Known as a surfing and fishing hotspot, Port Waikato is roughly 35 minutes from the Lodge. You will see some amazing limestone rock formations along the way. Head towards Sunset Beach to experience soft black sand, dunes and the beautiful sunset views. Don’t forget to stop and grab a coffee at Sundays if you are there before 1 pm!

Just a 15 minute drive from Te Karaka Lodge, Nikau Cave is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and glow worms that twinkle like stars in the night sky. Take a 90-minute guided kiwi tour and be prepared to get your feet wet! Don’t forget to stop and grab some great barista coffee too. There is also a beautiful waterfall walk for those not venturing into the caves.

About 50km from Te Karaka Lodge, Harker Reserve Walk is a 4km one-way walking track near Onewhero, through native bush and farmland, with views, streams, and a fine waterfall-Vivian Falls/Te Wai heke a Maoa, a hidden gem and a landmark in local Maori history.

The Iconic 230-metre-long Tuakau Bridge stands over the Waikato River. Immediately next to the bridge is Les Batkin Reserve which provides river access for boats, a children’s playground, and plenty of room for a picnic or a game of cricket by the Waikato River.

Enjoy a scenic tour around the West Coast or if you are interested in a full day of activities, travelling by helicopter is the best way to go. Let us know what kind of adventures you are looking for and we can custom make a trip for you with our experienced, private guide.

A moderate 4.3km walk near Pokeno, usually takes about 2 hours to go out and back. Guests can enjoy the views from the summit of Mount William, just south of the Bombay Hills.

Located alongside an attractive stretch of the Waikato River, visiting the beautiful Hamilton Gardens is a great day trip option. It is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

From 18 September 2024, Hamilton Gardens will introduce paid entry to the Enclosed Gardens.

A visit to Waikato (aka ‘the Shire’) isn’t complete without a visit to Hobbiton, the set for Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. Take a guided tour around the ten-acre site and through the caves. Advance booking is required, especially for the feast.

Due to the drive, we recommend booking this experience either before or after your stay with us.

A cute surfing town, 1 hour 15 min drive south of Te Karaka Lodge. Raglan is both a surfing mecca and a dramatically scenic area of black sand coastline. We can organise a private lesson for you and your group with Reglan Surf School.

Reglan also offers an entertaining mix of cafés, bars, great fish and chips, surf shops, galleries and ice cream! Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Bridal Veil Falls.

Let us know if you are looking for a day trip so we can organise a 15 min helicopter ride for you!

Nestled among the rolling green fields of the Waikato region is the Zealong Tea Estate, New Zealand’s only tea plantation. Learn how tea is made and all about its history during the 90-minute tour and sample some delicious flavours.

Zealong Tea Estate is an hour and 15 min drive from the Lodge. You can also book in for a high tea or lunch!

Re-born from the merger of two historic Waikato golf clubs, Lochiel and The Narrows in 2018, Tieke Golf Estate’s course highlights natural landscapes, unique sandy soils, and fescue turf. Named after the North Island Saddleback, "Tieke" reflects the area's ecological and cultural heritage, supporting conservation efforts

Just over an hour’s drive from the Lodge is the 1,850 hectares of native forest protected in Hakarimata Scenic Reserve. Featuring tracks from short walks to the waterfall to a full day hike. Our chef can also prepare a hiker’s lunch for you.

On the way down to Hamilton, experience the kiwi alpaca lifestyle. Book in a tour and meet the friendly alpacas at Cornerstone Alpacas and enjoy a family day trip and lunch in Gordonton Village.

There is so much more to do in the Mighty Waikato, check out our Regional Tourist Organisation‘s website from Waikato and explore away!