellent start to your trail riding future throughout the North Island of New Zealand. Thank you to Epic Adventures and Department of Conservation for making this possible.

We have just returned from an Epic weekend at Camp Epic! Paul and sons Josh and Julius looked after our 2 families so well- from arrival, to shuttle there, overnight accommodation and helping with mechanical issue to load our bikes on trailer at the end. The camp has warm beds (for October weather) , the tents stayed dry despite the rain, the showers were hot and powerful- blissful after a long day of cycling. Thanks Camp Epic :)

Simply the best experience ever with these guys! We booked our Timber Trail experience with Paul from Epic via email and phone. He was so helpful and easy to deal with. We booked bike hire and camping at Epic campground on route. The bikes were awesome. The service from the first email was great. Staying at the campground is an absolute must - hot showers, clean loos, huge log burning fire with sofa and as much wood as you could ever need. Kitchen facilities were perfect. We can’t think of anything else this group could have done to make the experience better. Even the price was so reasonable compared to the other companies advertising. Well done and a massive thumbs up!!!!!

A definite must do for all riding enthusiasts. Was our second time completing the trip over 2 days, and our party included first time riders. They loved it. With the ride being predominantly downhill it's possible for most fitness levels and beginner skills.

Great experience although I think you need to be clearer on the bike hire options. When I hired a 'Suspension Bike' it wasn't made clear that is just front suspension. I see now you reference the full suspension bike as 'FS'. For a first time user that needs to be clearer and I suffered on the bike ride because of it.

You couldn't ask for a better Kiwi experience. The mountain biking was at a good level that anyone with some experience could do it at their own pace. We used our E Bikes which made the up hills alot more fun. The first day was a little more technical but just take your time if unsure and the second day was easier riding with great long downhills and beautiful scenery. There is so much bird life we saw Kaka, Wood Pidgeon in big numbers. There are glow worms aplenty if you go exploring at night time in the Bush. The bridges are awe inspiring and there is even a small tunnel on the spiral. Prepare for all weather. Take a first aid kit just incase. But mostly it's just pure fun. Thanks to all the volunteers that keep the trails safe, if you could please fill in the Big dips on the second day haha almost had me over the handle bars and the blackberry on the last 4km needs cutting back. Xox

Another breathtaking part of New Zealand. Absolutely brilliant trail for running and cycling.

Wicked journey. So much to take in and enjoy. We had sunshine and rain and enjoyed both. The lodge in the middle is a welcome and restful place to enjoy time with others also. Shuttle drivers were awesome as well. Kia Ora to all involved.

Fantastic spot. Stayed at Piropiro Campsite and did the 6kms to Maramataha Suspension Bridge and back on an off-road electric scooter, about 1.5 hours return. The track runs along the road for a small way at the beginning. But it quickly enters bush and the safety and quietness of the forest. The track is a mix of smooth compact dirt and larger stones, with lots of ruts and bumps to navigate. Note - the best place to park is actually further along Piropiro Road at Maramataha Carpark. Head southwest at the intersection. Continue past Camp Epic for about 500 metres.

A must-do for trail enthusiasts. I'm definitely doing this one again! Beautiful sights, great trails. I did the trail over 2 days with mates, camping overnight. Highly recommend the experience.

We started off with a shuttle service from Camp Epic (apologies we were late who would of thought we would get fogged in, held up by road works heading into Ongarue, then on the final 1 way bridge we gave way to a huge truck with forestry machinery - then Paul rang to check on us) we met a great bunch of adventure seekers, stayed at Camp Epic which was fantastic, we also got to chat with Bill Holloway (No.1 track extraordinaire track maker) on his Kubota tractor on the 2nd day. This would have to be New Zealand's top mountain bike trail ride that caters to all fitness levels (we did it on ebikes - thankfully) the scenery is breath taking, the constant chatter of bird life was exceptional, the trails are maintained up to a high level and in top condition. To learn about the timber pioneers, their families & machinery through to the tramways that bought the timber out, the suspension bridges are a marvel to behold especially when you look down and see the remnants of the timber bridges that held trams with logs what clever clever people. The work that has gone into these trails is exceptional with a story to be told all through the ride which gives a deep appreciation of the hard yakka of the timber workers, what a tough life! We came away in awe of those that have created a visionary story that we could enjoy - a simple 'thankyou' does not seem to suffice but THANKYOU!

One of the most scenic cycle trails in the North Island. We done the first 20 km from Pureora.

We visited this café both on our way to and from Napier during the Easter holiday — and absolutely loved it! Every dish and every coffee was spot on; our whole family agreed it was one of the best we’ve had. What truly touched us was the kindness of Steph — I left a pair of earphones on the table, and when I called, she immediately offered to deliver them back to our home in Auckland. After almost 20 years in New Zealand, I can say it’s really hard to lose something here — Kiwis are simply the kindest people. This café not only serves amazing food and coffee, but also has a lovely artistic vibe. A must-visit if you’re in Taupo!

Spent some time at here over the long weekend, such fun had by all! There was an amazing pop-up clothing stall on the front lawn and giveaways to celebrate their 20th anniversary - I was stoked to score a free L’arte puzzle 😃 We’ve certainly had the weather it, took me about 4 hours to complete ☔️🧩 I’ll see you soon, for my usual latte and caramel slice fix!

Lovely stop in Taupo! Everywhere you look around is some piece of art. The food available was delicious, simple and cheap.

One of our favourite spots in Taupō! The love and time put into L’Arte is evident as soon as you drive in the gates. It’s not just a place to grab a bite to eat, it’s a destination to spend an hour or two. We take all our visitors here and they always want to go back every time they come and stay. The mushrooms and eggs benny are my faves 🤤 the kids plate is a hit too. L’Arte is great for all ages - there is so much to take in with the gardens, sculptures, mosaic work and the gallery and it is dog friendly. L’Arte is definitely worth a visit if you are in Taupo, and I love that is off the beaten track, away from the hustle and bustle yet only about 8 mins away from town!

I visit L'Arte Cafe & Gallery several times a year and I'm always greeted like an old friend. The faces may have changed over the last 20 years but the friendly vibe remains. The cafe has a funky feel to it as energetic staff zip about, the aroma of coffee and delicious homemade food make the mouth water. Stunning gardens surround this little piece of paradise, zany pieces of art are mixed in with mosaics and hand made pottery made on site and the ladies in the gallery are only too happy to help. If you're looking for something special or different to the norm, you can't go past this outstanding destination.

Omg, went to Larte Café and Gallery yesterday – wow, what a treat! Hands down the best Eggs Benny I have ever had (big call, I know!). After breakfast, we wandered through the stunning gardens and discovered the beautiful Larte Gallery. Couldn’t resist… had to buy something! The staff in both the café and the gallery were absolutely incredible – friendly, helpful, and genuinely passionate about what they do. The gallery team went above and beyond; nothing was too much trouble. Well done, Larte team – you’ve created something truly special. Can’t wait to come back!

One of the most unique cafe and galleries to visit in all of New Zealand. Food is delicious, staff are very efficient and friendly and the ceramic work produced by hand on site is stunning. Go and see this place you will be amazed. The gift store has some super cool art, jewelry, bags, sunnies, you wont leave empty handed. The gardens are beautiful and you will love all the bright and unique garden art. The best spot to eat and do your Christmas shopping. Def put it on your to do list when in Taupo next.

What a course. Very hard but that’s great as every hole is a challenge. No 2 holes are similar . And everyone has the wow factor . The pro was so helpful and friendly which really enhanced the experience here .

Amazing course to play, gets you thinking and some tough greens. Thoroughly enjoyed my round recently! Although I am extremely taken back by the recent pricing increase for local/NZ residents, as a Kinloch local I am gutted this course is now well out of our price range and unfortunately won't be able to play again any time soon.

Tough greens is what I heard during our round here. The rest of the course was no easier btw. Beautiful however is the word to remember. Also remember, you have a day job. Golf is hard.

Absolutely the best course I’ve played in New Zealand. The price well worth the trip. Beautiful practice facilities. Played in the middle of winter and not a wet spot on any of the fairways. Greens were receptive and fast. Not a bump on them. Compared with the other big course down the road as all the complainers have done. Kinloch far better than Wairakei in course conditions.

It may looks like a links course but it is actually a mountain course. The high point of the course is the 10th tee with view to the lake. It is a very interesting and challenging layout. The greens are undulating and the fescues are difficult to get out of. I played on a relatively claim day and I imagine the course will be very difficult if the wind pick up. However, the course is simply stunning and many views are like paintings. Staff are very friendly and helpful. One suggestion I would make is the toilet and changing facilities are too small for such a prestigious golf club.

What a magnificent course. Kinloch is everything it promises and then some more. From the wonderful welcome and great advice from the pro in the morning, to the last putt on the 18th; this was memorable. Whilst I personally don’t believe it to be a links course, I thought that how the reminders of the sheep farm that once was here, were maintained and exceptionally well done, blending into the course aesthetics and often being the hazard itself. There cannot be better fairways in New Zealand, and if there are, I haven’t played them yet. The undulation makes club choices and positional play a high priority, and when you strayed, the semi rough was just long enough to create due consideration of your next shot. Straying further into the tussock rough, ensured severe punishment on the scorecard. The greens putted true and whilst not super slick, the contours and pin placement placed a high priority on confident putting. A genuine challenge, a world class course, tough and very enjoyable. Compliments to the Kinloch team. Till next time, when I come better prepared to meet the challenge.

Great little cafe with views of the golf course.