The biggest attraction at Waitomo is the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. The cave tour through the Waitomo Glowworm Cave takes 45 minutes and includes a 5 – 10 minute boat ride to view the glow worms. The Aranui cave tour is also 45 minutes duration and is a walk-through tour but no glowworms and no boat ride. The Ruakuri Cave is an active cave with large dripping caverns and stalactites and stalagmites and some glow worms (although not so many as the Glowworm Cave). Again, this is a walk-through tour and no boat ride. Spellbound is a longer eco-tour at 3 hrs 15 minutes where you can visit two caves. Your guide will pick you up at the I-site, drive you to the glowworm cave where you will have a 20-30 minute boat ride to view the glowworms. After complimentary light refreshments, your guide takes you through the second cave (approx 40-50 min) where you can see cave formations, fossils, moa bones and more glowworms. All these tours are suitable for children.
Visit New Zealand’s largest candy store and see how your favourite lollies are made. Candyland is a working model of an old fashioned candy factory. Walk through the giant lips into a land of chocolates, lollies and gifts. A sweet lover’s dream!
Magic Mountain is the only place in the world where you can see three harbours and four mountains! Magic Mountain caters for couples, children and family groups with horses to suit novices to experienced riders. Ride their beautiful horses over farmland for one or two hours or to the Bridal Veil Falls. Bookings are essential.
The Kiwi House is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of New Zealand’s wildlife. Visitors will see kiwi on their guided tour of the nocturnal house.. New Zealand’s largest aviary, rare native birds and live tuataras. The Park has picnic facilities.
Welcome to 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.
Hamilton’s own science centre is full of interactive, education and entertaining exhibits with lots of hands-on fun for the children. There are regular touring exhibitions each term plus many of their own exhibits and 30 minute science shows during school holidays. This is fun for all ages. Exscite also have a café and restaurant for food and drinks after all that exertion!
Located 8 km from the city centre, Hamilton Zoo works to conserve wildlife in its natural habitat. There are over 400 exotic and native birds and animal and two reptile houses in its beautiful landscaped grounds which feature enclosures as close to their natural environment as possible. Attractions include the Sumatran tigers, cheetah and white rhino. Walk through the nearly 4000 sq m aviary which is the largest free flight aviary in Australasia. There is a children’s playground and picnic and BBQ areas plus a café.
Situated amongst limestone formations is the Altura Gardens and Wildlife Park, just 4 kms from the Waitomo Caves. The 20 acre park is home to ducks, emus, goats, mini horses, parrots and many more. Wander through the nocturnal owl house or enjoy a picnic. Depending on the season, you can feed baby lambs, calves and fawn. Help make and sample butter and ice cream.There are free pony rides for the children and a great playground.
