Things To Do

Discover the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata, where you can visit the Hobbiton Movie Set that was completely re-built for filming of The Hobbit Trilogy and will remain as it was seen in the film trilogy.

Hobbiton Movie Set provides visitors with first-hand insights into the details that went into creating the set. The hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, mill and other structures created for the The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

Visitors are guided under the party tree and through the ten acre site past over 40 hobbit holes including Samwise' home and the iconic front door of Bilbo Baggins' house Bag End. Knowledgeable tour guides provide fascinating insight into how the movie set was created and what went on during filming of both trilogies.

If you are in need of a fun filled day, rain or shine, come to Waterworld and see what we have to offer.

Need to keep the kids busy? Come and relax poolside while your children shoot down the hydroslides or play on the fun inflatables (Please note: Inflatables and splash pad availability is subject to change.) Waterworld's outdoor Splashpad area offers a safe and fun water playground for your under 8 year olds.

Do some serious training upstairs in our very own Club Aqua Gym or downstairs in the public swimming lanes. Or just come in and have a family BBQ outside in our great picnic area provided.

Come and explore at Hamilton Zoo!

Home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings, Hamilton Zoo is the ideal destination for a memorable day out.

Boasting the largest walk-through aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants, take a stroll through and a cheeky kaka may land close by. An experience not to be missed, go behind the scenes on a Face2Face encounter, or catch a 'Meet the Keeper' talk highlighting the characters and personalities of our animals, their feeding and enrichment.

There's a lot to get around, but if you need a break swing by Flavours cafe and check out the delicious treats, or dine al fresco in one of our scenic picnic areas.

Besides being a tourism and recreation park, Hamilton Zoo has committed to the conservation of animals and the environment by participating in various conservation and research projects, and by contributing to breeding programmes for endangered species.

Hamilton now has it's very own indoor trampoline park!
It's a craze that's taken the world by storm and it's now right here in the Waikato!

LEAP Hamilton is jam packed full of fun, there are over 28 trampolines – some up to 9 metres long, some acting as walls for you to bounce off and all built together so you can leap from one to the other with ease.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.
Hobbiton Movie Set provides visitors with first-hand insights into the details that went into creating the set. The hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, mill and other structures created for the The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

Visitors are guided under the party tree and through the ten acre site past over 40 hobbit holes including Samwise' home and the iconic front door of Bilbo Baggins' house Bag End. Knowledgeable tour guides provide fascinating insight into how the movie set was created and what went on during filming of both trilogies.

Discover Camellia Tea House in the heart of Zealong's Gordonton Tea Estate, 10 minutes north of Hamilton. Indulge in high tea, light lunch - and taste a cup of fine Zealong tea. Experience New Zealand's only tea farm. Take part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the tea garden.

Experience the beauty and tranquil water of the Waikato River on the Waikato River Explorer. Come for a cruise on New Zealand's longest waterway flowing through Hamilton, New Zealand's largest inland city.

New Zealand's, Kiwi Balloon Company's flights take place daily from one of Hamilton's Lakes. Kiwi Balloon Company flys the only commercial balloon in the North Island. We fly over the city, farmlands and the mighty Waikato River and on a lovely clear day you can see the mountains of Ruapehu, Pirongia, Te Aroha, and Taranaki.The scenery and stillness will take your breath away!

Asplendid collection of mature trees stretches across 22 hectares of open pasture, lakes and woodland gardens. Linked by a network of walking tracks and bridges, the park also features great views and spectacular wildlife.

The Hamilton Night Markets are a new fixture in the Hamilton Things to Do calendar. Started in 2013, the markets are growing in popularity due to their appeal to all ages groups. The markets are free, but make sure you bring a lot of spending money. Food, Fashion, Toys and lots of interesting sights and smells to tempt the senses.

It's a great night out for the family, and the undercover carpark means it's an all weather event. The kids can experience food from other cultures, hear live music and watch performances. Buskers, magicians and dance troupes could be performing, depending on what's happening that week.

Quench your thirst at cosy Hamilton bars, sophisticated Hamilton clubs, family friendly gastro pubs or watch the match at top Hamilton sports bars.

Hamilton's riverfront entertainment complex features a wide variety of bars and restaurants, ten pin bowling alley, Timezone, Megazone and ever popular Casino City highlights.

For non-stop fun and excitement. Wrapped up in one magnificent venue you'll find the world's most popular casino games, fantastic live entertainment and great food and bar offerings.

Fresh and local products and produce is best and Hamilton and the Waikato region is the place to make the most of some of New Zealand's best. Enjoy award-winning cheese and wine, sample fresh produce such as asparagus or blueberries, browse at the numerous farmers markets, and dine at top cafes and restaurants.