Visit Waikato Region with Mighway

Hamilton Gardens

Explore an enchanting world of secret gardens at Waikato's most visited tourist destination. In the 1960s, Hamilton Gardens was a bleak city rubbish dump covered in blackberries with seagulls circling above. Remnants of the Gardens’ earlier history as a pre-European Pa, British military post, Victorian rifle-range and dog-dosing station lay scattered across the site. Four acres had been part of the Hamilton East Town Belt and was passed over to Hamilton City Council for the purposes of a public garden; an opening ceremony for Hamilton Gardens was held on 24th July 1960. The site now extends over 54 hectares. Today, more than 40 years later, these humble beginnings have been overshadowed by the development of the Gardens’ internationally unique concept: The History, Context and Meaning of Gardens. <br><br> Hamilton Gardens is not a botanical garden. Instead, its concept acknowledges there is a story to tell about gardens, their development over time and across cultures, and their use. This concept was conceived in the early 1980s by Hamilton Gardens director Dr Peter Sergel and met with significant enthusiasm from city councillors. Some of its inspiration came from the Bundesgartenschau of Germany and other international garden shows, where many differing approaches to gardening and garden design are brought together on one site. The concept has also been compared to a museum, where each garden collection has historic integrity and provides a window into the story of civilisations, their arts, beliefs and lifestyles. More than 30 years later, Sergel’s sketchbook designs are almost identical to the themed gardens existing today. <br><br> Assistance from the community, and trusts formed to support specific garden developments, has been invaluable to the Gardens development. For 20 years the Gardens benefitted from the labour provided by Taskforce Green and Pre-Employment Programmes which subsidised the wages of young workers while they developed skills on the job.

Cathedral Cove

Perhaps one of the most magical views here in New Zealand, ths place also has some pretty secluded beaches that you can access if you walk along the main beach. The rock formations are amazing, although you should probably keep an eye on the tide if you go far from the end of the walking track- we nearly got cut off! Still, highly recommended

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company is New Zealand’s first black water cave rafting adventure operator.<br><br> With exhilarating caving & rafting tours, namely Black Abyss, Black Labyrinth and the Black Odyssey, to choose from, there is something to suit all adventurous spirits. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. is New Zealand's first black water rafting adventure operator. And it's also the only tour that takes you through the incomparable Ruakuri Cave.<br><br> Each Waitomo Caves Black Water Rafting expedition includes around 6-12 people guided by expert guides who will support and encourage you through the whole breathtaking caving tour.<br><br> Our friendly, knowledgeable local guides have helped The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. achieve an excellent safety record over many years. They can help you step outside yourself and leave with a huge sense of accomplishment.​​​​​​​​​​​​

Rapids Jet

How does A Fun, Safe, & Exhilarating jet boating experience through world famous block buster film locations sound to you? Follow in the footsteps of The Hobbit, Yogi Bear and Mr Pip.<br><br> Three Kiwi Blokes are the heart and soul of this locally owned and operated Lake Taupo activity. Rapids Jet jetboat has been in operation for over 20 years. Our local Taupo jetboat drivers have thousands of hours combined experience in providing an exciting (not forgetting safe) unique boat experience to a high international standard.<br><br> The Rapids jet boat is unique to Lake Taupo and New Zealand because we jet boat White Water Rapids! Taupo’s Waikato River and Huka Falls provide the water, Rapids Jet provides the fun. Shoot through the narrow canyon on crystal clear waters, surf the pressure waves of Nga Awa Purua Rapids and hold on for the spins! We love our Lake Taupo and our job, navigating the Waikato’s biggest rapids for commercial jet boats.<br><br> The jet boat is a New Zealand icon and jet boating in New Zealands epicentre Lake Taupo is the best place to ride in one. The tool of our trade is the trusty and infallible jet boat. Powered by the Hamilton Jet this is one of the safest adrenalin activities in New Zealand. Rapids Jet jet boats like our drivers are New Zealand made. Specially designed and custom built for us to navigate the ever changing Waikato river and the winding contours of our scenic landscape. Each Kiwi built and driven jet boat is powered by a 500 horse power V8 Chevy engine, highly manoeurvrable, reliable and extremely safe.<br><br> Lake Taupo is ideally located as a base for Travellers to explore the best of the North Island New Zealand. Taupo Rapids Jet is situated 15km from central Lake Taupo near the Aratiatia Dam. Infamous Huka falls is close by, 6km Downstream.<br><br> Local kiwi owner/drivers Rusty, Jimmy & Gazza and their team will take you on the most thrilling 35 minute jet boat ride of your life.<br><br> Let us share our love of jet boating with you. Kia Ora. Welcome to our world.