Ngatea Water Gardens are an unexpected treat for travelers passing through Ngatea on State Highway 2. Situated only 1 hour from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Coromandel, they are also a fun day trip destination; and the perfect wedding venue. The picturesque 5 acre property has funny signs and scenes throughout, and is complete with gift shop, playground, and function centre for weddings and other occasions. The wheelchair friendly path through the gardens will take you over bridges, past water... Read more

Across the road from the iconic Cornish Pumphouse, the new Gold Discovery Centre first welcomes visitors with its striking facade. This is something new! Inside you’ll find yourself immersed in interactive activities. You’ll be pushing hard against an air-leg drill that will shake your bones, just like a real drill. You’ll lean on a plunger to trigger a simulated explosion down the gold mine, then for a change of pace you might try to beat the shady dealer at a game of Two-up. You’ll marvel at... Read more

These beautiful and tranquil gardens are set directly on the edge of the inner Tauranga harbour. With water-lilly ponds, mature trees from around the world, flower gardens and natural wetlands the gardens are a delight all year round. And with many varieties of birds wandering free and in aviaries scattered throughout the gardens, this special corner of New Zealand is truely unique.  The Gardens The Bird Gardens are on the outskirts of katikati and were created in 1976 when local visionary Chris... Read more