Waikato is the heart of rural New Zealand. The scenery is dominated by the country’s longest river, the mighty 420km Waikato River, which winds through the lush landscape. If you want to get away from it all then grab your backpack and head this way…
Hamilton is the big city round these parts, with large farming and student communities well catered for. It’s a great base for taking trips out into the land. If you like to keep active then you can get your kicks black water rafting, rock climbing and surfing. For the more leisurely amongst us - boating, snoozing, landscape picture taking and drinking in the sun. Forests, rivers, beaches, caves and bars, who could want for anything more?
Raglan on the West Coast is a surfers’ paradise. Even if you don’t surf, the town has an idyllic laid-back charm worth indulging in. Anyway, who needs an excuse to check out those fit bodies with a smoothie and a good book?!
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Take a boat ride through the underground labyrinth of ancient caverns and limestone formations at Waitomo Caves. If one cave isn’t enough, you can explore the Aranui and Ruakuri caves too. Glowworms galore too!
If you find the prospect of a boat ride all too sleepy then you can get your thrills black water rafting through the caves or abseiling down into them!
Take a stroll around Hamilton Gardens, stunning themed gardens on the banks of the Waikato river.
Surf the world famous waves at Raglan or simply lie back and check out the eye candy!
For hobbits and horse lovers, there is a place just for you. If you are both then you’re going to love Matamata. This is the thoroughbred horse racing centre of NZ and it’s also where Hobbiton was recreated. Grab some snaps whilst taking a tour of the Hobbiton Village movie set.
Go hiking in the Pirongia Forest Park, a densely forested area which includes three extinct volcanoes. The main attraction is the spectacular Mt Pirongia at 959metres.
Pack your mates and a few cold ones; it’s time to take a 4WD (four-wheel drive) beach safari and dig your own hot pools at Kawhia Harbour.
Get your rocks off at Wharepapa South. It’s a world-class climbing mecca!
Hop on an old paddle steamer along the Waikato River and learn a little more about the history and landmarks of the region.
Like the birds? Get the low down on New Zealand’s native flying friends at Hamilton Zoo; it has the largest free flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere, by Jove!
Waikato is the heart of rural New Zealand. The scenery is dominated by the country’s longest river, the mighty 420km Waikato River, which winds through the lush landscape. If you want to get away from it all then grab your backpack and head this way…
Raglan on the West Coast is a surfers’ paradise. Even if you don’t surf, the town has an idyllic laid-back charm worth indulging in. Anyway, who needs an excuse to check out those fit bodies with a smoothie and a good book?! 
