Our most recommended things to do in Hamilton, New Zealand

Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat Ride

1. Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat Ride

Take a hair-raising ride on the Waikato River, and reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour. Enjoy fast and furious slides, make 360-degree spins, and stop at historic and sightseeing locations. Meet and greet your local, professional guide at the boat ramp meeting point. Complete a small amount of paperwork, and fit yourself up with a spray suit to keep you dry, as well as a life jacket to keep you safe. After receiving a safety briefing from your guide, hear the roar of your high horsepower V8 jet boat as it comes into life once fed with air, fuel, and fire. Head off on the first leg of your tour, and feel your adrenaline pumping. Enter into a 360-degree spin before coming to a stop at historic locations. Listen to your guide's commentary about the places you visit and learn about the fish, birds, and wildlife in the area. Sites you will see include the Cambridge Gorge and Karapiro Dam, as well as rapids and waterfalls. Then, hang on extra tight for the speedy return leg back to the boat ramp.

Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

2. Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

Your guided tour commences in the late afternoon or early evening. As you paddle along the southern end of Lake Karapiro, crossing over the old submerged Horahora Village and power station that produced electricity for the early Waihi goldfields. Learn about local Maori and early European history of the area while enjoying the twilight and silence of being on the water as the day draws to an end. The magic begins as you paddle slowly up the Pokaiwhenua stream and through a spectacular canyon carved out by water over many hundreds of years. Native ferns and trees and bird life surround you and you may even hear brown trout breaking the water's surface. When darkness falls you will drift silently back downstream, surrounded by glow worms on either side sparkling like tiny Christmas lights.

Waikato River: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

3. Waikato River: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

Experience an ecological river cruise on a speedboat that is tailored to the wishes of the customers on board, this includes the speed, and the number of slides and spins if any. The experienced driver will give you a detailed history of the area and Karapiro Dam and power station. Admire the native birds and wildlife which make the area home. Your guide has a diploma in environmental management and an in-depth knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Encounter numerous fish species and birds species such as Fantail, Kingfisher, Tui, Harrier Hawk, NZ Falcon, Heron, Shag, Mallard Duck and more. See large waterfalls from the towering cliffs above. Experience some of the narrowest sections of the Waikato River with the forest canopy above. Visit the base of the Karapiro Hydro Power station with full commentary provided. Then, cruise back to beautiful Cambridge.

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

4. Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

As the sun goes down, begin your journey into the ancient stream flowing off Mount Karioi. Wrapped up in the latest canyoning suits, jump into the freshwater pools. Climb and abseil cascading waterfalls all whilst under the light of your head torch. Feel safe in the company of an experienced guide, as they lead you on a great adventure. Throughout the trip hear the stories, history, and knowledge of the landscape and local area from your passionate guide. Following the stream find yourself in awe of the native flora and fauna surrounding you. As darkness falls, you'll begin to see the luminescent transformation take place. Witness new worlds of light being created by the native New Zealand glowworms who call this place home. Take a minute to stop for a moment of peace and tranquillity, with a hot cup of freshly made Kawakawa tea.

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Hamilton, New Zealand

Hamilton, New Zealand

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What people are saying about Hamilton, New Zealand

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 23 reviews

Our guide Aaron was very accomodating to our young grand-daughter’s request to include some thrills and spills. He also refrained from the same when she became less keen after a few spins at speed. She told us afterwards that it was an ‘exciting’ trip. He kept up an informative commentary that we appreciated.

Was a really awesome experience. Bit of a tough hike at the end to get back to the starting point, but totally worth it. Also wish the guide had a bit of water with him as I was pretty dehydrated by the end of it and we couldn’t really carry anything with us.

Amazing! Aaron very knowledgeable and skilful with the boat. Gave a thrilling, entertaining and enjoyable spin on a fab river with plenty to discover and see at high speed. Absolutely awesome and would love to do it all over again! Thanks Aaron!

Was super fun our guider, Aaron was very informative about the history of Waikato. Safety precautions were taken very professionally. Overall was a good experience.