HAMILTON

Wiseway Canoe Adventures

The Waikato River runs through Hamilton city and was once used as a main food source and highway for the people. Today it is still a life source to the people of Waikato supplying water to its major towns and cities. It might not be used as a main highway these days but the history still remains.




Wiseway Canoe Adventures is one of the only companies, which allows you to fully experience the history of the Waikato River. The canoe was of great importance to the Maori people in its time so it was amazing to view Hamilton from the canoe.



As we paddled down the mighty river at our own pace, without a care in the world (apart from the dark rain clouds forming above our heads) we drifted back to a time gone by. Taking in the scenery of the city and the beautiful houses that now reside on the banks of the river.



Ideal for just about everyone, Wiseway Adventures can be strenuous or relaxing depending on what you’re after. The current is travelling at a speed of 5 knots so if you want to sit back, relax and just steer the canoe, you can!

A small business operated and owned by Darren Wise, Wiseway is a great way to have fun on the Waikato River. Prices start from $30 per adult. For more information please visit his website at: www.wisewayadventures.com


Titoki Boutique Accommodation

Titoki is one of Hamilton’s newest luxury Boutique style accommodation and is the perfect base from which to explore all that Hamilton and the mighty Waikato has to offer. John and Judy opened Titoki Boutique Accommodation in March 2009. Designed with the discerning guests in mind, Titoki combines the character of original design with a contemporary New Zealand flair.



After a long day of canoeing down the Waikato River, it was nice to sit back, relax and put our feet up whilst enjoying a glass of Vino with John and Judy. The outdoor/indoor entertaining area is ideal for idling or in my case working on my Blog.




The luxury guest wing consists of two well-appointed suites. Both queen size bedrooms feature their own ensuite with under floor heating, luxury bathrobes, all your toiletries and very soft bath towels. The modern suites are sleek, stylish and elegant whilst still keeping a homely feel to them.





John and Judy are great hosts and went out of their way to provide a relaxing and pampered experience. In the evening Judy cooked us a delicious 2-course dinner and in the morning John cooked us a full English breakfast with scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon…. Talk about being spoilt. We had the option of relaxing in our own exclusive lounge and dining room. However, Judy and John are so much fun we spent most of our time in the main lounge listening to stories of their travel adventures.



Titoki Boutique Accommodation costs $255 per night, per suite for 2 people. This includes a complimentary glass of New Zealand Wine, Tea or Coffee on arrival, as well as complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities, cookies, bottled chilled water and chilled wine in an antique Armoire situated in the hall entrance to the suites.




For more information visit their website at: www.titokiboutiqueaccommodation.co.nz

Waikato Museum

Established in 1987, Waikato Museum is one of Hamilton’s largest and more unusual buildings. Situated on the banks of the Waikato River the building has five levels and 12 galleries for tourists to explore. With multiple galleries and exhibitions the Museum presents an inspired programme that seeks to celebrate the stories of New Zealand’s art, culture, history and innovation.



The Waikato Museum provides a fun and unique experience of the arts and culture of the region. One of the highlights for me was the Tickle My Senses and the Never a Dull Moment exhibitions. We also had a lot of fun on the Wii Mario cart games.






However the most moving thing for me was the special Patere Chant performed by Kim, Tama, April and Leafa. As they performed this chant especially for me, Tama presented me with a Maori Hook necklace. This symbolises that I will be ‘hooked’ to the Waikato Museum forever. This was such an amazing experience and I am extremely grateful to the staff at the Museum.





The Waikato Museum presents a changing programme of exhibitions, featuring items from its own large collection as well as the national and international touring exhibitions. The Museum is a free experience however donations are appreciated. For more information visit their website at: www.waikatomuseum.org.nz