Escape with us to climb a waterfall, explore the purest of springs and sample the finest wine and cheese in the Waikato region.

Overview

Our morning begins at the base of the Kaimai ranges, we begin our first hike of the day, climbing steadily to the top of the stunning Wairere falls. At 155metres tall, these falls are the tallest in the North Island and clear days boast spectacular views as far as the eye can see across the Waikato region from the top.

After our descent, we make our way to the heart of the Waikato. A gentle walk along the banks of Te Waihou river leads us to the famous Blue Springs producing some of the clearest and purest water in New Zealand. Not a bad setting for a picnic lunch. A region renown for it's dairy farming and local produce, it's only natural that we visit a local cheese maker to sample some of the best cheeses in New Zealand. Multi-award winning cheesemakers Over the Moon Dairy are small in size but huge on creating unique flavours with their cheese.

Our afternoon is rounded off in fine style with a visit to Vilagrads, a fifth generation, family-owned winery. Sample a selection of their award-winning wines and ports and enjoy the stunning courtyard overlooking the vines.This tour is for nature lovers with a great appreciation for quality local artisan food and fine wine.

To check availability and make a booking, please email hello@natureandnosh.co.nz or
call +64 204 1305060

Details

$370 per person
Fully-inclusive, guided experience
Runs: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Departs: 7.30am from Hamilton
Returns: Approx. 4.30pm to Hamilton
Duration: 9 hours
TWO guided short walks
Walks: 4.5 hours total
Grade: Moderate
Note: A minimum of 4 people are required for this tour to run

Reviews

The perfect balance of feet moving and face feeding
"Starting the day discovering we were the only 2 on the tour allowing us to monopolise both the highly experience guide Peter and the bubble and knowledgable host Kylie we set off our journey to discover the highest of waterfalls, heat ravaged fields, the bluest and clearest of waters, the yummiest of cheeses and the best thirst quenching wines the Waikato has to offer. We finished the day with a new appreciation of the natural landscapes and culinary gems that seem to be in such abundance in this part of NZ. Peter has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the landscape and a tale for every occasion whilst Kylie kept us to schedule with good humour and regional insights that make this a tour both of us cannot recommend highly enough."
- Dan (Hong Kong)

Amazing Experience
"I had such a fun time on the Nature and Nosh tour with the team! They had so much knowledge to share about everything, especially in the bush that you wouldn’t of known if you were by yourself. I learnt so many cool things that I can take away from this experience! I’m also so glad I could discover the amazing food in the area! So spoilt! Overall they were so welcoming and we had many great laughs! They always had a smile on their faces and was happy to answer any questions. I highly recommend this tour and would 100% do another one! Thanks Nature and Nosh!"
-Shelby (Auckland)

Inclusions

Return transfers from Hamilton in comfortable and spacious transport with air conditioning.

Professional local guide with local knowledge and stories leading the way
TWO guided short walks
Walk to the top of Wairere Falls, tallest falls in the North Island
Walk along the banks of Te Waihou Blue Spring
Gourmet picnic style lunch
Cheese tasting and view cheesemaking at Over the Moon Cheese
Vilagrads winery visit and tasting

What's not included

Personal hiking gear such as boots and day packs, water bottles. We do have some day packs and walking poles available for hire.

Grading

Grade
Moderate
4 - 4.5 hours walking total
(400m elevation)
Carrying a small day backpack for your personal gear such as water, lunch and
a rain jacket.

Track conditions
The track surfaces on these two walks vary from farmland/grass to mud and rock and some gravel - but both tracks are well-maintained. Wairere falls track can be slippery and muddy when there has been a decent amount of rain. A good level of fitness means you will get the most out of this day. Our guides ensure that the pace is dictated by the group and allow plenty of time for short breaks for water, refreshments, photos and interesting stories on the way. For us, it's about the journey, not the destination.