family fun

Make the most of family outings and holidays with the abundance of family-friendly activities in the region, whether it's urban adventures, the great outdoors, water experiences or getting up close and personal with wildlife. The majestic parks, mountains, gardens and Waikato River offer relaxing spaces and beautiful surrounds, and the friendly atmosphere and ease of accessibility make it a great place to spend time in.

hobbiton

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 Gamgree's 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.

hamilton zoo

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.

leap

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.

waterworld

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.