Waikato

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DISCOVER THE BEST OF WAIKATO

The Waikato region is one of outstanding natural beauty, from the mighty Waikato River and the Lost World Cave of Waitomo to the Mountains of Pirongia and the renowned surfing beach of Manu Bay, Waikato is an adventurer’s paradise.

The largest Lake in New Zealand can be found in this region at 616 square kilometres, which also makes it the largest freshwater lake in Oceania. The people of Waikato often use the nickname ‘Mooloo’ to apply to themselves or to their region, particularly in relation to sporting endeavours.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REGION

  • Waikato River – This River is the longest in New Zealand, rising in the eastern slopes of Mount Ruapehu and flowing 425 kilometres towards the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato, North West of Hamilton. The river has played a significant part in New Zealand’s history, having been the source of farming, industry and battles during the 19th century. It also has a spiritual meaning for various local Māori tribes, including the Tainui, who regard it as a source of their mana, or pride. Visitors can kayak, fish and white water raft at points on the river, or just simply walk along its banks.
  • Caves of Waitomo – Waitomo has a ‘community’ of around 300 caves. The systems, including Ruakuri Cave and Aranui Cave, are formed of limestone. It is believed that the caves were carved about 30 million years ago. Besides the incredible sights of geological formations, stalactites and stalagmites you can also find glowworms, abseil into the Lost World Cave, experience ‘black’ water rafting and discover ‘Haggis Honking Holes’ through a challenging cave trek.
  • Matamata – Already famous as farmland and for the breeding of racing horses, the arrival of Hobbits sparked fans of Tolkien’s the Lord of the Rings to visit Matamata to explore ‘The Shire’, or Hobbiton, which was built during the filming of the trilogy. Although much of the set has since been deconstructed, visitors can still venture into some of the ‘hobbit holes’, of which there are 44, and enjoy commentary about their creation. They can also have a pint in the Green Dragon Inn. Besides this, Matamata exhibits beautiful countryside and just walking east of the town leads you to Wairere Falls which is the North Island’s highest waterfall, plunging 153 metres.
  • Mount Pirongia – Located 8 kilometres from the small settlement of Pirongia, in the Pirongia Forest Park, Mount Pirongia rises to about 960 metres, making it the highest peak in the Waikato region. It is extinct volcano and features a prominent accessory cone on its northern flank. Māori people have a strong spiritual connection with the mountain and it is also the focus of ecological restoration. There are a few tracks to reach the summit, with the reward being grand views over Waikato from a lookout platform where it is possible, on a clear day, to see Mount Taranaki and Mount Ruapheu.
  • Raglan – Although only a small beachside town, Raglan is known internationally for its surf. Only 8 kilometres away are Vortex, Manu and Whale Bay. Each are famous surf breaks, with Manu Bay having featured in two films. Raglan has also hosted a world championship surfing event at Ruapuke beach. The town also hosts local and international arts and music festivals.

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Waikato is dotted with charming townships. The biggest population, however, reside in the city of Hamilton, which is a hub for culture with museums, art galleries and themed gardens, a large student population, exciting entertainment and fun-fuelled night life. The region is also home to Hobbits that can be found in the Matamata’s lush farmland.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

  • Explore Hamilton’s stunning themed public gardens on the banks of the Waikato River. Or, if gardens are not your thing, catch a rugby game at the Waikato Stadium.
  • With nature in mind, Hamilton Zoo, a wildlife conservation park with a giant free flight aviary. Also, a popular spot is Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, which allows walkers to experience New Zealand’s fauna and flora in a pest and predator free environment.
  • The Waikato Museum of Contemporary Art and History has a wide range of art and Maori heritage exhibits. There are countless museums, galleries and collections across the region, particularly in Tirau and Raglan.
  • Cambridge is home to many world class thoroughbred horse studs and Olympic Champions in equestrian, cycling and rowing events, as well as heritage buildings and antique shops.
  • There are many sites of geothermal activity in the region, harnessed to offer unique experiences to visitors. Te Aroha has the world’s only hot soda geyser, as well as spa pools and therapies. Waingaro Hot Springs has New Zealand’s longest open hot water slides alongside 4 mineral pools. Opal Hot Springs, near Matamata, also offer hot pool facilities. You can even ‘dig’ your own spa at Kawhia’s beach, where geothermally heated water filters up through the sand.

A collection of our special photos from around Waikato

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