Urban fun in Hamilton
Hamilton is the hub of the Waikato region. It's also New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, so there's plenty to do and see.
Wander around Hamilton Gardens, stunning themed gardens on the banks of the Waikato River Cruise the Waikato River on the MV Waipa Delta Visit Hamilton Zoo, a wildlife conservation park with a giant freeflight aviary full of native birds. Tigers, rhinoceros and lemurs are just some of the other residents The Waikato Museum of Contemporary Art and History has an exceptional collection of Maori taonga (treasures), including a section devoted to Tainui culture Indulge your retail urges at Downtown Plaza, Hamilton's boutique shopping centre. You'll find 30 retailers and a 240 seat food court Try your luck at Skycity. The casino offers 20 gaming tables and 300 gaming machines Visit 'Woodlands', a 1872 historic homestead that has been lovingly restored to its original grace and charm The south end of Hamilton's main street is buzzing with restaurants, cafés and bars Catch a match at the new Waikato Stadium, which regularly hosts rugby, league and soccer games The heart of the countryside
Charming townships are located throughout the rich, green Waikato countryside.
In Matamata you can delve into a hobbit hole on an informative two hour guided tour through the remnants of the Hobbiton set, created for the filming of Lord of the Rings Matamata airport is the launching point for glider rides and sky dives In Cambridge, the New Zealand Horse Magic Show provides world class equine entertainment You can also tour a stud farm in Cambridge The town of Tirau has become famous for its corrugated iron 'art buildings'. Look for the sheep, the dog and other examples of kiwiana creativity Tirau is also known for its antique and curiosity shops - shop for a unique souvenir Visit Otorohanga, the town of 'kiwiana'. See many of the nation's kiwi icons and visit the Kiwi House, to view our national bird in its nocturnal surroundings The mostly Maori town of Ngaruawahia holds a splendid Regatta Day every year in mid March, which includes a public parade of traditional war canoes on the Waikato River Mountain biking is great in the foothills of Mount Te Aroha Have a thrilling time kayaking and jet boating on the Waihou River Hiking and guided walks are fun at Mount Misery near Morrinsville Walk to beautiful Wairere Falls (153 metres high) in the Kaimai-Mamaku ranges Small museums throughout the region preserve local history, including accounts of the Maori Land Wars Find a warm welcome at the hot springs
Geothermal activity in the region provides a choice of places for a long, hot soak.
Geothermal Te Aroha has the world's only hot soda geyser and an impressive selection of hot pools At Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain you'll be charmed by Edwardian buildings, including the historic Cadman Museum Waingaro Hot Springs has New Zealand's longest open hot water slides and four mineral pools Opal Hot Springs, near Matamata, is another hot pool destination, and there's an 18-hole golf course right next door Dig your own spa at Kawhia's hot water beach. Geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand to give you a delicious warm soak Journeys into the centre of the earth
For an adventure with a difference, find the secrets that lie underground at Waitomo.
Experience the thrill of a black water rafting adventure. You'll squeeze into a wetsuit and pilot your personal raft through an amazing cave system Be amazed by the limestone formations and glow worms of the Waitomo Caves. The tour includes a boat ride through the famous Glow Worm Grotto Explore the Haggas Honking Holes on an caving adventure with underground waterfalls, abseils, crawling and rock climbs Find the Lost World at the end of a 100 metre abseil into a huge hole Go Tumu Tumu Toobing - a mixture of rafting, walking, wading and swimming Above the ground you can enjoy horse riding across farmland or skid through the mud on a 4WD bike A ripping time in Raglan
Even if you don't surf, you'll want to sample the Raglan lifestyle.
Surfers come from all over the world to experience Manu Bay's famous left-hand break The local township is well furnished with good eating places Find gifts and original souvenirs in the local art shops You can walk to gorges, waterfalls and mountains Get into rural life with a horse trek or farm tour
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