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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We had a great day with these guys, our guide Emrys was really nice, knowledgeable, ensured safety but also allowed us freedom and fun. We did the 4 hour trip, abseiling, black water rafting, caving and rock climbing. We were a group of just 6 (which I believe is the largest group they allow) and this was great as much smaller than the big tour company groups which meant a more personal experience and more time in the caves with the Glowworms as not having to wait around for loads of people to complete the abseil etc. before doing the trip I was worried that we weren’t going into the more famous cave but this was unnecessary worry as we had so much time in the caves with the glowworms and the caves were covered in them! Back in 2008 when I was lay in NZ I did this trip with one of the ‘big’ companies, and I loved it, but this experience was better and this is hugely down to the smaller group size. Would definitely recommend.

A really amazing adventure experience with a great guide, Liz. It starts with some very clear instructions and practice on how to abseil. Then it was abseiling into the cave, 30 meters down. It's a little scary at first but completely fine once you know your weight is supported and you're not going to fall! Then tube upstream through the cave to see the glow worms which were amazing. Tube back downstream for more thrills. Rock climb back out of the cave. We were given a snack to eat down in the cave which was a nice treat to warm up! Plus squeezing through two rock formations which was fun! The price was excellent for all the activities. We were deciding on whether to go and see any of the other caves around this area - having had such a cool and awesome cave and glow worm experience here. If you want the beauty of a limestone cave then you definitely must see Ruakuri cave as well as doing this adventure! Lots of photos were taken by our guide which was included in the tour price, so that was a pretty cool bonus for the memories. Overall: Highly recommended!!

We had an amazing tour with Tim in the morning. He did a great job explaining us all about the geology of the caves, the animals which live inside and of course the adventures we came across. We loved the moment the glowworms start to shine. He made us feel safe at every moment but at the same time like little cave-explorers. Well worth the money!!

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

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

Just a seriously incredible tour with Will. The light beams streaming through the canopy into the canyon, the glow worms reflecting off the cavern waters, the black water rafting through the caves - all were truly magical. We cannot recommend Kiwi Cave Rafting enough!

I went on this experience on the 11th April and absolutely loved it! I got out of my comfort zone and faced my fear of heights through completing some abseiling and climbing. Our guide Kat was amazing and so knowledgeable about lots of history aspects of the cave and about the glowworms. She made me feel at ease and less afraid to complete each task while always having a smile on her face! I would 100% recommend anybody to do this, doesn’t matter how fit you are!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This tour was a surprise by a good friend. I had no idea what to expect but I can say I was in awe. Seeing all those thousands and thousands of glowworms was incredible. But I guess that was to be expected. What did stand out was though was everything else on the tour. The short bus ride and walk to the cave all accompanied by explanations about the area, flora etc. That we got pictures taken of each individual couple in the cave. The short break with tea and cookies. Yet another cave tour explaining more about how the holes (tomo) form etc. And most importantly our tour guide Ross who was nothing short than amazing. Me and my friend instantly felt welcome and listening to him and his stories and explanations was a huge pleasure. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour. Not just for the glowworms but for the whole package!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

Loved our adventure in Taumaranui with the Forgotten World Adventures team for our Rail Trail River Combo! Lovely friendly people, well organised. Very knowledgeable and fun and interesting stories about the history of the railway line and the district. Yummy morning tea and lunch. Then a wonderful trip in the jetboat with Paul down the Whanganui river! What an awesome day!!!

Everything was well organized. All the staff were very friendly and helpfull. The food and cakes were excellent! Our tour leader Ray had a great knowledge of the area and it's people. He also a lovely sense of humor! We loved going through tunnels, over bridges and stay in Whangamomona. Paul who took us up the Whanganui river in the jet boat was a skilled driver who knows the river inside out. We even saw the blue ducks!! To top it off we went to Blue Duck station. An amazing place!! Thank you so much for the epic experience!! Thea Ris

It was bucket list tick, and worth it. The countryside I went through on the golf cart was soul soothing, just beautiful. The company was A1. There were a few unplanned events, they were handled so well. Action was decided promptly and the support for each other from the staff was wonderful to watch. Thankyou, I had a hoot.

A friend and I recently did the Republic 1 Forgotten World rail tour and I have to say it was one of the absolute best experiences of our lives!! We stayed the night at the Forgotten World Motel as we were traveling down from Auckland and though it is an older motel, it had everything we needed for a two night stay. But from the motel to the rail tour to the shuttle ride back at the end of the tour the most memorable thing was the staff, especially Awhi, who’s kind gesture made her an absolute legend in our eyes! Everyone was absolutely brilliant and accommodating in every way! I would strongly recommend this experience to not only international tourists, but also to kiwis alike! A great way to see farmland, countryside and native bush. But one piece of advice would be, take a warm jacket because those tunnels are chilly!

Excellent tour, we learnt so much of the history of the areas we visited, enjoyed the interaction with other tour members and the guides. We saw parts of New Zealand that we never knew existed and would not have visited except on this trip. The Guides were excellent, meals were tasty and Well prepared. We recommend this tour for all.

Had a great time on this tour! The experience itself was 5 stars, but I docked one because we got an email a few days before saying that our time had been moved much earlier. We showed up as instructed and nobody was there for about 1.5 hours and they notified us that the original time was correct and had no idea why the email was sent to us. Once we got going the full day experience was great, with a decent lunch and a good number of stops to tell us about the railway and old towns on the line. I would recommend it, but be careful with the start time.

Can definately recommend this trip, so well organised, wonderful friendly informative staff who genuinely cared about the history of the trail and all the small towns inbetween. Midges baking was delicious, the scenery, tunnels and history amazing. Definately dress for four seasons, all topped off by a stay overnight at the Whangamonoma Hotel. Can definately recommend paying the $120 to get your vechicle delivered to the hotel. It was a big day and we could relax knowing we didn’t have to rush back to Taumaranui to get our car.

Great experience. The whole set up is amazing. Everyone in staff so helpful and a great laugh. Will do again 5 days next time. It's fun playing submarines on the 50/50

It was amazing seeing all the nature the service was just amazing and if you do canoeing I say jump in on the last day .

We scheduled a booking for the Whanganui river. Karen was really helpful making the booking. Eventually, expectations of poor weather led to the need to reconsider. Karen gave really responsible advice and worked hard to ensure our trip could proceed safely. In the end, we were a bit concerned about our young daughters and our own inexperience. Karen was extremely helpful with the Canoe Hire AND the DOC cancellation. Unfortunately we didn't get to review the actual experience, but our customer service experience was worth a review. We're planning on rescheduling next summer. :)

Lovely family with kids and dogs really homey atmosphere. During the canoe debrief they made us coffees and homemade bread. We were very impressed! The canoe and all the equipment were in great condition and they picked us up right on time at the end of the trip to bring us back to our campervan. Thanks for the great experience guys, our arms are still sore from all that paddling! 🤣

Epic adventure. Team that sorted us out made sure we had all the info ahead of time, gave us some good training and gear and boats were super reliable. Home for a few days lol. As for the journey itself, the whole thing was just unreal, not what you ever really get to see. Alot of it was just flat paddling as the river was pretty low apparently. Some good rapids along the way that had some stress going for a minute but my partner and I managed to make it down without coming out of the boat once 😉 Highly reccomend.

These guys are great! Friendly service and they were even kind enough to invite our group for Christmas dinner when we arrived. Coffee was served on the day before we hit the water and chocolate muffins were waiting for us when we finished our journey! It’s the small things that count! I definitely recommend them!

Well organised canoe hire and transport company. Staff were knowledgeable and clearly had plenty of experience running the hire co plus knowledge of the river and weather forecast. Answered many a question I had leading up to the trip. All equipment in good nick and had everything we needed. On time and safety conscious, thorough briefing which helped us on the river! Error on my part, but they resolved a late notice accom date change easily and took the time to ensure all dates were correct. We stayed at theirs the night before we started the river trip. The top accom block has a king bed pvt room and 8 bunks, with 1 bthrm. I'd recommend this if it's still available. There's a larger toilet block near there which most of us didn't find until the next morning so hunt it out so there's no queueing for a toilet while someone is showering. The lower bunk rooms have power and sleep 8 in a room. Hopefully in time an additional shower block could be set up, we would've appreciated this for our size group even if we had to pay a bit more to stay to cover the cost. Portaloo down at the lower shed where you can pack and unpack your barrels are probably the worst smelling toilets I've come across in a long time. Didn't see staff to tell once I'd used it at the end of the trip, but could do with a clean and regular service! Otherwise, a great experience.

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.

65 bucks and you get given keys to a Suzuki Jimny. Which is surprisingly capable and now I want one. They guide you through the course over radio as you go. It's very non intrusive and they really just let you experience it. Highly highly recommended.

What an amazing experience, we did the Monster 4x4 Thrill Ride and wished it was longer, the adrenalin rush up and through the bushes was deff an unforgettable experience. Team were very helpful and accommodating with our person in a wheelchair, he absolutely loved it and would highly recommend to anyone wanting to experience this type of activity. Gutted we couldnt take photos during the experience but would deff be back.

Amazing self drive 4x4 experience. Great track through native bush. A couple of really challenging obstacles to tackle. These little Suzuki’s are more capable than they look. The perfect boys weekend challenge.

Ian, Brandon, and the team were awesome. Loved my time on the karts. Very hospitable and encouraged me through my race times. Very good karts, epic track. I'll be back!

Great place, great activities, great staff. Could not recommend it more. Self drive was super fun with lots of obstacles that the whole group enjoyed tackling. 4WS 4WD was great fun also, great guide that made sure everyone was able to enjoy it despite back injuries. Managed to do some clay bird shooting as well which was also great fun.

I last came here 20 years ago, so it was awesome to bring the whole family to experience the thrill. We did the 4WD Bush Safari, where an instructor will guide you through the course with detailed instructions. It was so much fun for everyone. There are opportunities to change Drivers throughout the course

A great experience all round. 10 minutes just isn't enough, though. Only just getting the feel of the place and the karts, then it's time to go. It's a stretch to drive all the way out there for a 10 min drive. Service and management was impeccable!

What a wonderful place hidden away in a beautiful setting. Patting the lion cubs was truly memorable and watching the lions being feed was real entertainment for us all. This kids loved every minute and they really enjoyed getting to feed the kea and watching them so closely. Highly recommended for families.

Lovely place to take kids. They had a free wheelchair so I could also enjoy. Animals were lovely and great to be able to feed and pet. Definitely needs directions to get there. Plenty of parking. Not to busy when we went on Saturday

I’ve been to quite a few attractions like this and it’s the best one so far. The park is big and full of different kinds of animals. It’s also very clean and well planned out. Not gonna lie, I thought it was quite expensive. However, I found it worth it as I was exploring the place. You can tell the animals are all well taken care of. It’s a nice day activity for all different ages. It’s cool we get to feed the animals for $2! It was cool getting the chance to pet the lion cubs! Definitely worth queuing for. My favourite one is the donkey, he’s definitely a photogenic one.

A beautiful natural wildlife park with plenty of animals to keep you entertained, especially ducks! You can feed some of the animals and if you arrive at certain times you may get to pat the Lion cubs. We were in and out within the hour, but you could spend a whole day here, great for children and adults alike!

First time visiting here. Not too busy even on a school holiday. There was a long line to pat the lion cubs. Awesome experience for the kids. They also sell feeds for the ducks, trouts and other animals. Very interactive and not too complicated. We all enjoyed the experience.

Wow this place is truly special. We took our toddler and he had a blast running around after the ducks (which are everywhere). Personally I loved the treetops walk and the feeling of being amongst nature. A bit weird to see lions in NZ and I did not need the experience of patting their cubs. Doesn’t sound very ethical but I’m not a zookeeper

Kids will love it, suggest you to check lion feeding time and wait for it. Usually it is 2:30pm in afternoon not sure for morning.Easily accessible for wheelchair or strollers . Easily spend 2 hours there.

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.

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.

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. ❤️

An excellent collection of geothermal features surrounded by lovely woodland, and in an attractive valley. The very short shuttle ferry across the lake runs on demand and takes no time. Staffed today by two enthusiastic and friendly guys. Respectable food available for a quick lunch. Relatively quiet on the Sunday in November when we visited, this place deserves to be more popular.

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

This one of the many geothermal features in around Taupo. The walk around the park should take less than an hour and you can see multiple fumeroles and bubbling mud puddles. The path is well marked and of course you should obey the signage because there is a real danger of scalding or worse if you go into a dangerous area. The smell of sulphur is at times pretty strong but by the end you should be used to it!

Misplaced name unless the Moon is full of green shrubs. But an interesting stop. Seeing a lanscape with steam vents coming out of the ground and gurgling mud-pools. An easy 1hr walk around the park. At $10 certainly value for money.

Wow! What a natural sight that I have ever seen. For only NZ$10 you get to walk about 45 minutes or more of this incredible sight of nature. Fantastic!!!

Cool to see the craters and walk between the steam but not as stunning as we expected it to be - we liked the thermal walk in Tūrangi definitely more and that’s for free 😅 The area doesn't look like a moon landscape anymore with at least a bit of vegetation growing almost everywhere but still a nice experience and for $10 pp it's ok (except you are afraid of bees and similar insects, than this is not for you cause in some parts of the path they are flying around a lot 😅) The basic round with the little shorter lookout up the hill took us a bit over an hour, included taking some pictures :)

You get to witness beautiful scenery at budget friendly price. The walk it about 45 minutes take you through steaming vent and resilience biodiversity. Features catch your attention are bubbling crater, hissing fumaroles and steaming vent. Stroller friendly walk. Surely feels like you are on another planet.

Take a stroll in amazing landscape amongst the steam vents. 45 - 60 minutes. Have lunch on the picnic tables beside the car park.

Awesome craters. Loved the contrast? with green and the craters. Priceless scenery for 10$ ❤️

Beautiful spot. Amazing thermal pools with adjoining campground. Daily charge includes access to pools - multiple times if desired.

Really cool to see the origin spring and amazing atmosphere to relax and try out the different temperatures of the six pools 🥰 make sure you do as the signs say: never go in alone and stay hydrated! we made a drinking pause several times but after we were there the whole afternoon we had a bit of circulation problems, so maybe it wasn't enough 🫠 but apart from that we had a great time there and really enjoyed it - glad that we did it and would definitely recommend it 😊👍🏻

We visited several hot pools on our trek North and Waikite Valley was the hottest and the most "natural" in it's relationship to the environment. A very pleasant stay and a bargain at $79 for a powered site and all the hot soaks you could wish for

An absolute must place to visit, lovely hot pools and a variety of temperatures. Another must is to walk up the track, 10 minutes to see the source of the boiling water 98 degrees.

I’ve been here several times and usually had good experiences, but today was really disappointing. The water was really dirty and disgusting, and although the staff kept checking the temperature, they never seemed to notice or address the cleanliness. On top of that, a group of people were speaking loudly and being disruptive the whole time, yet no staff member stepped in to manage it. Compared to another famous hot pool, which often has even more travelers and even large tour groups, the water there is always ok, and staff will remind guests to keep noise down if needed. This pool itself is good, but the management has some serious issues to improve. Also, there are only two shower rooms in the ladies’ area, which means you often have to wait outside. That’s really inconvenient and wired design.

Very disappointing 3 pools available 2 are knee deep and the last one is waist high. Pools are very dirty. Don't waste your time going.

Breathtaking atmosphere and warm spring water, what more could you want.. event though It was a rainy day on a weekday, there were still quite a few people came 11am onwards. Lockers are easy to use, and the cafe seemed nice. Will be back for sure 😊

We ordered 500g of prawns. Please be aware it is not enough for 2 people, so please order other food as well. Food was good overall and staff were friendly and professional. It was not busy when we visited, but there are plenty of seats to house loads of people.

All the staff members were friendly and attentive, which made our visit even more enjoyable. The prawns were perfectly cooked and practically melted in our mouths. The pita garlic bread was definitely a standout for me, and the salad with its well-balanced dressing was absolutely spot on.

Parts under construction yet enough to keep ine busy. Family did the tour and spoke well of the experience. Did grab a coffee but no food. Coffee was good. Activities were plenty and a good variety. Take the togs with from the start 😀.

Prawns aren't fresh, garlic and butter Prawns has a weird taste. Hot chips really good. We didn't get water for our table, used to go here a faws time and service really good but not the same

Was skeptical about the prawns, oh how wrong I was.... They were cooked to perfection, half cooked with garlic butter OMG. Staff super friendly place is super clean and tidy. Clean toilets 👌

Ordered the 110, 1kg platter. Close to 40 percent of the prawns were soggy and not firm. A sign of not the freshest specimen. The prawn fishing were great years ago, now operating in their breeding pond shed. Handful of prawns in each pool. Hardly anyone caught any while we were there . Compare to before its now steps backwards. For the price they charge for the experience, Its a rip off.

Service is excellent. This restaurant is set by the river side and have a good view. There is both indoor and outdoor seating. There is a photo spot as well as a hot foot bath. The waiter had a bright smile and was friendly. Will come round to check on our dining experience and ask how he could make it better. The prawns were fresh and juicy. The garlic butter was great! The prawns here have a large head and small body so the meaty portion can be small. We love the garlic pita bread! The prawn bisque is rich, creamy and prawny. Fish and chips were fried crisp and light. The batter is not too thick so you can taste the sweetness of the fish. The brownie is very rich. The chocolate explosion cake is spongy and moist. It’s a pity that it lacks the chocolaty taste. Else the paring is great! Since the food, ambience and service are all great! I would highly recommend this place!

We filmed the rapid from both ends then spliced it together. It was a great sight to see the dam release. Hope you enjoy it.

These are an area of New Zealand river rapids downstream from the dam for the Aratiatia Power Station on the Waikato River. The rapids are extremely dangerous. With the station in operation, several times a day, the Aratiatia dam gates are opened, which restores the rapids to their normal operation. There are several lookout points to observe the rapids which is a popular tourist attraction. Advisable to go early to avoid crowds and the heat as well. Uneven terrain, lot of walking. Toilets available. Cafe available. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Parking space is that easy to find in parking area.

A piece of advice: Show up early. The bridge and the view points can get very busy and, although it wasn't true during my visit, I can only assume parking can also be difficult during the peak tourist season. With that said, this is a great stop on the way to any number of other sites or activities in the area and it's pretty amazing to witness the landscape change once the doors are opened.

A fantastic morning watching the release of the the gates to let some water out and down the rapids and rocks They release it 3 times a day. It’s such a sight to see and the water is so green.a car park and this is also where you can go jet boating and dam cruise. A must see. It’s free to watch the release and alarms go off.

It's not really a natural wonder it's actually the runout after a dam. We were lucky enough to catch them opening this. If you are on your way on a scenic drive, it's worth the 15 minute stop.

Be sure to carefully check the time and location (and give yourself an extra 15–20 minutes) so you can walk to the next viewpoint after the first parking spot, because it offers the best views in both directions.

Freedom camping is allowed in self-contained vehicle across the damn with cafe selling nice coffee beside the carpark with awesome view in the evening.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This place was a fun and unique experience! We did the 45-minute hike, which was manageable and enjoyable. Just be aware of the strong sulfur smell coming from the volcano—it’s quite pungent and smells like rotten eggs. I recommend bringing a mask or face covering to help with the odor. The volcanic smoke was fascinating to see, and the bright yellow color of the rocks from the sulfur made the landscape feel almost otherworldly. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something different!

A fantastic place you’ll never forget once you’ve been. I walked the longest path along geothermal fields, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls — and it was an absolutely breathtaking experience. The colors shift like in a fairy tale, warmth gives way to a cool breeze, and at some point you stop understanding whether this is real or a dream gifted to us by nature itself! ❤️

Nice thermal fields with good paths. The short loop shows you all the highlights and can be covered in an hour and a half. There are colorful pools and lots of steam craters. Price is a bit high at 50 NZD. Big tour groups come here but they pass by quick.

Amazing, beautiful place and if you go you should definitely try to time it so you can see the Lady Knox geyser at 10:15 each morning. The team working this venue were all very very friendly. I’m sure anyone who’s seen Yellowstone in the US may not be too impressed but I haven’t seen Yellowstone and I was very impressed by this place. Apparently the largest caldera in southern hemisphere.

An intriguing experience, was a little disappointed with our early walks, as there seemed to be limited water in some of the pools and the colours were very dull. As the sun came out later, and nearing the end, the colours were spectacular. Some of the walks were quite challenging but achievable and worth the effort to do them all.

We started our visit to the park with the Lady Knox Geyser experience. Although it was extremely crowded — to the point where it was difficult to walk — it was still wonderful to watch the geyser eruption accompanied by the Māori song performed by the local guide. We really enjoyed the rest of the park as well; discovering the geothermal history of this part of the planet was incredibly interesting. The staff were very kind and welcoming. We recommend visiting early in the morning, as it fills up quickly with tourists.

Very nice place with lots of color! I felt the colors were way more impressive on some hikes (eg tongariro alpine crossing), but it does represent a great option to see some geothermal colors and formations!

The water is absolutely stunning and super safe for walking around. It’s nice and shallow, making it perfect for a refreshing summer swim! 🤩 Getting there is a breeze, so no worries about tough hikes or anything. If you’re looking for a fun spot to chill this summer, I definitely recommend checking it out!

Fairly easy and quick hike with a few washouts on the way, but possible to walk around them, there are clear paths made by other walkers. However, once you reach the stream, then bouldering on slippery rocks or crossing through the stream barefoot is needed to reach the waterfall. I would say definitely worth it if you are willing to do the bouldering/stream crossing to get to the waterfall, but if not, then this hike is not worth it, the view from afar is not very impressive.

Came here after finishing the waikaremoana great walk - best waterfall I've seen in NZ! The path is a bit dangerous (lots of slips and thorns), you will need to climb over fallen trees. Took 1 hour walk from car. No one there so got to skinny dip :D

A very special place, but I can also see why the track is closed. There are very fresh washouts since the last big rainfalls of winter, gets dangerous and very steep at times so don’t go during or after rainfall and consider taking a PLB with you. Would not recommend to a new hiker.

Spectacular waterfall that flows over towering sandstone cliffs into a small pool. The track to Shine Falls starts in open grassy farmland that meanders under towering sandstone and limestone cliffs then passes through a patch of native bush in the Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve before arriving at the falls where there is a swimming hole and picnic tables. Stunning spot to go for a walk or even a swim if you are brave.

An amazing magical place, a relatively easy walk in, allow 30-45 minutes. A little steep in places, so ensure you have good walking footwear. The waterfall is impressive at 58 metres high, the pool is refreshing and safe, however deep around the edges and near and behind the fall. There's sheltered picnic tables at the car park and a long drop toilet (bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer). Also recommend you take your own drinking water and food/snacks and take all your rubbish out with you. The road there once off the highway is mostly gravel and narrow in places. Drive safely and enjoy. No overnight camping allowed.

Wonderful walk in the countryside where you can see limestone and Sandstone cliffs, grazing sheep, bush and waterfalls. While you travel over unsealed road for about 6kms to get there, it is totally worth it. Be wary there may be prickles on the path in places and if its a hot day, take a sunhat and your water bottle

I had a great time at Sileni the other day. By some luck, I managed to get the place to myself on a gorgeous, sunny day. I kept saying that it felt so luxurious to be sipping wine out in the gorgeous outdoor space with the whole patio to myself. Antonio went above and beyond to make the experience special, and I really enjoyed trying all the wines and discussing various aspects of wine making. The wine tasting is also good value for money, at a slightly lower cost than others I've been to in NZ. Thanks for a great visit!

We love this winery, so much so we found a stockist in Bakewell, UK to enjoy it year round. My husband and I started our wine tour at Sileni and was treated to a range of beautiful wines and staff explained the wine in person (not just on a piece of paper like others on the tour). It was personable, and he knew answers to all our questions. Loved every minute, thank you Sileni!

Very nice winery with a great host who made our visit interesting and tasty. The venue is amazingly large and has a shop to buy everything from cheese knifes, to cheese to glassware.

Wonderful hospitality with a wonderful wine tasting very professional stuff a lot of interesting wine types. We just love it.

Amazing experience! My husband and I did the wine tasting here and had the deli platter to complement it. Everything was so tasty. I especially liked the Savignon Blanc and the Semillon but what made this a 5 star spot was the service. Chris was our server and he had such passion for wine making. We learned a lot from him and it just overall made our experience so pleasant. Be sure to pop by! Only $10 for the wine tasting and the cheese and meat board was $45. You bet that we bought some wine for the family back home!

This place is amazing. The wines are unique & beautiful and the host help with a passion. If you like wine, this is not to be missed. Thanks to Lee and the chef who makes the platters.

Amazing afternoon High Tea. Beautiful set up and amazing catering supplied by Picinic in Ahuriri. Definitely recommend this event. And dont forget the wine. Perfect as always. A big thatnk you to the fabulous friendly staff.

We visited for a wine tasting on Thursday and were presented with four different types to choose from. I selected one to start with, and after tasting it, I wanted to try another. Unfortunately, I was told that only one type is allowed per tasting session, and if I wanted to try more, I’d have to go into the restaurant and order a glass. Since my companion was tied up with a long online meeting, I had to give up on the idea. The setting was beautiful and the pricing very reasonable, but the inflexible policy was a bit disappointing.

We got to see The Mission cellar door while we were visiting friends who had just moved to Napier, as part of a wine tour with Frankly Tours (see other review). We did the tour on a Sunday, hoping that the cellar doors would be open, and we were not disappointed. The Mission was our first stop, and what a starter! Fantastic venue and atmosphere, just stunning on the hill. 5 wines tasted from their extensive range, starting with their bubbles. We were given plenty of time to browse the historic photos and artifacts after the wine tasting session. Tour guide was the most knowledgeable of the 3 by far that we met on the day tour, and I think we chatted so much with Q&A that we kind of ran out of time. Absolutely no pressure to buy any of the wines, and indeed we were back on our tour bus before we realised we had not had the chance to purchase LOL. Beyond the wine production the venue and location itself is obviously a major part of their business set up, simple stunning. Recommend you ask for this "cellar door" specifically on any wine tour in Napier.

Beautiful spot, great wines and wonderful history made for a stunning start to our wine discovery. Self guided tasting so you do not feel rushed but stuff there to help out if and when needed. When back for seconds. Also we'll priced celler door wines for sale.

Magic place with incredibly tasty wine, we loved our stop at Mission Estate. Our server was very nice. We went for the aromatic self guided tasting and what a blast ! We ended up by buying four bottles. You should really include Mission Estate in your winery tour !

Well worth the detour. We did some tasting followed by a cheese platter. Yvonne was warm and super knowledgeable - not only about the wine and heritage but also the region. Highly recommended!

Lovely food and staff. Would have been 5 star but a bit odd in their rules on one paddle per person seeing the amount of wine choice’s and how much time and money we spent in the restaurant. The “can’t be in the grass” with the tasting paddle also very odd and comes across as uninviting. They were reasonable at accommodating to food intolerances.

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional dining experience at Mission Winery Restaurant. From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the ambiance and warmth of the place. However, what truly stole the show was the extraordinary culinary journey orchestrated by the talented chef.The steaks, in particular, were a revelation. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, each bite was a symphony of flavors and textures, a testament to the chef's mastery in the kitchen. It's not an exaggeration to say that it was one of the best steak experiences I've ever had.The attention to detail and dedication to quality were evident in every dish served. Beyond the remarkable food, the service was impeccable, adding to the overall charm of the evening.I am genuinely grateful for the memorable dining experience at Mission Winery Restaurant and eagerly look forward to returning to savor more of the culinary delights crafted with such care and passion.

Walked up to bluff hill lookout - mainly road until the last part. About 100m total climb which wasn’t too bad - not many steps. Views are really good nice peaceful at the top sitting on a bench enjoying the sun

I love this place because of the view to the sea. Bluff hill is right on the edge of a cliff, below is the a road and opposite is Napier Port. For me it's beautiful throughout the day, but its more beautiful in early morning or just before sunset. There are benches there and toilets for the public. Some people walk their dogs with leash. Also it has a clear view of ships coming in and out of the port. If you ever come across Napier or just passing through, take a break and visit this place.

It offers spectacular views over Hawke Bay and Napier Port. The viewing area was constructed over the top of a World War II coastal defence gun emplacement. You can walk up to the top or take the car. Lots of bends and slow driving. It takes about 20 minutes to get there by car. No entry fee. Toilets available. Mostly open area. Parking is not that easy. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Great place for photography. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Popular place, go early to avoid the heat as well.

Be aware that the Seapoint Road is pretty steep and narrow, so definitely not to recommend for bigger vehicles - take the Thompson Road! But you have a really nice view of the ocean and the area is beautiful designed with flowers and benches to sit 🥰 I personally just didn't like the port in the view...

Steep drive up but really nice view. Well kept but lots of views seem cut off and fenced off. The drive up is a very narrow street and I dreaded any oncoming traffic on the way up or down

The Bluff Hill Lookout is a great place to go to enjoy the views out across the port and harbour, especially on a sunny day. There is plenty of parking at the top. Also has some nice gardens and a public toilet.

Another beautiful lookout point in Napier. View of the port and more. Peaceful and quiet , just right for us away from the crowds

A very well kept and satisfying place to visit. Always love seeing fish in their natural habitat, plenty of fresh water and salt water aquariums. A wide variety of areas to go, easily walkable, cafe and gift shop there as well. Was surprised there were no sharks in the tunnel area though. Still plenty of different species of fish, turtles, stingrays, crayfish, penguins, frogs, lizards, etc. The turtle was very big, did keep bumping his nose on the glass though. Otherwise the turtle seemed okay.

Loved the experience! We were able to see the penguin being fed and fishes being fed by divers. It was a small aquarium and not complete. We were expecting octopus, squid or baby sharks but maybe the ecosystem of the water is not suitable for those. I'm prolly just dreaming. Lol. But I was happy with the stingrays! Too bad we were not able to see kiwis 😭

Exceptional visit here as we booked very early in advance to do the penguin feeding which is limited to a group of 4 a day only. Staff at penguin feeding were very informative and friendly and great hosts to help us feed the penguins. Penguins were our favourite exhibition. The big turtle was great. Kiwi Exhibition was great to see them walking around active. 2pm feeding time in the big tank was also a great watch especially the stingrays.

A nice little experience. We even watched the penguin feeding. It is all more personal in this smaller aquarium. Everything is really clean and you get to see a lot of sea animals, reptils and even Kiwis! One of our favourite experiences was the aquarium tunnel you can walk trough! Loved it!

A very well maintained aquarium near to Napier CBD, there are some shows for the audience which is great to watch and the one for penguin feeding was very informative. Kids love it and will be revising in the future...

Aquarium is tidy, love the turtles! The large turtle would be cool in the big enclosure so you could follow him around but I'm sure he's not for a reason.. probably would eat all the fish! Lady on the front with the stunning red hair was great today, knowledgeable and easy to talk to. Customer service like that is hard to come by these days! So cheers! Sorry I didn't get your name!

Very kid friendly and has wheelchair access. However, the value for money is quite $$ for a short encounter with the sea animals. Although, we had the chance to watch the staff feed them. It was still a good experience 😊