Day Trips

Day trips from Hamilton check it out:

Hobbiton

Step into the enchanting village of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Welcome to The Shire™, home of the Hobbiton Movie Set where The Lord of the Rings™ and The Hobbit™ Trilogies were filmed.

Experience a guided tour of the location - see the sights, hear the stories and embark on an epic Middle-earth™ adventure of your own.

Driving Time: Approximately 45 minutes

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour.

Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Blue Spring / Te Waihou Walkway

This picturesque 4.7km walk follows the crystal-clear Waihou River through rolling farmland and native scenery, leading to the famous Blue Spring — the source of around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water.

The track takes approximately 1.5 hours one way, or around 3 hours return. It is mostly easy-going, with a few short steep sections along the route.

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Explore the world's largest fenced eco-sanctuary at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.

This ancient forest is home to over 730 native species including some of New Zealand's most unique and endangered wildlife such as kiwi and kākāpō. Experience the mauri (life force) of our mountain.

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Bridal Veil Falls

The spectacular 55-metre-high Bridal Veil Falls, also known as the Wairēinga Falls is a popular, easy Waikato walking track, walk through native bush, following the Pakoka River to viewing platforms at the top. There are stunning views of the plunging white falls flanked by grey rock and green bush to the worn soft sandstone rocks below that form a large amphitheatre. A steep set of steps leads to the bottom of the falls where another magnificent view awaits.

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Wairere Falls

The North Island's highest waterfall can be seen clearly from a distance as it cascades over the Kaimai Ranges.

The steep Wairere Falls Track weaves its way through moss covered rocks and tree roots as large round boulders form natural pools and cascading waterfalls. At the top of the falls you can experience stunning views across the Hauraki Plains.

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Karangahake Gorge

The breathtaking Karangahake Gorge holds a rich history of old tunnels, deep hidden valleys, beautiful rivers and forgotten gold mining sites. Lying between Paeroa and Waihi the gorge was once home to one of the busiest and most lucrative gold strikes of it's time.

Cycle ways and walkways are available to travel through this heritage site.

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Otorohanga Kiwi House

Dedicated to the breeding of New Zealand’s most precious wildlife, visiting the Otorohanga Kiwi House is your chance to connect with New Zealand’s unique wildlife and support vital conservation efforts.

Explore the park, meet native birds and reptiles up close, and witness the incredible work in progress to protect our treasures for future generations.

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel is renowned for its pristine beaches, misty forests and laid-back vibe. Offering a wealth of experiences from bathing in the warm waters of Hot Water Beach or the Lost Spring in Whitianga, hiking the Pinnacles, or riding the train at Driving Creek Railway to visiting the weekend markets or exploring Whenuakura Wildlife Sanctuary or the many spectacular beaches such as Cathedral Cove.

Driving Time: 2 hours + depending on where you explore.

Kaimai Classic Scenic Flight

Discover the North Islands Tallest Waterfall From The Air! The 45 minute Bay Explorer flight cruises up into the Kaimai ranges to witness the magnificent Wairere Falls, the highest North Island waterfall. Flying back over native Kauri and Rimu podocarp forest to the ocean for a remote beach landing and disembarking for an exclusive photo opportunity.

Driving Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park has 3 active volcanoes: Tongariro, Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in “The Lord of the Rings" films) and Ruapehu with its ski slopes. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing trail passes the Emerald Lakes and boiling mud pools, culminating at still-active Red Crater. Park wildlife includes the brown kiwi and the whio, or blue duck. Tongariro River has rapids and trout.

Driving Time: Approximately 2.45 hours