Day trips fro
m Hamilton
Using Hamilton as a base, the surrounding region offers endless activities for all tastes, budgets, and levels of fitness.
With short travel times - up to an hour - getting around is easy and quick, leaving more time to take in the sights and experiences of our region.
The four tours below to different areas show you what to see and do, organised as a comfortable day trip from Hamilton. Click on the regional map to see where each of the tours takes place.
Contact our friendly and knowledgable i-SITE staff to find out more about these tours or for assistance in planning and booking them.
Spas and Middle Earth
Travel to the east of Hamilton
Highlights
- Hot mineral pools and the world's only soda hot water geyser at Te Aroha, late Victorian/early Edwardian spa town.
- Tour of the "Lord of the Rings" film set, 'Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours" in Matamata, known for dairy farming and heritage.
Options
- Skydiving, gliding, mountain-biking, bush walks, golf, exploring old gold mining sites, antique shops, art galleries, farm tours, arboretum and sculpture park.
Eco/Scenic
- Wairere Falls, Mount Te Aroha forest park, Kaimai-Mamaku Range
Heritage and Nature Trails
Travel to the south of Hamilton
Highlights
- Maungatautari Ecological Island - pest-proof fence surrounding the mountain and re-introduced native wildlife, including the kiwi.
- Funky arts and crafts outlets in Tirau, featuring unique corrugated iron buildings and signs.
- Te Waihou Walkway near Putaruru – three-hour return to walk to the Blue Spring, source of 60% of New Zealand's bottled water.
Options
- Jet boat rides, antique shops, kayaking, fishing, boating, golf, water skiing, toy and doll museum, timber museum, mountain biking, South Waikato River Trail walk, Talking Poles Trail in Tokoroa
Eco/Scenic
- Lake Karapiro, Lake Arapuni and Arapuni Swingbridge, Mount Maungatautari forest park
Two Worlds' Tour
Travel to the south west of Hamilton
Highlights
- Labyrinths of glowworm caves in Waitomo – guided walking tours or adventure trips, including abseiling, black water rafting, caving.
- Kiwi nocturnal house and Kiwiana displays (national icons) in Otorohanga
Options
- Rose Gardens in Te Awamutu, wineries, rock climbing, quad biking, horse trekking, Kiwi Culture Show and, themed motel units at Woodlyn Park, tramping, wildlife park.
- Detour to Kawhia for a soak in the tidal hot pools on Ocean Beach, fishing or cruises.
- Detour to Te Kuiti - shearing capital of the world.
Eco/Scenic
- Lake Ngaroto, Mount Pirongia forest park. Waitomo Caves, Natural Limestone Bridge, Marokopa Falls, Japanese Tatsuno Garden
Surf and Turf
Travel to the west of Hamilton
Highlights
- Surfing and kite surfing in Raglan – international surfing spot
- Waikato Coalfields Museum, Huntly
Options
- Surfing lessons, cruises, golf, horse trekking, arts and crafts shopping, power generation in Huntly, Rangariri battle site, wineries in Te Kauwhata, bush walks, heritage trail at The Point in Ngaruawahia.
Eco/Scenic
- Bridal Veil Falls, Mount Karioi, Hakarimata Range featuring kauri trees, Lake Hakanoa- wetlands of national significance
