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40 Best Stops Between Hahei and Nelson
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Wanderlog staff
Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
Updated • updatedApr 10, 2023
How long is the drive from Hahei to Nelson?
The direct drive from Hahei to Nelson is 527 mi (848 km), and should have a drive time of 16 hrs 53 mins in normal traffic.
If you’re going on a road trip from Hahei to Nelson, we did the research for you and compiled some great stops along the way — with Wellington, Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga, Hamilton, Tongariro National Park, Blenheim, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Mount Maunganui, and Picton, as well as top places to visit like Rapaura Watergardens and Whangamata Beach, or the ever-popular Mount Paku.
Visiting Hahei or Nelson? See our Hahei Trip Planner and our Nelson Trip Planner.
527 mi
Total Distance
16 hrs 53 mins
Drive Time
40 stops
Cities / Attractions
Top cities between Hahei and Nelson
The top cities between Hahei and Nelson are Wellington, Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga, Hamilton, Tongariro National Park, Blenheim, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Mount Maunganui, and Picton. Wellington is the most popular city on the route. It's 8 hours from Hahei and 8 hours from Nelson.
1
Tauranga
Tauranga, a charming harbourside city in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region, is home to the historic Elms Mission Station and its Georgian-style home dating back to 1847. The city is connected by a bridge to Mount Maunganui, known for its beach town vibes, hot saltwater pools, and the extinct volcano that shares its name. Additionally, visitors can explore White Island, an active volcano located offshore that can be reached by helicopter or boat.
17% as popular as Wellington
9 minutes off the main route, 12% of way to Nelson
2
Mount Maunganui
Located on a peninsula, Mount Maunganui is a relaxed neighborhood famous for the dormant Mount Maunganui volcano, which holds cultural significance to the Maori people and offers scenic hiking paths overlooking the ocean. The area features Main Beach with its renowned surf breaks and Pilot Bay Beach, ideal for paddle boarding in its tranquil waters. Visitors can enjoy saltwater bathing and spa services at the Mount Hot Pools complex. Additionally, the town center boasts various dining options, brunch spots, and boutique shops.
12% as popular as Wellington
16 minutes off the main route, 12% of way to Nelson
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3
Hamilton
Hamilton, located in New Zealand's Waikato region, is a vibrant city offering a variety of attractions. The Hamilton Gardens showcase diverse themed gardens and the Waikato Museum features Maori art and artifacts. The city center's Victoria Street is bustling with dining and entertainment options. Additionally, Hamilton's parks provide not only scenic beauty but also cultural landmarks and recreational activities for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
13% as popular as Wellington
12 minutes off the main route, 12% of way to Nelson
4
Rotorua
Rotorua, located on New Zealand's North Island, is famous for its geothermal activity and rich Maori culture. The town features attractions like Te Puia’s Whakarewarewa Valley with its bubbling mud pools and the impressive Pohutu Geyser. Visitors can also explore a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.
91% as popular as Wellington
10 minutes off the main route, 16% of way to Nelson
5
Taupo District
Taupō District is a territorial authority district in New Zealand. It covers 6,333 km² of land, and a further 610 km² of lake area, including Lake Taupō, New Zealand's largest lake, and Lake Rotoaira. Wikipedia.
30% as popular as Wellington
1 minute off the main route, 21% of way to Nelson
I'll never travel to Nelson without this trip planner again
6
Tongariro National Park
National park
Tongariro National Park, the 4th national park in the world, is a significant protected area known for its cultural and natural importance. It was gifted to the nation by Te Heu Heu Tukino IV, a Tuwharetoa chief, in order to preserve sacred lands from settlement and damage. This act formed the core of New Zealand's first major public reserve and led to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1991 due to its unique landscape and cultural significance.
8% as popular as Wellington
24 minutes off the main route, 27% of way to Nelson
7
Westland Tai Poutini National Park
National park
Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a breathtaking expanse that includes the famous Franz Josef and Fox glaciers, extending from the coastline into the mountains. Encompassing 115,000 hectares of high peaks, glacial lakes, and swift rivers, this park offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, canoeing, hunting, and horse trekking.
14% as popular as Wellington
3 minutes off the main route, 49% of way to Nelson
8
Wellington
Events
Seasonal Fireworks
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a vibrant city located near the southernmost point of the North Island. Known for its picturesque waterfront, sandy beaches, and colorful timber houses dotting the hillsides, Wellington offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The iconic red Wellington Cable Car provides access to the Wellington Botanic Gardens from Lambton Quay. As 'Windy Wellington,' it's famous for its strong winds due to its location on the Cook Strait.
Most popular city on this route
4 minutes off the main route, 50% of way to Nelson
9
Picton
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Picton, a picturesque town on the north coast of New Zealand's South Island, serves as a gateway to the stunning islands and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. The area is home to attractions like the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum and EcoWorld Aquarium, which houses native wildlife. Nearby, visitors can explore the Queen Charlotte Track with its coastal forests and scenic ridges. Additionally, Picton is an ideal destination for wine enthusiasts due to its proximity to the renowned Marlborough Wine Region.
6% as popular as Wellington
5 minutes off the main route, 88% of way to Nelson
10
Blenheim
Blenheim, located on New Zealand's South Island, serves as a gateway to the renowned wineries of the Wairau Valley. The town is home to the Marlborough Museum, which showcases the history of winemaking and early Polynesian settlement in the region. Additionally, visitors can explore the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, housing a collection of World War I aircraft curated by filmmaker Peter Jackson.
8% as popular as Wellington
3 minutes off the main route, 89% of way to Nelson
Best stops along Hahei to Nelson drive
The top stops along the way from Hahei to Nelson (with short detours) are Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Hamilton Gardens, and Wellington Cable Car. Other popular stops include Wellington, Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café, and Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway.
1Tina B — Google reviewMW G — Google reviewGilbert L — Google reviewLaura W — Google reviewArceline A — Google reviewOlivia B — Google reviewSally S — Google review•
Mount Paku
Mountain peak
Nature & Parks
Mountains
Mount Paku is a volcanic double-peak that offers a relatively short hike to the summit, providing breathtaking views of the coastline. The trail starts at Paku Lookout Parking Lot and takes about 45 minutes round trip, mostly consisting of stairs. Despite some steep sections and many steps, the walk is manageable for those with reasonable fitness levels. The panoramic views from the top are described as magnificent, making it a worthwhile climb.
Mount Paku is a great spot to get some exercise and enjoy some stunning views of Tairua and the surrounding area. You can hike to the summit and enjoy the panoramic views from up top!
Shubham S — Google review
You need to park at « Paku Lookout Parking Lot ». It is 45 minutes return hike, mostly stairs. From the parking lot, climb the hill and follow the white wooden sign. When you are in the street, you will turn right almost immediately. It is on the side of a house, and you will see stairs going up in the grass.
Such a nice spot to view Tairua and Pauanui, not an easy climb, especially the last 10m, but manageable with good weather. Highly recommended if you are around the area.
Easy 5-min climb from Tirinui Crescent and stunning views of Pauanui, Tairua and the surrounding islands
Great views, walk up is definitely worth it. It’s not too hard, my husband and I managed to do it carrying a child in backpack weighing 18kgs. Pretty steep in places and many steps but again, worth the views.
Finding the start trail was a bit of a challenge, getting to the top is easy and the view when you get there - magnificent!
Great views, easy enough climb to the summit - can be done in jandals if it's not too wet
Steep uphill climb with a good path/track, 20 minutes each way with a trick stair/rock climb before the summit. Reasonable fitness level and balance necessary, view amazing from the top, loved it.
5.0
(20)
4.5
(219)
Tairua 3508, New Zealand
2Collin D — Google reviewMartina W — Google reviewKingi G — Google reviewTheodora W — Google reviewRasoul A — Google reviewTracy — Google reviewChris B — Google review•
Rapaura Watergardens
Garden
Nature & Parks
Self-catering accommodation
Rapaura Watergardens is a stunning lodge surrounded by breathtaking views and meticulously maintained water gardens. The sprawling grounds offer a serene and peaceful environment, perfect for families to explore and enjoy. Visitors can feed the ducks, take leisurely walks through regenerating bush, or simply relax in the well-appointed accommodation. The host Sacha provides excellent recommendations and ensures guests feel at home. This hidden gem is definitely worth a scenic drive off the main road for a memorable stay or visit.
We were warmly greeted by the friendly staff, who shared the fascinating history of this private water garden, created by a German couple. The gardens were stunning, with numerous lotus flowers in full bloom, and the walk to the waterfall was a lovely, easy hike. I truly appreciate all the effort that went into creating such a wonderful experience. Just a heads-up — the road leading to the garden can be quite windy, and don't pay any attention to the 100 km/h speed limit sign; it's a bit ridiculous!
Kwee ( — Google review
Great place to visit, lady there was very helpful and knowledgeable, giving us a great run down of its amazing history.
Road to it was narrow and winding, but worth the journey.
Really nice trails and water features, cool and peaceful. Ducks to feed. Highly recommend A+++
Beautiful place to spend some days. Caretaker and owner very friendly and helpful. The gardens are lush and beautiful to walk around.
Rapaura Water Gardens – He Taonga Ora A Living Treasure
Rapaura Water Gardens in Tapu are a taonga, alive with wairua, history, and the mauri of the whenua. From the moment we arrived, the sound of the awa carried us into a different space — a place where past and present flow together.We climbed to the end of the track which we were blessed to view an opening of the shallow part of the opening of the waterfall, where the wai tumbled gently over the rocks. It was here that we acknowledged all that have been before us and left and the many stories and history this Awa has. Feeling completely blessed and appreciating the wairua and mauri of this space we felt this was a perfect time and place to karakia, give thanks and to cleanse our whanau, our greenstone taonga and really tune into this incredibly spiritual place. This was such a blessing, and a reminder of whakapapa and the timeless connection between people, land, and water.Standing there, with wai in our hands and our babies by our side, we felt the aroha of our tīpuna and the embrace of Papatūānuku.
Rapaura Water Gardens in Tapu are more than a visitor attraction it is a sacred taonga where wai, whenua, people, and wairua flow together. The awa, now called the Tapu River (once known as Waipatukahu Stream), runs clear through the gardens, carrying with it stories of the land and its people.Since 1993, a whānau has lovingly carried the responsibility of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) for this whenua and awa. Their aroha and care can be felt everywhere – in the thriving native rākau, in the calls of ngā manu that echo through the gardens, and in the peaceful pathways that allow manuhiri to walk gently upon the land.
Rapaura is not just a place you see — it is a place that touches you, cleanses you, and stays with you. A sanctuary of healing, grounding, and connection. 💧🌿✨
❤️
We are blessed to have found this beautiful place to stay on our way to Driving Creek. The house was so cozy , clean and with character! Our appreciation to Serena (?Spelling ) for her warm and attentive service.
We ordered food for BBQ dinner and they turned out excellent.
The house was surrounded by the watergarden that we saw friendly little ducks , we enjoyed the walk there .
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a place to stay in the Thames .
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Perfect Stay!
We had an amazing time at this accommodation! The host was incredibly welcoming and made sure everything was perfect for our stay. The house itself is spacious, spotless, and beautifully decorated. every detail felt thoughtful and inviting.
The view from the house overlooking the garden and river is just stunning. The garden is beautifully maintained, and the walk along the river was such a highlight, it leads to a breathtaking waterfall that’s absolutely worth the stroll.
We couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay. Highly recommend this wonderful home to anyone looking for a peaceful and picturesque getaway.
Just visited the gardens. Restaurant was closed for main meals. Could do light fare only. Lovely day to visit in the mid 60's and overcast. A lot of stuff in bloom already and it's only end of Oct. Wheelchair/ Walker friendly to the lily ponds, but not the yellow track or up to the falls. I'd say to the falls you'd need to have decent knees. Maybe a 3 on scale of 1-10 for difficulty. Worth it for sure if you can make it. We spent 1.5 hours doing all the paths including feeding the ducks and sitting for awhile.
The host was welcoming, friendly and helpful. A beautiful tranquil garden and bush retreat with natural water features. Followed by a panini, cake and coffee. We loved our time here ❤️
4.6
(340)
4.6
(297)
586 Tapu Coroglen Road, Thames 3575, New Zealand
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Travelers
2
Travelers
2
3Nic D — Google reviewAddie L — Google reviewAndrew ( — Google reviewKevin P — Google reviewP B — Google reviewMarieka D — Google reviewDavid H — Google review•
Whangamata Beach
Mentioned on
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Whangamata Beach, located on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand, is renowned for its excellent surf conditions, making it a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels. The long left-hander Whangamata Bar is considered one of the best waves in the country. Additionally, the beach offers various breaks suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers.
Beautiful beach. Great waves. Lovely locals. Very chill comfortable vibe.
Fran C — Google review
A wonderful holiday location at any time of year. A good choice of cafes, restaurants and shops. Blackies cafe behind the surf club is a favourite.There’s plenty to do - beach for swimming and walks, Wentworth Valley walk to the falls, a local gym, mountain biking, fishing or just relaxing.
My husband and I went to Whangamata Beach today 6/6/2024.
The beach there was very peaceful and tranquil so we could enjoy our relaxing stroll along the beach. Even though the weather was not so good and chilly today, we still enjoyed our time there.
We highly recommend you to visit there on a sunny day.
Looked a great and safe beach. Even though this place is relatively small had toilets and so many restaurants!
Great beach. Great walk. Take me to the Island (at low tide!!)
Excellent sandy beach. Midweek on a sunny November day, there were no crowds and no problem finding a parking spot.
Also, a good cafe, Blackies, behind the surf club.
Voted best beach. Heaps of choices for safe swimming spots. Surf or flat. Long sandy beach walks close to an easy going main street with lots of great eateries and shopping opportunities. Friendly happy locals cos how can we not be happy living in paradise😁
This is a lovely beach. One local told me that this beach was voted the best in New Zealand last year. I have been to better beaches in NZ to be honest, but it's still lovely. The views are great and if you get to kayak out to the island then you should definitely include that in your trip.
4.8
(612)
4.7
(403)
107 Barrowclough Road, Whangamatā 3620, New Zealand
4Monique K — Google reviewJulsy F — Google reviewPhilip L — Google reviewKaren L — Google reviewChristie W — Google reviewMaryjane — Google reviewMary D — Google review•
Palm Motel Waihi
Motel
Outdoor Activities
Palm Motel Waihi offers a relaxed stay with its comfortable studios and apartments featuring kitchenettes. The property boasts an outdoor pool, garden, and playground. Guests appreciate the ample charging outlets and friendly owners. Families enjoy spacious rooms equipped with TVs and Sky channels, while the staff is described as warm and helpful. The motel's practicality is noted, with fully serviceable yet dated rooms that cater to both adults and kids with amenities like a pool and hot tub.
Awesome stay. Room was amazing. Nice to come from Auckland to such a clean room. Hosts! Well, we couldn't rate them highly enough. Awesome people and guided us through the town. Our 5 year old loved being there also with the Pool and Mum in the Spa. Wouldn't stay anywhere else! And we will be back again. Thanks so much. See you soon!
Michalla L — Google review
Cheaper if you book with motel direct. We paid $42 extra booking travago website.
The rooms are small and not laid out well. No armchairs and only bed to sit on apart from plastic dining chairs. Brown decor.
That said it's very clean. Managers so friendly and helpful. Now we know what you get and at a better price we would book again.
Only stayed one night, pool closes early on colder days and spa was booked out. I only booked the place for my daughter to swim in the pool but even in the mornings pool not open only at 10am when checking out. So we had no chance at having a swim at all.
Stayed in room one , toilet so noisy when flushing and bathroom very small had dirt in them when arrived and stove needs to be replaced. The soap and shampoo dispenser was not even working too they were full but not even working.
There were ants all over the kitchen bench and by the fridge.
The bed was the only best thing for me to be honest.
Practical with dated but fully serviceable rooms with all you need. Suitable for kids with pool and hot tub for adults. Good parking and no road noise when in back units and comfortable beds. Brilliant showers and water pressure. Lovely birdsong in mornings. Rail trail station is close by as well. Ideal place to spend a few days exploring all the area has to offer.
One tiny soap for 4 ladies body wash in shower did not work,bottom of shower not clean enough, but beds were very comfortable and covers were good,location good
The motel is run down and in need if maintenance. Door handles on kitchen broken net curtains decades old with holes and look grey with dust. Holes in blinds. Found last guests food in fridge and an unwashed microwave. No sound insulation between units. We had to ask for towels and teatowels when we arrived. On the plus side sheets and pillow cases were clean and fresh.
For 196 a night the only good thing i can say is the room was clean and so was the bathroom.10$ charge to use the hot tub....it says included In stay on website and in their booklet on arrival, all you need to do is book a time but when you get to reception you have to pay. It's $10 each time you book a time. I usually like to have one in the morning and night but at 10 each session. No thank you. Ive not read a single review so far thay says they were being charged to use spa. Was this only being charged to me if so im not happy at all.
One of the cleanest motels I have ever been in which is my No. 1 priority. Room slightly outdated, and have been done up very nicely, and I am very happy with the value received. Would not hesitate to stay there again. The staff very friendly and on the whole we had a great experience staying at the Pam Motel.
4.1
(162)
4.5
(233)
123 Parry Palm Avenue, Waihi 3610, New Zealand
5
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
Mentioned on
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Trails
Nestled at the foot of the Coromandel Range, Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway offers a scenic stroll along the former railway line connecting Paeroa and Waihi. This route provides a glimpse into the area's rich mining and railway history through well-preserved remnants from bygone eras.
4.5
(489)
Waikato Region, New Zealand
I'll never travel to Nelson without this trip planner again
6Patrick N — Google reviewGlen S — Google reviewBrooke D — Google reviewDee P — Google reviewEmma M — Google reviewStar K — Google reviewNicholas H — Google review•
Miranda Hot Springs
Mentioned on
Temporarily Closed
Thermal baths
Nature & Parks
Hot Springs & Geysers
Miranda Hot Springs is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax in the thermal waters. The facilities include grassy areas, BBQs, and a cafe with good food and service. While some visitors find the prices steep, others appreciate the family-friendly environment and ample play space for children. This natural spa offers a leisurely experience with no time limit, lockers for belongings, and delicious fish and chips available on-site.
One of the oldest natural spa in Auckland, the administration is really cheap plus no time limit.
They also have locker for your important items.
The most important part this play is they have very good fish and chips. I think the combo is $16 if I am right. It’s really yum yum yum.
Not a fancy place but its wonderful place for the family trip.
紐西蘭吃喝玩樂 Z — Google review
We had so much fun and memories are established here! Surely, the council work alongside the owners and develop a collaborative plan to restore a community resource! Let's find a solution and make this work so the fun times and memories return and remain sustainable. There should have been some legal obligation for maintenance, restoring and sustainability moving forward. Iconic places like this have a community responsibility. Just my thoughts and obviously just my opinion without legal knowledge but surely the message is restoration, reopen, maintain, and sustain. Places like this should have provisions before sale.
The staff were very friendly. I thought the drive was out the way and the prices a bit on the steep side. The facilities are adequate with a grass patch, some BBQs, tables and chairs, change rooms toilets and a single shower. Everything looks like it could do with a bit of a spruce up. I would have appreciated a bit of shade covering over the pool. The cafe had good food and wonderful service.
Lovely place💙 I've been going to this pool since I was a baby. Good times and great memories. Fun for the whole family. Really yummy food and kind staff members.
This beautiful Hot springs is definately the place to be to unwind, entertain and family friendly. Thermal pool with lots of play space for families and kiddies. Its a fair drive but it is soooo worth the gas. The prices are meh ok It is pretty expensive for private pools however, if you enjoy just relaxing and mingling with ethnic families you will love being there
A favourite place to visit since childhood. Food at cafe was good and reasonably priced. Entry prices are as is on website. Place was clean and tidy. Good for families.
No shelter over main pool is a bummer, and no cold water pool at all. But still loved it, spent an entire day there and went home feeling relaxed.
Out do or heated pool near the east coast lovely staff and hot food available. Family friendly business.
4.1
(1227)
3.9
(184)
Front Miranda Rd, RD 6, Thames, Pūkorokoro / Miranda 3576, New Zealand
7Michelle D — Google reviewSamuel H — Google reviewViv F — Google reviewJill S — Google reviewMel F — Google reviewJackie M — Google reviewTerri L — Google review•
Katikati Bird Gardens
Mentioned on
Nature & Parks
Coffee shop
Katikati Bird Gardens is a privately owned park located on the edge of Tauranga Harbour. It boasts delightful gardens, lily ponds, and secret paths, providing a serene environment to enjoy native and colorful birds. Visitors can grab refreshments at the cafe before exploring the gardens and interacting with the fearless ducks, chickens, and various bird species. The shady tree areas offer respite from the sun while observing baby peacocks, ducklings, and chickens.
This was an great place to visit the gardens were nice and there were many trails to follow throughout the gardens. You can buy bags of food for the birds and feed the wild birds. They will all run to you for food and will enen fly onto your arms and head. There are birds everywhere to feed.
Peter S — Google review
We only did a short walk, but really enjoyed it
Lots of chooks etc, very friendly, some even eat our of your hand. Being there in autumn was perfect, nature at it's finest.
Staff very friendly & helpful.
This place is enchanting. Amazing birds full of character, our two boys loved them (they climb on you so he prepared for that!) Cool Balinese style furniture and bits and pieces that make it feel like a big adventure. Two male peacocks and a bunch of females so they do they whole tail thing. Cool playground, charming parrots that talk. Incredible garden walk with exotic and local plants. It's really a gem and wish we'd known about this sooner!
We stopped at the bird garden after seeing the signpost on SH2. It was a great break from a long drive, whether you need coffee, drinks, food, or just a walk in a peaceful garden setting. Also, easy access from main road.
For a small entry fee and only $2 for bird feed we roamed around the winding pathways and lovely gardens, with ducks, chickens, pigeons, doves, Guinea fowl and a couple of spectacular peacocks. All very used to people it seemed. The host was also very friendly and welcoming!
Very good stop for lovely gardens and birds and a cafe for scones and tea. Friendly staff, well laid out path, lots of photographic opportunities. Easy parking. Very reasonably priced. Great for kids. Botanical. Ornithological. Ponds. A few subtle sculptures.
Well kept paths and gardens and you can hire a golf cart if needed. Cute ponds dotted around and a good variety of healthy looking birds. You can buy small bags of bird feed and we saw lots of adorable chicks. The cafe is great and we enjoyed THE BEST Devonshire tea I’ve ever had in New Zealand. All staff are friendly and helpful. Would visit again.
This was the second visit to the bird Gardens, the first time was 5 years ago. The gardens are lovely to walk around and the kids enjoy feeding the ducks, geese and chickens. The peacocks were a delight and it was lovely to see the guinea fowl chasing each other through the meadow.
The play area/fort has fallen into disrepair as has the once glorious rose garden but the newly hatched chick's distracted us from that.
The whole place looks less tidy but the post covid years and the havoc Gabrielle brought could explain a lot. However, the bird enclosures are absolutely dire. Run down, neglected, rusty and empty cages house the magnificently colourful birds. The birds don't have any stimulation, no fruit, no vegetation, other than weeds on top of the enclosures to challenge them. Some cages are so hidden I doubt customers even know they are there. When we left there was no one on site. The parrot food is in larger hanging containers and I got the sense it gets filled up periodically. I may be wrong, the birds look healthy, no feathers missing etc but it was a pitiful sight to see. If I lived in the area I would volunteer to create a better habitat for the birds. I'm writing this in the hope the owners put some effort into the cages. So, would I go again? Nope! Too sad for me.
Not a lot of birds here… and I’m not convinced about the welfare of the birds in the cages (there is a dead parakeet on the ground) but the grounds are absolutely lovely, so I’m giving this five stars because it’s a lovely place to visit! Hopefully the bird gardens will continue to improve their facilities, perhaps adding the kind of cage that you can walk inside - and perhaps have more indigenous birds.
4.3
(692)
4.0
(146)
263 Walker Road East, Aongatete 3178, New Zealand
8Catie C — Google reviewMeinard L — Google reviewVicky W — Google reviewEranga A — Google reviewFiorella M — Google reviewBramwell S — Google reviewElysia K — Google review
Matamata Visitor Information Centre
Tourist information center
Souvenir store
Visitor Centers
Such a lovely lil' visitor center in a cute town near Hobbiton. There are many maps, pamphlets, and souvenirs. You can also mail postcards here. The exterior of this building is amazing, too, especially if you love Hobbit homes. 🏡
Justine B — Google review
Lovely information centre :) they had maps, hobbiton merch, the whole centre was themed on a hobbit house :)
Love the vibe of this area. Went here after Hobbiton Movie Set to meet up with friends and family for dinner. While we waited we took pictures around and enjoyed the small town feel. Area was chill and I might have seen a few hobbitsesss walking about. Love the "Welcome to Hobbiton" sign (dumb of me to forget to take a pic). Great experience!
My 2 grandchildren were curious about the contents of the building. We found an excellent range of tourist products. We were not there to shop but I was impressed by the range and the presentation. One staff member offered the girls a free balloon or sweets, after checking with me that it was okay,which was very kind.
provide a comprehensive, impartial information and booking service for Matamata, Waikato and New Zealand for accommodation, activities, attractions and travel bookings.( Hobbiton tour tickets😀)
Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday – Sunday & Public Holidays: 9:00 am – 4:00pm
Closed Christmas Day
Building very cute
Good attention
I was hoping to see someone for the tour (there is a table for this but haven’t seen anyone)
Lovely souvenirs but those you can find in Amazon I was hoping for something more special
In front of the hobbiton sign
Lovely little town
With a great central business district, with great restaurants pub and cafes, visiting the Hobbiton movie set was a delight and the food there was great too. But be warned weary travellers! Be warned of the cave troll that operates the Information site. The trolls name is Gail and she’s a witch that weaves a web of deceit. She will claim there is only one taxi in town to take you to the hobbit city.
She will call a number and identify herself by name- soon after a scam taxi will arrive and demand 30$ a person - or 120$ for a ten km ride- there only. Gandalf only knows what the goblin taxi driver will charge for a ride back. We had the taxi drive us to our rental and just drove ourselves. 13$- One of us had to stay sober at the Green Dragon pub but it was worth it. Lovely experience overall but don’t let yourself get scammed by Gail the troll or her goblin henchman taxi driving friend. Those two are working together and we didn’t trust them. There are lots of other taxis available. A stain on an otherwise lovely day.
Matamata visitor centre:
After booking the online ticket,take it from a kind staff and wait a hobitton shuttle bus at out of the centre. Let's go to the hobitton movie set
9Alison T — Google reviewRaihah R — Google reviewAroha R — Google reviewLynda — Google reviewBianca H — Google reviewJing Y — Google reviewMichael B — Google review•
Te Waihou Blue Springs (Whites Road entrance)
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Hiking area
Scenic Walking Areas
Blue Spring (Te Waihou Walkway), Whites Road entrance offers a mesmerizing experience with its stunning blue and green water, surrounded by hillsides and regenerating bush. The well-maintained track provides photo opportunities and a chance to spot trout in the clear spring water. The walk, approximately 9km round trip, takes about 4 hours including stops. While some parts can be narrow and there are steps, it's an easy walk overall.
absolutely stunning! 🌿💧 The water is crystal clear with the most beautiful shades of blue and green, and the walk along the river is peaceful and refreshing. It’s the perfect spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy nature. The track is well maintained and easy to walk, suitable for all ages.
Highly recommend visiting if you want to experience one of New Zealand’s most beautiful natural places. Truly magical! ✨
Bansi P — Google review
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!
4.7
(659)
4.5
(221)
Whites Road, Putāruru 3483, New Zealand
10Emily H — Google reviewWayne W — Google reviewCarolyn S — Google reviewDevyn R — Google reviewXavier B — Google reviewLara G — Google reviewVictor M — Google review•
Hamilton Gardens
Mentioned on
Garden
Nature & Parks
Park
Hamilton Gardens is a sprawling 50-hectare landscape located southeast of the city center. It features an array of meticulously designed gardens, including Japanese, Italian Renaissance, and traditional Maori-influenced spaces. Visitors can explore themed enclosed gardens such as Chinese, English, American, and Indian gardens with unique architectural elements like colonnades and pagodas. The park also includes a cafe, restaurant, and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
Located some 120 kilometres from Auckland this experience is a MUST for any lover of gardens and beauty. The Hamilton gardens are by all accounts one of the most impressive botanical gardens to visit to explore gardens of the world. Simply stunning!
Make the stop as part of your trip to Rotorua or Hawke’s Bay.
It’s great value and is just magnificent. Stop at the cafe for coffee before you head off and explore the beautiful spaces.
The tour takes a good two or three hours….
Enjoy
J N — Google review
Well worth a visit, the lake is lovely with little ducklings currently. We went into the enclosed garden (paid entry) and it was worth it. Stunning design and so fun to explore!
We took a lunch break before heading back in. We ended up spending 5 hours there with my senior parents. Plenty of seats along the way to rest and sights and floral displays to photograph. Bring your power bank!
One tip - Make sure you head to Mansfield Garden then to Picturesque Garden to follow the story.
The cafe has menu and items in the cabinet. Highly recommend the apple feijoa smoothie!
Parking was easy. A great experience and highly recommended!
Hamilton Gardens is one of the few places in the city that’s truly worth spending some time exploring. Each themed garden may not be a perfect replication of its cultural origin, but they do a great job showcasing the key elements within the limits of the space — from the pavilions and traditional structures in the Chinese Garden to the tatami-style layout in the Japanese Garden.
I’ve visited many times — sometimes with friends, sometimes with family, and sometimes just by myself. Even within the same garden, the scenery can feel completely different depending on the season, which is part of the charm.
It used to be free, but now non-residents need to purchase a ticket. Staff at the entrance will ask where you’re from and sell the appropriate ticket, and there’s a check at the gate before entry.
The whole park is medium-sized. You can do a quick walk-through in about 30 minutes, or spend half a day strolling slowly through each garden. It’s a wonderful spot for families, offering both relaxation and a bit of education.
A solid 5-star recommendation.
Such an amazing place with amazing spaces. A joy to wander around. You could easily spend the whole day here, there is so many wonderful sights to see. A photographers dream! The eatery has great food when you need to refuel. Well worth the entry fee.
Beautiful place with various gardens from multiple cultures. I was fascinated by the aesthetic and the upkeep of everything. Highly recommend checking this place out for a casual stroll. Admission fee was about NZ$20 You could spend up to a few hours here depending on if you just want to see all the gardens or just relax.
I have been to quite a few gardens all around the world. This one is now my favorite. So much to see and experience. So well laid out. Highly recommend a visit. 3hrs allowed us to walk the entire garden at a leisurely pace.
The Hamilton Gardens truly took me by surprise. I didn’t expect such a wonder — so full of unexpected diversity. The way each garden is shaped by its own culture and country feels absolutely unique, something I’ve never encountered before. Everything is beautifully cared for, charming, and delightfully unusual. And now, in spring, the blossoms add their own magic — a touch of fragrant mystery drifting through every corner.❤️
My wife dragged me here because we couldn't check-in to our hotel as early as we arrived. I'm really glad she did! It was a lovely walk around, plenty to see, and not overly crowded. I appreciated the variety of gardens and how each is unique. There are two little ice cream shops for kids of all ages, including husbands.
If you're passing through, or just want a cool place to walk around and relax, I highly recommend stopping by here.
4.7
(18141)
4.8
(3639)
Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
I'll never travel to Nelson without this trip planner again
11Savannah — Google reviewKim S — Google reviewViolet — Google reviewRae H — Google reviewTamira A — Google reviewJulianna M — Google reviewTania M — Google review•
Hamilton Lake Domain
Mentioned on
Park
Nature & Parks
Hamilton Lake Domain, located in the heart of Hamilton City, offers a picturesque 3.8 km hiking trail around Lake Rotorua. The trail is popular among walkers, runners, and hikers and features lush vegetation alongside the lake, picnic areas, a playground, cafe, and a boardwalk section. Visitors can enjoy various water-based activities such as yachting, windsurfing, kayaking, and paddle boating. The domain also hosts organized events like fairs and family days.
1 round is about 5km..very nice place to walk ..toilet facilities on both sides of the lake..children's playground available...cafe with nice coffee..ample parking...serene environment...definitely 5 star rating
Yeang K — Google review
Bird life, clean paths, range of shaded and non shaded areas. Flat walking track, perfect for any fitness level. Great place to watch the sunset
A sunny spring day at the end of September. Beautiful place to chill and have lunch with the kids. Awesome play areas for toddlers thru to bigger kids. Ice cream shop and cafe. Public toilets. Free parking.
Enjoyable walk around the lake, not too much foot traffic. Track looks maintained and taken care of. Stopped to feed the ducks but a Tuna come up to eat instead :)
We are SO LUCKY to have this asset in our city. Whether you are looking for somewhere to picnic, need a great playground, feel like an ice-cream, want to spend time in nature- or seeking a lovely walk- Hamilton Lake has it all.
Beautiful place for weekend outing with your family. Suddenly you feel like you are in Dubai.. because of the palm trees!
The children's playground I'd fabulous and offers children a safe place to play and exercise. There is a closed off area for smaller children to safely play.
Great venue for dragon boating event. Clean, tidy. Lots of grass. Good toilet facilities.Nice playground for kids.Thank you Tron!
4.6
(5833)
4.5
(574)
Ruakiwi Road, Hamilton Lake, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
12Thomas W — Google reviewNatalie B — Google reviewDavid B — Google reviewAlison B — Google reviewFlorjan C — Google reviewLuke M — Google reviewLaureen L — Google review•
Sanctuary Mountain - Maungatautari
Mentioned on
Ecological park
Nature & Parks
Islands
Sanctuary Mountain - Maungatautari, also known as the 'floating mountain,' is a vast mainland conservation island in New Zealand. It offers three enclosures featuring wetlands, old-growth forests, and native birdlife. The area provides various hiking trails suitable for families, from challenging hikes to gentle bushwalks. As one of New Zealand's largest eco-sanctuaries, it serves as a predator-free haven for endangered native species like kiwi and kaka.
This was a Must Do and finally everything came together and we managed to go . Thanks to Rosie for the short guided tour explaining just SOME of the reasons Maungatautari was entirely fenced . This Sanctuary is all self funded so every tour/self guided walk, food, gifts and $$ spent go back to the Sanctuary. Please Go do this the tracks are great , we'll maintained , lots of great information. Highly Recommend Sanctuary Mountain.
Brian M — Google review
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.
4.8
(732)
5.0
(200)
99 Tari Road, Pukeatua 3880, New Zealand
13Susan A — Google reviewPam M — Google reviewMercPri — Google reviewGillian A — Google reviewPaul W — Google reviewCameron H — Google reviewGeorgie W — Google review•
River Valley
Mentioned on
Hotel
Outdoor Activities
Nestled in the heart of the Manawatu-Wanganui region, River Valley Lodge is not your typical hostel. It offers a range of adventurous activities such as white water rafting, hikes, and a unique gold mining era-inspired river crossing. The lodge provides various accommodation options from backpacker-style bunkrooms to luxurious ensuite double rooms, making it an ideal base for exploring the central North Island.
I recently booked an 8-day riding holiday, and it was truly a memorable adventure. The breathtaking scenery, reliable horses, and wonderful guides made every moment enjoyable. We were blessed with perfect weather, allowing both people and horses to swim in the river. The food was not only delicious and healthy but also plentiful. Our guides even surprised us with delightful treats now and then, which added a special touch. On our last day, we had an exhilarating white-water rafting adventure led by an experienced and knowledgeable guide. Each evening, dinner was a joyous occasion where guests and staff came together to relax, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company after a long day outdoors. The exceptional warmth from everyone involved made the trip truly special.
Yveline C — Google review
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!
4.8
(201)
5.0
(107)
River Valley Lodge 266 Mangahoata Road, RD2, Taihape 4792, New Zealand
14Gurpreet K — Google reviewLee L — Google reviewEugene T — Google reviewNesh K — Google reviewMatt _ — Google reviewCampbelljanelucy — Google reviewCaleb M — Google review•
National Army Museum
Mentioned on
Army museum
Museums
The National Army Museum in New Zealand offers a comprehensive look at the country's military history, covering conflicts from the Colonial NZ land Wars to more modern engagements. The museum features outdoor displays as well as interior exhibits showcasing small arms, medals, large vehicles, artillery cannons, dioramas, photographs and paintings. Visitors can expect to spend several hours exploring the extensive collections and learning about various historical periods and peacekeeping efforts. Families will find engaging activities for kids, including dressing up in Kids HQ.
Fantastic museum! My kids enjoyed it too. Very well kept, lots to look at and enjoy. Kids HQ was great and the clipboards with iSpy for the kiddos was fabulous too. Lovely little Cafe on site with gift shop which we couldn't help but grab a few lovely souvenirs to take back to QLD Australia to remind us of home. 10/10. Family Pass $35, well worth it.
Stevie G — Google review
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.
4.6
(3501)
4.5
(235)
State Highway One &, Hassett Drive, Waiouru 4861, New Zealand
15
Ohakune Old Coach Road
Mentioned on
Outdoor Activities
Biking Trails
Explore the Ohakune Old Coach Road in New Zealand and delve into the country's railway heritage. This historic route was once a crucial transportation link between two railheads on the North Island main trunk line before they were connected in 1908. Today, it forms part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, providing an enchanting multi-terrain path for cycling and walking enthusiasts. With its rich history and family-friendly appeal, it offers a delightful experience for all visitors.
4.7
(223)
Manawatū-Whanganui Region, New Zealand
I'll never travel to Nelson without this trip planner again
16Peter K — Google reviewSimon B — Google reviewM S — Google reviewCathryn S — Google reviewAyesha S — Google reviewBridget M — Google reviewGeoff Z — Google review•
Lake Virginia
Mentioned on
Lake
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
Lake Virginia, also known as Rotokawau, is a picturesque park located just 4 minutes from the town center, offering a tranquil escape with its level walking track around the lake. The area boasts a variety of birdlife and plants to admire, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy a leisurely walk or have a picnic while feeding the ducks.
Awesome walk around the lake to feed the ducks, swans, geese and more! Bonus points to anyone that spots the turtles in the lake. Have a stroll through the winter gardens too! It's all amazing!
Fish4anotherday — Google review
Lovely, very well maintained small size lake. Popular with walkers and joggers. Nice vegetation with lots of paths, all around.
You could say, it's romantic too.
Always good values. Lots of waterfowl. Great gardens. Shadey well-maintained walkway. Walk-through Avery. Wintergardens. Enchanting.
Beautiful gardens, especially with Autumn colours. Very family friendly.
Very fond memories from my childhood of this park... and I was not disappointed some 50 years later. Still plenty of ducks and a couple of large swans. A fun encounter as they came out of the lake wanting food.
The Winter Garden was beautiful... and loved the Christmas theming.
What a magical place for walks picnic with family etc etc. Beautiful walk around the lake well maintained clean tidy. Just love going for walks around here. Lovely winter garden and bird sanctuary. Must visit when you are in whanganui.
Virginia Lake is an excellent place to wind down, whether that be a walk around the lake, or a stop at the nearby coffee shop further up the bank. There are numerous wildlife living in and by the lake, many of which will come up to you. The greenery is well-kept, and it is a pleasure to see as you walk around the outskirts of the lake.
A really delightful place for either a short or longer walk around the lake. Beautifully peaceful
4.7
(91)
4.6
(434)
St Johns Hill, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand, USA
17Chris T — Google reviewAndrew K — Google reviewChristopher P — Google reviewVinay P — Google reviewAaron J — Google reviewEugene E — Google reviewMike M — Google review•
Durie Hill Elevator
Mentioned on
Transportation service
Sights & Landmarks
The Durie Hill Elevator, a unique attraction in Whanganui, New Zealand, is the only one of its kind south of the Equator. Built in 1919 to provide easy access to the Durie Hill Garden Suburb, this underground elevator offers visitors an exciting way to explore the area and enjoy breathtaking views.
We have visited this location twice, as it was definitely worth a re-visit to Whanganui after some years away.
The Durie Hill Tower and Elevator are probably the first places you think of when you think of Whanganui. They are both stunning, giving views of the city and nearby Tasman Sea.
The elevator takes you down to the bottom but the views from the top are neat as they are.
Straan W — Google review
The walk through the tunnel towards the elevator is well lit with changing colours. The elevator itself is still an experience not to be missed. Nice to know it is run by paid staff now.
Lovely views of Wanganui city and the river from the rooftop.
Even though I live but a stone's throw away from this incredible transportation attraction, I haven't visited it for some time.
Here's some picture updates of this must see one-of-a-kind in NZ...from the top anyway.
We were naive and didn't look up their operating hours (showed up 8 mins to closing), but the operator was very friendly and let us walk down to the bottom before taking the lift back up as his last ride of the day.
Worth the stop here if you're passing through as the experience in the tunnel is quite unique — especially if you're the only party there. This is one of two community-servicing elevators left in the world, and the ride is very affordable!
Nice experience with the short tunnel with colourful lights. Durie hill lift is very old school but very well maintained. Nice view from the top. Worth visiting if you haven’t been there. Prefer to park the car at the car parking close to the river bridge and go for a short walk and enjoy the tunnel walk and hill view.
Cool view overlooking the town. Fun for kids to walk the tunnel with the lights
A great place to climb to the top and view the Whangnui river of to the Sea, and surrounding area. Wonderful for photos. The platform at the top is open, but fenced. Probably a dozen parking spots at the foot of the tower
This is a real kiwi hidden gem.
Well worth a look if you are a visitor to Whanganui. The Elevator is one of only two in the world and was built to allow a new garden suburb to be developed in 1919. A real social experiment. At the top of the ride is the suburb worth a few minutes exploring especially the different building styles of the 1900s to 1930s.
It's only a couple of dollars ,the staff are passionate and knowledgeable.
Photos are taken from the WW1 tower at the top of the elevator ride
4.6
(706)
4.4
(413)
42 Anzac Parade, Tunnel Entrance - Upper Landing is at 2 Blyth Street, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand
18Macca — Google reviewFraser B — Google reviewTruis O — Google reviewDavid F — Google reviewKevin A — Google reviewRebecca H — Google reviewGreg B — Google review
Tui Brewery (Tui HQ)
Brewery
Food & Drink
Bar
Cafe
Conference center
Event venue
Went to a wedding recently in the flagon room. Right from the start with booking, the venue staff were amazing. The food was simply spectacular. The potato gratin was really the best I've ever had, the ham and salads were brilliant. Atmosphere was great as well.
For any function, this venue should be considered with good parking, and easy access for less able bodied people.
Jodi M — Google review
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.
19Eliana C — Google reviewPaul T — Google reviewGreer C — Google reviewPamela — Google reviewLucy T — Google reviewNoel J — Google reviewEranga A — Google review•
Te Manawa Museum
Mentioned on
Art museum
Museums
Te Manawa Museum, located in Palmerston North, has been a cultural center since 1971. It offers a diverse range of exhibits and events that celebrate art, science, and heritage. The museum features contemporary art, social and natural history displays, as well as interactive family activities. Visitors can explore the gallery showcasing captivating photography, paintings, and crafts by both local and international artists. With regularly changing displays alongside permanent exhibits, every visit to Te Manawa is unique.
Super friendly staff. It was free, lots of activities for kids and adults. Really great for family outing.
Recommended Santa Cave.
Lena K — Google review
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.
4.6
(1063)
4.5
(241)
326 Main Street, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
20V._. P — Google reviewDonna N — Google reviewHans D — Google reviewIvy S — Google reviewChris C — Google reviewLuis L — Google reviewNeil B — Google review•
The Victoria Esplanade
Mentioned on
Park
Nature & Parks
Gardens
The Victoria Esplanade is a beloved inner city park in Palmerston North, New Zealand, spanning 19 hectares along the Manawatu River. It boasts stunning gardens, bird aviaries, nature trails, and a large duck pond. Visitors can enjoy free barbecue facilities and a children's paddling pool and playgrounds. The park also features an onsite cafe serving delicious treats and drinks. Additionally, there's an extensive miniature railway offering rides on weekends and holidays for a small fee.
Absolutely stunning park with lots of trails for walking/ bike paths.
It would take days to discover everything.
Rose gardens were phenomenal.
Clean & Safe for walking as a woman.
The river ads a nice touch.
Go because you won’t regret it.
Sarah T — Google review
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
4.7
(3255)
4.5
(506)
1 Palm Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand
I'll never travel to Nelson without this trip planner again
21Angel P — Google reviewBhawana J — Google reviewNadine N — Google reviewYY X — Google reviewJamie F — Google reviewZac Z — Google reviewMark D — Google review•
Levin Adventure Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Playgrounds
Amazing park. Brilliant for children. The park has everything that you need from flying foxes, swings, slides, everything. Perfect place to stop if you are out and about on a road trip or just running chores around town with the kids. Amazing park and a must go if you have children.
Benjamin O — Google review
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.
4.7
(2330)
5.0
(121)
93 Oxford Street, Levin 5510, New Zealand
22Cathy M — Google reviewAlex L — Google reviewLorraine C — Google reviewNelly K — Google reviewSimon H — Google reviewJohn S — Google reviewVicky B — Google review•
Cobblestones Museum
Museum
After school program
Event venue
Heritage preservation
Store
Wedding venue
History Museums
Excellent museum, beautifully maintained. We spent a good 2 hours here. Lovely staff. Well worth a visit.
Moya C — Google review
What a wonderful, interesting museum! I popped in for a qyick passing by visit and left hours later - so much to see and do! I was enthralled the whole time! Julie, at reception, was very knowledgeable and helpful. I highly recommend.
My husband and I renewed our vows in the Cobblestone Museum Church on the 13th of September this year. It was an absolute dream communicating our wishes to Julie Mcghie (the Museum Co-ordinator). She always replied to our (many) questions in a timely and warm manner. We can’t think of anything that Julie and the team could have changed to improve the experience! They were incredibly helpful throughout the whole planning process and the ceremony itself went very smoothly. Sending a massive thank you from Germany!
Great place for all ages to visit. Lots of interesting facts and things to see about the History of the Settlers. Beautiful and Peaceful. A must see. 😊
Such a wonderful little museum! Great for schools, families & people just interested in how we lived 100 years ago. The family home that would've housed 10 children was a real eye opener!
Really enjoyed our visit. Great insights into the lives of early settlers. We spent a couple of hours here. Recommended.
Great labour day weekend event, some cool cars there too. More food facilities would keep people there longer.
Really interesting place to visit when in Greytown! They are always adding new exhibits and great to see how things use to be and learn a bit of history about what life was like when people arrived in the region!
4.4
(32)
4.5
(99)
169 Main Street, Greytown 5712, New Zealand
23Samundra R — Google reviewNeil F — Google reviewWade N — Google reviewSkyla K — Google reviewLord G — Google reviewMariana V — Google reviewAnson A — Google review•
Southward Car Museum
Mentioned on
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Southward Car Museum is a treasure trove for automotive enthusiasts and history lovers alike, showcasing an extensive collection of over 400 classic cars and motorcycles that span from the 1800s to modern times.
A real look back at the automotive history, when vehicles had such individual looks, even a total copper body vehicle. Motorbikes, planes, but mostly cars.
Also a cafe, huge parking area and a great feel about the place , so well maintained.
Roger B — Google review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Southward Car Museum in Paraparaumu, and I must say, it exceeded all expectations. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was struck with awe at the sheer size, scale, and beauty of the collection. It truly felt like walking through a living timeline of automotive history.
The museum houses an extraordinary variety of vehicles—ranging from some of the earliest models that shaped the beginnings of motoring, through to iconic classics, racing legends, luxury cars, and even rare motorcycles. Each piece is immaculately preserved and displayed with care, and I was amazed at how close you could get to these works of engineering art. You don’t just see cars; you experience the innovation, stories, and history behind them.
What impressed me further was the thoughtful way the museum is organized. Every turn revealed something unique, whether it was a vintage Rolls Royce, a finely detailed American classic, or a quirky car with a fascinating backstory. There is a sense of wonder at every corner. The sheer diversity of the collection makes it enjoyable not only for car enthusiasts but also for anyone who appreciates history, craftsmanship, and culture.
The museum itself is spacious, well-lit, and easy to navigate. Staff members were welcoming, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the collection, adding even more richness to the visit. It’s not just a car museum—it’s a celebration of human creativity and progress.
Southward Car Museum is a true treasure of New Zealand. I left feeling inspired and amazed, and I would highly recommend it to anyone—locals, tourists, families, or solo travelers. It is more than worth the visit.
Absolutely incredible collection and well worth the visit. We had the place to ourselves on a weekday morning. Took our time to look at both floors and the mezzanine. The place is awesome. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable.
We had a great day at southwards today. So much to see and all the new interactive stations were so informative and entertaining. I last visited over 12 years ago and the manager remembered my visit (for all the right reasons) and his team were very welcoming and helpful. The new additions to the fleet were great to see also.
We had fun learning about Lens life and his adventures.
What an amazing place to go. So clean and tidy. Amazing presentation and display of our automobile history. An amazing job and story from Sir Len and Lady Vera. The legacy lives on today. I would highly recommend.
Awesome place to visit, been here many times ever since I was a kid, now in my 50s. The one thing I'm not happy about though, is the fact that quite a few of the cars & motorbikes that are there, are ones I grew up with, LOL! I must be getting old!
Fun for the family especially on a rainy day, so many cool cars to see, and stories about them and the founder.
Great place for someone who want to have a slice of vintage cars.. and the beauties
4.7
(1802)
4.7
(448)
Otaihanga Road, Otaihanga 5036, New Zealand
24Sarah K — Google reviewL S — Google reviewKhin M — Google reviewJusenn C — Google reviewJoanne L — Google reviewAbhishek ( — Google reviewAnton A — Google review•
Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café
Mentioned on
Wildlife park
Nature & Parks
Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café is a charming animal farm and petting zoo nestled in the picturesque Akatarawa Valley. Visitors can enjoy tractor rides, feed the wildlife, and explore the natural beauty of the surroundings. The reserve offers a delightful opportunity for both adults and children to interact with friendly animals in a well-maintained environment. While some find the café's offerings satisfactory, others appreciate its rustic charm.
I love this place. Not much animal but the interaction and environment is beautiful. My family enjoyed it. They have a lot of birds. The tractor ride is cool, feels like back home. There is heaps of parking space, animal food is monitored so if you get there late you won't be able to get the food as the animals are already full. Be careful it might be slippery if it got wet. It will be better to go there with your picnic basket and enjoy the time. We went there for just two hours and it is not enough😁
Elna B — Google review
A Wonderful Family Day Out at Staglands!
We had an amazing time at Staglands – it's such a cool spot for a family adventure. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the staff really care about both the animals and the visitors. They were friendly, helpful, and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
One of the highlights was the fire pit where we got to roast marshmallows – a simple but magical touch that the kids absolutely loved. The café was another pleasant surprise: delicious food and great coffee made it a perfect stop to refuel.
The only downside is the road getting there – it’s a bit rough and winding, so take your time. But honestly, the drive is worth it for the experience that awaits at the end. Staglands is a gem, and we’ll definitely be back!
Great place for families and friends to go to! So many cute animals! Lovely walk as well, took us about 2 hours to complete since we stopped to greet all the animals
Only issue I had was not even Staglands' fault, there were lots of kids I saw chasing after animals and touching them when they clearly didn't want to be touched like seriously??
I’ve visited Staglands twice, and both visits have been fantastic! The reserve is beautifully maintained, with lovely bush walks and plenty of animals to see. The café is a perfect spot to relax with delicious food. My child especially loves feeding the animals and cuddling the rabbits. Between the wildlife, the scenery, and the peaceful atmosphere, it’s the perfect day out. Can’t wait for our third visit!
We went to the place last Mother's day, it was such a fun and memorable experience. The weather was perfect, and we got to see so many amazing animals up close. Walking through the different exhibits. We fed them and took some great photos. It was a day filled with laughter, discovery, and great memories.
Staglands Wildlife Reserve & Café is an absolute hidden gem in Upper Hutt, offering the perfect blend of tranquility, animal encounters, and Kiwi hospitality. We arrived quite late in the afternoon but even with limited hours, the experience was magical. The family-friendly atmosphere is undeniable peaceful pathways winding through native bush, friendly farm animals (goats, deer etc
) eager for gentle pats, and beautifully maintained aviaries.
Though the main café was closing, the self-check-out process was incredibly smooth and hassle-free. This thoughtful touch meant we didn’t feel rushed and could still soak in the final moments of serenity. What truly warmed our hearts, however, was meeting the owner.Their genuine kindness and passion for Staglands shone through in just a brief chat. We made a promise right then to return for a full day trip and we absolutely intend to keep it!
First visit to Staglands on Father’s Day with family. A beautiful spot to spend the day together. Parking was a bit tricky at first, but everything else was fantastic. The winding road is worth it for the stunning views. A must-visit!
This was an excellent experience for all ages. Anyone from young kids to adults will enjoy walking around. They have a variety of animals from sheep to goats and emus to interact with. There are also a number of very curious birds. You can buy bags of feed for $3.50. It is well worth it.
4.7
(2108)
4.5
(659)
2362 Akatarawa Road, Akatarawa Valley, Upper Hutt 5372, New Zealand
25
Pinnacles Track
Outdoor Activities
Geologic Formations
Hiking Trails
Pinnacles Track is a unique hiking trail in New Zealand, featuring massive stone pillars that stand out from the surrounding rocky terrain. Shaped by a stream over thousands of years, these imposing rock formations offer a one-of-a-kind experience for hikers exploring the North Island. The Reserve offers three distinct routes for visitors to explore, making it an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in natural beauty and geological wonders.
4.6
(189)
Wellington Region 5772, New Zealand
I'll never travel to Nelson without this trip planner again
26J-Ho C — Google reviewJT — Google reviewAlexander W — Google reviewNico B — Google reviewPia P — Google reviewAndreas A — Google reviewNicola H — Google review•
Wellington
Mentioned on
Ferry terminal
Transportation
Ferries
Wellington's ferry terminal is a bustling hub, so it's wise to arrive early to secure a seat or a good spot in line for the ferry. There are plenty of food options on board, including breakfast and lunch in the lounge. The staff are friendly and efficient, ensuring easy boarding for both passengers and vehicles. The journey from Picton to Wellington offers pristine sights from the upper viewing deck, with clean amenities and comfortable seating throughout the vessel.
It is a beautiful and charming city with a casual and relaxed vibe. Beaches, gardens, and scenery with a vibrant restaurant, cafe, and pub culture.
David W — Google review
#NZ 04 2024 FamilyTrip#
A good experience, used ferry to crossover from North island to South island. All workers and procedure runs well, everything well managed. Just follow the instruction when booked online.
There are meals inside ferry.
Can choose & pay according to own choices. Else, just sit at any seat provided.
Just.. Toilet not well maintained.
Need to have cleaner & fix faulty doors.
Easy boarding with a vehicle to head to the South Island . Staff are exceptionally trained , very efficient & friendly.
The ferry departed on time and arrived at the Picton terminal precisely on schedule .
Amenities and restaurants were clean throughout the vessel . Seating ample & very comfortable.
I spent a fair bit of the trip on the upper viewing deck & thoroughly enjoyed the pristine sights along this remarkable trip.
Highly recommended for great service & reasonably priced value .
Brilliant service and an excellent way to enjoy the trip across the straight while taking in some of NZ's best scenery. Booking the plus lounge is worth every dollar.
It is pricy but on a good day you get spectacular views on the sands. People and staff was friendly and professional. You wait a little between check-in and being loaded on the ship. Don’t come too early, if you are there by check-in time or a little before it is absolutely fine.
Relax and enjoy. I was surprised that prices for e.g. coffee on board were rather reasonable.
Ferry was on time and everything went smooth - we can recommend it.
Nice and very helpful and friendly staff. They took us all though we came too later and all gates have been closed already!! Thank you interislander company for this treat, we appriciated it very much! Awesome view especially in the sounds- lots of dolphins around that day. Quietly atmosphere on the boat (sitting and food area) and super helpful interaction on the boat while our cruise. Warm meals available! Thank you for a awesome nice very warm hearted kiwi experience!
Our experience at the terminal and the ferry itself was quite pleasant. Fast and efficient service and a large selection of food and driks.
When travelling from Wellington to Picton on the water you’ll love the old school style and convenience of the MV Kaitaki. This is a roll-on/roll-off ferry built in 1995.
It has a great covered in viewing area and good bar with plenty of PowerPoints for working on your lap top.
A simple but well prepared menu and super well trained staff make this a really enjoyable trip. Relax and enjoy.
4.1
(273)
4.2
(4570)
Wellington Ferry Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
27S V — Google reviewFrancesandfrancis — Google reviewNadia S — Google reviewCatherine A — Google reviewCohen S — Google reviewDranod — Google reviewPamela J — Google review•
Wellington Cable Car
Mentioned on
Transportation service
Transportation
The Wellington Cable Car, the only operating funicular in New Zealand, has been in service since 1902. It provides stunning panoramic views of the city and offers a visit to the historic museum. A must-visit attraction is Te Papa, an interactive national museum showcasing the stories of Aotearoa New Zealand. After riding the iconic cable car, visitors can enjoy breathtaking city views while indulging in ice cream at the top.
An Absolute Wellington Essential Iconic Views & Easy Access!
No trip to Wellington is complete without riding the iconic Cable Car! It’s a charming, efficient, and quintessential Wellington experience that delivered exactly what we hoped for: stunning views and seamless access to the Botanic Garden.
The journey itself is delightful. Boarding at the historic Lambton Quay station (easy to find!), the bright red car smoothly ascends through the cool hillside tunnel before bursting out to reveal breathtaking panoramic views over the city, harbour, and surrounding hills. It’s a short ride (approx. 5 minutes), but the vistas unfolding as you climb are genuinely special. We loved spotting landmarks like the Beehive and Te Papa from above. Great photo ops throughout!
The top station is more than just a viewpoint. It houses a small but interesting Cable Car Museum(free entry!) detailing the history, which we enjoyed. The real bonus? You step out directly into the stunning Wellington Botanic Garden.It’s the perfect starting point for exploring the lush trails, Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Peace Garden, and Space Place observatory (tickets required). You can easily spend hours wandering down.
Key Tips for Visitors:
Frequency:Runs every 10 minutes, very reliable. Check latest times online.
Tickets:Use the Snapper card (common on Wellington buses) for the cheapest fare, or buy a single/return ticket at the station. Consider a combo ticket with Space Place if interested.
Best Seats: For the best views downhill, try to get a forward-facing window seat.
All-Weather Fun:A perfect activity even on wet or windy Wellington days (it's covered!).
Walking Back:Many people ride up and enjoy a scenic walk down through the gardens highly recommended!
Accessibility: Modern cars and stations are wheelchair accessible.
The Wellington Cable Car is efficient, scenic, historically charming, and the perfect gateway to the beautiful Botanic Garden. It offers incredible value and iconic views packed into a short, enjoyable ride. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local showing friends around, it's an absolute must-do and earns its status as a top attraction. 5 stars! A highlight of our Wellington visit.
Joanne L — Google review
It is a funicular railway in Wellington, New Zealand between Lambton Quay, the main shopping street in the central city, and Kelburn, a suburb in the hills overlooking the central city and Wellington Harbour. The cable car route rises 120 m over a length of 609 m. The trip takes about 5 minutes each way and is a very popular ride and place at the top, lots of tourists and locals. You can get to the summit by car or public transport as well. Plenty of free parking available at the summit. Toilets available at summit and base. Cafes and restaurants available. At the top you can visit the cable car museum, botanic gardens. Lots of people here, careful with personal belongings. Easy terrain, lot of easy walking. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Lovely place for picnic. Great place for photography. You can also walk down safe tracks from the summit to the city terminal like we did. Cable car fees payable.
This local cable car is a historic Wellington icon and a must-try experience when visiting the city. It not only takes you to the entrance of the Wellington Botanic Garden, but also offers a beautiful scenic view of the city as you ride uphill.
At the top, you’ll find a viewing deck with fantastic city panoramas, the Cable Car Museum, and a café that serves great coffee — a perfect spot to relax and take in the view.
For a return fare of just $10 NZD, it’s an affordable and enjoyable way to experience one of Wellington’s classic attractions. Highly recommended for both locals and tourists exploring the city!
Very cool - right in the middle of the city (Lambton Quay shopping and business area - CBD). The entrance to the ticket booth is tucked into an alleyway. I came upon it unexpectedly whilst walking around . Runs every 10 minutes. Lovely views on the ride up with commentary.
Nice little coffee shop at the top. Had a delicious cappuccino and a tasty treat. Enjoyed the great views. I decided to walk back down through the botanical gardens on well laid, paved paths passing through clearly marked gardens. Highly recommend. Marvelous children's playground along the way.
I saw signs while at the top for the observatory but didn't have enough time to check it out.
I recommend to buying a one way going up as it's very easy and simple to purchase your return if you decide to ride down instead of walk down.
Give this delightful adventure time, don't be in a hurry. There's also a public bus at the top of you want to go elsewhere.
It was a shite day weather wise but who cares when you have such a lovely visual experience going through the tunnel. The views were spectacular from the top. Beloved the museum/shop also.
Staff might want to smile and be a little friendly. 😃
Always a great ride on the cable. Friendly team and easy to navigate the station.
I went recently to specifically see the winding room in action as they were doing an open day was really cool to see and learn how it works from the team who look after and drive the cars.
A typically wet and cool day, the gardens are a stop I'll be back for.
The museum and food well worth the stop. Keep an eye out for pickpockets, nearly broke the toes of a dude trying to steal my gopro. They operate in pairs/groups. Only place in my entire trip I ran into this.
Great smooth ride to the top.You can get off and walk around the little township. Cafe near the cable car is great. The museum of the historic the cable car was fantastic.
4.5
(6909)
4.3
(6724)
280 Lambton Quay, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
28Karthik V — Google reviewSwapna R — Google reviewFrancesandfrancis — Google reviewNicky H — Google reviewCoco F — Google reviewKevin N — Google reviewRiccardo R — Google review•
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Mentioned on
Museum
Specialty Museums
The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is a must-visit attraction in Wellington, offering free admission to its extensive collection. This national museum showcases natural history, cultural exhibits, and fine arts across six levels. Visitors can explore interactive displays and national treasures, including indigenous Maori exhibitions and the national art collection. Notable attractions include a colossal squid specimen and an earthquake simulator.
We had one day in Wellington and the weather was gorgeous so I wasn’t particularly keen on spending time indoors at a museum. We do love museums though so we thought we’d check it out and I’m so glad we did. The gallipoli exhibit was the best that I’ve seen, it’s something that should not be missed. The exhibit has been done in conjunction with Weta Workshop who did Lord of the Rings. Amazing doesn’t even cover it.
The entire museum is quite interactive with a lot of interesting things for both kids and adults.
A visit to this museum should not be missed
Natasha R — Google review
Great experience. The strong point of this museum is their story telling ability. The Anzac war effort in Turkey has been so well exhibited. One of my favourite museums. Highly recommended.
I had an absolutely fantastic time visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington! The war exhibition was incredibly moving and well-curated, offering deep insights into New Zealand’s military history with engaging displays and detailed narratives. The nature exhibition was equally impressive, showcasing the country’s unique biodiversity in a way that was both educational and visually stunning. I particularly enjoyed learning about the Māori way of living, which was presented with respect and authenticity, providing a rich understanding of their culture, traditions, and history. Overall, the museum is a treasure trove of knowledge, beautifully blending interactive exhibits with informative content. Highly recommend it to anyone visiting Wellington!
If you love museums and history, this is an absolute must-visit when you’re in Wellington, New Zealand. The museum offers an impressive collection showcasing New Zealand’s natural history, from its unique plants and animals to fascinating exhibits on the country’s connection with earthquakes and volcanoes.
One of the highlights is the earthquake simulator, which gives you a firsthand experience of what an actual earthquake feels like — both educational and memorable. Before you leave, make sure to head up to the roof deck for a beautiful view of the Wellington Harbour and parts of the CBD.
A well-curated and engaging museum that’s perfect for visitors of all ages — a great way to learn more about New Zealand’s unique environment and heritage.
Best musuem I have ever been to. It was stunning. All the information and hands on parts were so cool. We went to the main floor to kill some time before our check in and were blown away by how interesting everything was. Went back the next day (tickets are good for 48hrs) and went through the rest. While we were there, the Gallipoli exhibition was on display. I was blown away by the detail in the large sculptures. This musuem was a great way to end our trip to the north island. A beautiful place and we learned so much. Thank you
Wonderful National Museum. The exhibits are some of the best, very realistic and well maintained. The cultural section of the museum showcased the impressive skills and history of The Maori. The Gallipoli exhibit was informative and captured battles and wartime conditions in an accurate, thoughtful manner. This museum is one of the best we've had the pleasure of visiting. Well worth the trip.
A great place to learn about the history of New Zealand. Exhibits were thoughtfully laid out and well presented. The Gallipoli war exhibit had some very realistic, larger than scale figures that depict the emotions and agony during wartime. They have lockers for rent to store your bag. I thought 2 hours would be enough time to see everything, but ended up taking 3.5 hours going at a steady pace. I learned so much about New Zealand.
One of the things that impressed us most about New Zealand is the incredible attention to detail in organising everything a visitor might encounter — and the museums are no exception. Te Papa is an essential experience for anyone passing through Wellington. It doesn’t just tell the socio-cultural history of the country, but also its natural history, local fauna and flora, with numerous interactive installations. What I love most is when a museum literally “puts things in your hands” — artefacts, objects, faithful reproductions — so you can truly understand what you’re looking at instead of just seeing items behind glass.
We really appreciated the floor dedicated to climate change and the country’s geothermal and seismic evolution, as well as the floor focused on social issues, cultural globalisation, and social inclusion.
4.7
(25144)
4.7
(14421)
55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
29Nesh K — Google reviewKarthik V — Google reviewAlfredo — Google reviewSajeev T — Google reviewBernard S — Google reviewNicky H — Google reviewCornelius B — Google review•
Wellington Botanic Garden
Mentioned on
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
Gardens
Wellington Botanic Garden, established in 1868, spans 61 acres and offers a variety of attractions for visitors. It features native bush, a tropical greenhouse, seasonal beds, and colorful floral displays. The garden provides numerous walking routes suitable for families or solo explorers seeking a peaceful retreat from the city.
Beautiful botanical gardens. You can get up there using the cable car, which is very nice and has a nice view. Many birds to spot as well, blackbirds, Tūī, Kākā, and other small birds as well
Gabriel T — Google review
It is a beautiful and peaceful spot in the heart of the city. It has lovely walking paths, themed gardens like the Rose Garden and Begonia House, and great views from the Cable Car. Free entry, family-friendly, and perfect for nature lovers.
Outstanding garden with really beautiful flowers. The walkways are clean and easily accessible.
Many of the flowers are from the Southern Hemisphere and so for visitors from the rest of the world, it's a really unique experience.
Special mention for the bees and birds who aren't really that afraid of humans.
A must visit of you love flowers.
A sunny day took us to the top of the hill by cable car for the second time in two days. Besides the beautiful view of the city and the bay, the gardens offer the opportunity to stroll and relax in an environment where nature predominates. Plants unique to this country, such as kauri, and flowers of many types are also present. The little ones also have the opportunity to learn the names of some plants, such as the aromatic ones used in cooking. The rose garden is a sight to behold. The pond with its waterfall and a few ducks is also lovely. Not to be missed. Free access.
Very beautiful botanic gardens with bright flowers, colourful and interesting trees. The gardens have nice walking trails with many areas of interests, like the Duck Pond, Rose Gardens etc. Some of the trees are very beautiful (and probably exotic). Many flowers were in bloom during the visit and we could spot many butterflies. Need about half day to explore the place. Combine with a visit to the cable car at one side of the botanic garden.
With its connection to Te Ahumeranga hill and beyond, the Botanic Garden is like a lung situated right next foor to Wellingtons Central Business District and it's main arterial highway. There are a good number of activities in the park ranging from the Cable Car connecting to Lambton Quay the Cable Car Museum a scenic café a collection of observatories including the Space Place all the way to the Rose Garden and childrens' play areas. On a sunny day it is a delight to stroll here.
What a beautiful place to walk around. We were short on time and the day we went was the nicest of the days we had in Wellington. We did not get to see everything but what we did see was stunning. The amount of beauty was amazing. The flow of plants is perfect. I do wish to go back and see more. So much to enjoy
Always well worth a visit when going to
Wellington, especially taking the cable cart up and then walking down back to the CBD. The rose garden is a must see but not in bloom yet at thus time of year (spring).
4.6
(9993)
4.5
(3714)
101 Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
30
Mount Victoria
Mentioned on
Sights & Landmarks
Lookouts
Mount Victoria is a suburb in central Wellington, New Zealand, named after the 196-meter hill to the east. The residential area is situated on its north-western slopes. It offers stunning panoramic views of Wellington city, the harbor, and Cook Strait. There are various tracks for hiking and mountain biking that lead up and around Mount Vic, with a lookout track leading to the top for breathtaking views of the entire city.
4.6
(3049)
Wellington, New Zealand
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