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.​​​​​​​​​​​​

Kiwi Cave Rafting

Experience New Zealand’s beauty in its most raw and natural state thanks to Kiwi Cave Rafting at the Waitomo Caves. Originally called Rap Raft ‘n’ Rock, Kiwi Cave Rafting has been showing off New Zealand’s caves, rapids and glow worms since 1997. With a myriad of different courses to choose, we recommend the spectacular five hour tour that combines abseiling, blackwater rafting, rock climbing and glow worms for an adventure of maximum impact and intensity!<br><br> Experience the best value black water rafting adventure in Waitomo. We provide everything you need for the tour including full wetsuit, boots, helmet and all safety equipment. You just need your swimsuit, towel and a spare pair of socks. Allow 5 hours to complete your adventure.<br><br> ABSEILING... Your adventure starts with a 27 metre abseil into a huge chasm in the Earth, experience the refracted light highlighting the amazing plant and rock formations making this a truly awesome descent. <br><br> GLOW WORMS... You will cave upstream to the cathedral-style 400sq metre cavern where you will witness a glow worm display that will absolutely take your breath away.<br><br> BLACK WATER RAFTING... Followed by black water rafting trip downstream floating through caverns filled with more glow worms. CAVING... Then cave with the option of squeezing through passages until you reach the exit. <br><br> ROCK CLIMBING... The final challenge is a breathtaking 20 metre climb back to the rest of the world where a well deserved hot shower awaits. You will then return to the office where hot soup is waiting for you!<br><br> Great photos are taken by your guide during the trip allowing you to sit back enjoy the scenery and have the best experience possible. These can be purchased upon completion of your tour.<br><br> All tours depart from 95 Waitomo Caves Road and you need to check in for your tour at least 15 minutes prior to departure. Note: this tour involves all of the above activities and we cannot shorten or split the tour activities.