Attractions Within a 1-Hour Drive of Karapiro
Welcome to Pincots Cottage! As you settle into your cosy Karapiro accommodation, we invite you to explore the diverse and exciting attractions located within a one-hour drive.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat, there’s something for everyone nearby.
Hamilton Gardens
Delight in the beauty of themed gardens at Hamilton Gardens, offering a serene escape with garden tours, picnicking spots, and seasonal events. Explore different cultural and historical garden designs, each telling its own story.
Activities:
Garden tours
Picnicking
Events
Highlights:
Themed gardens
Educational programmes
Lake Karapiro
Lake Karapiro is right across the road from your accommodation. nestled amidst lush greenery, Lake Karapiro offers a serene escape with activities like kayaking, rowing, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. It’s also a hub for special events such as rowing regattas and Dragon Boat festivals.
Activities:
Kayaking
Rowing
Picnicking
Swimming
Fishing
Special Events:
Rowing regattas
Dragon Boat festivals
Hobbiton Movie Set
Step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata. Guided tours take you through picturesque Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and other iconic locations featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
Activities:
Guided tours
Hobbiton-themed events
Photo opportunities
Highlights:
The Green Dragon Inn
Bag End
Hobbit Holes
Te Waihou Walkway
Explore the tranquil Te Waihou Walkway in Putaruru, renowned for its scenic beauty and the crystal-clear Blue Spring. This peaceful walking trail offers opportunities for photography and bird watching amidst pristine natural surroundings.
Activities:
Walking
Photography
Bird watching
Highlights:
Blue Spring
Scenic trails
Clear waters
Waikato River Trails
Discover the natural beauty of the Waikato River Trails near Karapiro. Perfect for cycling, hiking, and walking, these trails wind through native bushland and offer scenic views of the river, complete with suspension bridges for an adventurous outing.
Activities:
Cycling
Walking
Highlights:
Riverside scenery
Suspension bridges
Native bush
Avantidrome
Visit the Avantidrome in Cambridge, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to cycling. Watch thrilling track events, take a guided tour to learn about the venue’s history and training facilities, or enjoy a spectator-friendly environment.
Activities:
Cycling
Track events
Guided tours
Highlights:
World-class indoor cycling facility
Spectator events
Tirau
Explore the quirky town of Tirau, renowned for its creative corrugated iron sculptures and eclectic shops. Discover art galleries, dine at local eateries, and admire the unique architecture that gives Tirau its distinctive character.
Activities:
Shopping
Exploring art galleries
Dining
Highlights:
Corrugated iron sculptures
Boutique shops
Tirau Gallery
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Embark on a journey into the heart of nature at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in Pukeatua. Hike through ancient forest trails, participate in bird watching tours, and learn about conservation efforts in this pristine environment.
Activities:
Hiking
Bird watching
Guided tours
Highlights:
Native birds
Ancient forest
Educational programmes
Arapuni Swing Bridge
Experience the charm of the historic Arapuni Swing Bridge, offering scenic views of the Arapuni Dam and the surrounding landscape. Take a leisurely walk across the bridge for stunning photo opportunities and a peaceful outing.
Activities:
Walking
Photography
Picnicking
Highlights:
Historic swing bridge
Views of Arapuni Dam
Waitomo Caves
Discover the magical world of Waitomo Caves, famous for their glowworm-lit caverns and thrilling cave adventures. Take guided tours through the Glowworm Grotto, try blackwater rafting, and marvel at the limestone formations.
Activities:
Cave tours
Blackwater rafting
Glowworm viewing
Highlights:
Glowworm Grotto
Ruakuri Cave
Aranui Cave
Firth Tower Museum
Explore the historic Firth Tower Museum in Matamata, showcasing preserved buildings, local history exhibits, and beautiful gardens. Step back in time and learn about the early settlement and farming heritage of the area.
Activities:
Museum tours
Historical exploration
Highlights:
Historic buildings
Local history exhibits
Gardens
Zealong Tea Estate
Escape to Zealong Tea Estate in Gordonton, where you can immerse yourself in the world of organic tea production. Take guided tours of the estate to learn about tea cultivation and processing, indulge in tastings of premium teas, and dine at the estate's gourmet restaurant.
Activities:
Tea tasting
Estate tours
Dining
Highlights:
Organic tea plantation
Guided tours
Gourmet restaurant
Hamilton Zoo
Explore Hamilton Zoo, home to a diverse range of wildlife from around the world. Wander through themed enclosures to see exotic animals up close, participate in keeper talks and animal encounters, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Activities:
Animal encounters
Keeper talks
Family activities
Highlights:
Exotic animal exhibits
Conservation initiatives
Educational programmes