The Waikato region packs an astonishing range of wonders into a compact patch of the North Island. Here are some of the best…
Hamilton
Hamilton stands on the site of several former Māori settlements, most notably Kirikiriroa (‘a long stretch of gravel’), on the west bank of the Waikato River. Such heritage is well represented in the city museum, where a large waka watches over the waterway, Aotearoa’s longest and visible from vantage points including Hamilton Gardens – the city’s crown jewel.
Hamilton Gardens’ internationally recognised exhibits sit on a site that has served as a pā, a British military post, a Victorian rifle range and even a rubbish dump! Its transformation into a celebrated urban oasis won it International Garden of the Year at the 2014 Garden Tourism Awards, joining past winners such as the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle in Merano, Italy.
The botanical collections serve as an outdoor museum, tracing 4,000 years of gardening history across civilisations. Relax in the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, wander the Italian Renaissance Garden, or admire the roses in the English Garden. Native plantings shelter a traditional Māori productive garden guarded by carvings, while a giant pop-art Marilyn Monroe watches over the American Modernist Garden.
Hobbiton
The Hobbiton Movie Set brings a slice of cinematic magic to a Waikato sheep farm 15 minutes from the farming town of Matamata. It served as the Shire for the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, and is one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions. Tours take in Hobbit Hole doors and even tastings at the Green Dragon Inn.
Raglan
Raglan, a short drive west of Hamilton, is one of Aotearoa’s most laid-back towns, a world-renowned black-sand surfing destination with a strong boho streak with craft stores, fashionable cafes and a creative, alternative community. Manu Bay’s legendary left-hand break – made famous in the 1966 film Endless Summer – can carry surfers up to 2km. Ngarunui is the region’s largest beach and best for novices, though, while Whale Bay and the windswept Ruapuke Beach are best left to experienced riders.
Nearby, a gentle 10-minute bush walk leads through native forest to the top of the hypnotic Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls, often crossed by a rainbow.
Cambridge
Cambridge sits in the heart of rural Waikato, a picture-perfect town of tree-lined streets, boutique shops and chic cafes. Long famed for thoroughbred racing and Olympic-level rowing and cycling talent, little wonder it’s often referred to as the ‘Town of Trees and Champions’. It’s now a cycling capital too, thanks to the Avantidrome velodrome and the gorgeous Te Awa River Ride.
The Waikato River also winds past the town, offering jet-boating and riverside dining, while nearby Sanctuary Mountain – Maungatautari offers some standout conservation experiences, home to the the critically endangered kākāpō. Oh, and don’t miss the local Saturday farmers’ market!
Waitomo
Waitomo’s limestone labyrinth, in the iconic King Country region of Waikato, harbours vast glowworm colonies that lure visitors from the world over. Formation began 30 million years ago, when an ancient seabed was uplifted by volcanic activity and was then carved by flowing water. Today, alongside the glowworm-lit caverns, the around 300 caves also offer underground river sailing, blackwater rafting, wall climbing and rappelling. Aboveground walks are also worth exploring.
Fun fact: glowworms are actually fungus gnat larvae which dangle sticky silken threads to snare prey drawn in by their bioluminescent glow, caused by a natural chemical reaction.
Hauraki Rail Trail
This laidback, leisurely cycling trail follows old railway lines between the historic gold towns of Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Waihi and Matamata, tracing the Shorebird Coast along the way. It’s flat and easy, contrasting birdlife-rich Firth of Thames wetlands with the lush Hauraki Plains and a relic-strewn Karangahake Gorge. Complete it over 3-5 days with atmospheric overnight stops or ride it in day sections using local bike hire and shuttles. Highlights include a 1,100m glowworm tunnel, Owharoa Falls, and Te Aroha’s hot pools.
