Attractions

Region Activities & Attractions

Epworth is a natural paradise that provides a peaceful break from the pressures of city living, spread out over 12 acres nestled on the banks of the Waikato River. We are centrally located in the Waikato region providing the perfect location to base yourselves while taking advantage of the many offsite attractions unique to this region.

Plenty of sites to see including Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Waikato River trails, Hamilton Gardens, Sanctuary Mountain and much more!

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo Caves is one of the must-see natural attractions in the North Island of New Zealand. There’s so much to do! Above-ground attractions combine with underground attractions to create Two Landscapes and Twice the Fun! Only 1 hour travel time from Cambridge, don’t miss out on seeing one of nature’s wonders, the glow worms. For more information visit Click Here

Hobbiton Movie Set

Voted New Zealand’s 2016 most popular tourist destination, located on one of the most picturesque private farms in the Waikato, just outside of Matamata, is the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies. You are able to take a fascinating two-hour guided tour. Only 1/2 an hour’s drive from Cambridge or a shuttle bus ride from the iSITE centre this popular tourist destination is a must. For more information visit Click Here

Okoroire Hotel and Hot Springs

Just 15 minutes drive from Epworth, the Okoroire Hot Springs is the ideal place for a hot pool getaway to rest and relax in the tranquil thermal waters of Okoroire. Take the short bush walk to the charmingly rustic private pools, surrounded by bush and ferns. When you’re done soaking, pop up to the hotel and enjoy a meal or a nice cool drink, 9 holes of golf or go for a walk around the quaint wee nearby town of Tirau famous for its specialty shops, Antiques, and galleries. Click Here

Riverside Adventures

A friendly family-run business based at the southern end of the beautiful Lake Karapiro, operating all year round. Discover the region by hiring quality mountain bikes to travel along the Waikato River Trail, or a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to glide along the calm waters of the lake, or for something truly unique, our guided kayak Glow Worm tour is not to be missed. Click Here

Takapoto Showjumping

Experience Takapoto Estate: A Remarkable Haven of Beauty and Legacy. Immerse in a flourishing eco-sanctuary with 800,000 native plantings, harmonising with majestic Mangatautari Mountain. Enjoy world-class equestrian facilities, charming cottages, and unforgettable function areas. Indulge in vineyards, market gardens, and the magnificence of our Angus bulls. Join us and revel in the splendour, heritage, and allure of Takapoto Estate. Click Here

Sanctuary Mountain

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari began with a dream to protect the plant and animal species living on Maungatautari. This ancient ecosystem has been recognised as a reserve since 1912 and nearly 100 years later the community came together to restore and further protect this precious environment with a pest-proof fence. By removing all mammals from Maungatautari it has provided a safe environment to reintroduce some of New Zealand’s most endangered species back to their natural habitat. Click Here

The Boat Shed Exclusive Offer

Special Price if booked through Epworth Camp: $95 per adult and $70 per 12 years and under!

We have trips going most Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and we can make midweek trips as long as there are min 6 clients.

Bring the whole family along for an unforgettable kayaking trip! We start from the Epworth camp and kayak our way down a truly beautiful section of the Waikato River to the Pokaiwhenua stream. With stunning twilight lake views, we head under the Pokaiwhenua Bridge and into the Glowworm Canyon.

Draped with native ferns, the canyon offers a true slice of New Zealand Beauty, and as the light fades away, the unique incandescence of the glowworms starts to shine from the surrounding walls. After a quick glass of some of New Zealand’s finest wines (hot drink for the kids) complemented with some tasty cheeses enjoyed over the warmth of a campfire, it’s back in the boats, as we drift slowly downstream using only the light from the glowworms.

For the safety of our clients and to ensure you have the best experience out there, we are an Adventure Mark safety audit-certified company.

Important Information

• This trip requires only a moderate level of fitness.
• The trip is fully guided by experienced Boatshed guides.
• Trip departure times vary depending on daylight hours – one hour before sunset.
• There is a minimum group size of 6 people, so advance bookings are essential.
• There is a maximum group size of 16, and we like to use double sea kayaks, so if you have an uneven group number, you may be put with someone else.

Weather and What to Bring

• As this is an outdoor adventure, it will pay to bring some nice warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, and gloves if you have them (although not essential). NO JEANS.
• This tour is weather-dependent. We will use the number provided when booking to contact you regarding the weather and to remind you of what to bring.
• If the weather looks poor, we will give you the option to rebook. If the trip is cancelled, it is simply a case of rebooking to another evening that suits you.

What’s Included

• Warm, waterproof jackets will be provided, and waterproof pants will be available.
• All kayak equipment (kayak, paddle and life jacket)

Visit our website for more information here