Things to See & Do

Base yourself at the Bella Vista Motel Hamilton and you can enjoy short trips to the North, South, East & West, to visit some of our excellent regional attractions.

North

Visit The Coal Fields Museum, approximately a 30 minute drive, this museum has exciting displays about the lives of miners and their families who worked and lived in the Waikato Coalfields District.

Visit The Zealong Tea Estate, approximately a 20 minute drive, taste the purity of the world’s purest oolong tea.  Enjoy a cup with lunch or high tea on the balcony at Camellia Tea House overlooking New Zealand’s only oolong tea plantation.

South

Visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park, approximately a 40 minute drive, admire our very own Kiwi bird and many other native birds, native trees and native reptiles.  Their souvenir shop has gifts or mementos galore.

Visit Altura Park, approximately a 1 hour drive, this Garden and Wildlife Park, also offers Horse Treks as well.  Interaction with the animals, pony rides, playground and picnic areas, this park has something for everyone.

East

Visit Waitakaruru Arboretum & Sculpture Park, approximately a 20 minute drive, you will be amazed at these magnificent sculptures which are actually for sale!  Carved into a Waikato hillside, the quarry has been transformed into a 42 acre garden and arboretum.

Visit Te Aroha Leisure Pools, approximately a 45 minute drive, relax and rejuvenate yourself in the outdoor heated freshwater pool or have a traditional soda water bath in private.  A heated toddlers pool, trained lifeguards and a hoist chair for the disabled, ensures everyone can participate.

West

Visit Vilagrad Winery, approximately a 20 minute drive, this fifth generation family owned and operated business offers Sunday lunches, Tours, Tastings, Harvest Festival, Conferences.  Outstanding cuisine and character galore, this is a must.

Visit Raglan, approximately a 45 minute drive, this beautiful coastal town which has black sand beaches, awesome views of the Tasman Sea and one of the greatest surfing beaches in the world, is also home to a variety of arts & craft shops.