WAIKATO ADVENTURES
Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Waikato
WAITOMO CAVES
Adrenaline fuelled underwater adventure or a leisurely cruise on an underground river Waitomo offers choices on how to experience the massive underground geological wonder. Waitomo nearby offers visitors epic short walks, waterfalls found at the end of mossy fern gullies and extraordinary examples of ingenious ideas from tunnels to access a beach to a town celebrating all things kiwana.
Find out what makes the place one of New Zealand’s internationally renowned tourist attractions. Captivating Waitomo is not just a subterranean cave rather it’s a lush, natural world weaving holiday magic for over 150 years and counting.
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Piopio is recognisable as the film location of The Hobbit trilogy. Piopio sits between the underground world of the Waitomo Caves and Taranaki’s surf coast. Piopio’s location offers a base to explore the Waitomo Caves as well as proximity to Waitomo’s wild west coast.
RAGLAN
RAGLAN IS ADVENTURE CENTRAL FOR WAKATO VISITORS
- Grab a complimentary wetsuit and try your hand at surfing
- Canyon natural rock slides into crystal clear mountain pools with Raglan Rock
- Ocean Beach, Waikato Horse ride into the tidal pools with a guided trek
- Kayak along the coast exploring estuaries and quiet waterways
Raglan Travel Guide
Activities & Adventures in Raglan – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER
Whale Bay, Raglan District
SCENERY – PLACES TO VISIT IN THE WAIKATO
PUTARURU BLUE SPRINGS
Putaruru Blue Spring is mesmerising. Visitors are entranced by the sheer volume of welling water. Gentle currents form blue ribbons with tendrils of green swirling freshwater plants. Photo opportunities galore against the blue / green water, hillsides and regenerating bush is a given. Putaruru Blue Springs is one of New Zealand’s premier scenic destinations.
More about Blue Springs
Te Waihou Walkway to Putaruru Blue Springs, Waikato
Find your cycling credentials in the Waikato. The mighty Waikato River is the lodestar for outdoors buffs with river trails through scenic highlights and stories narrating human occupation. The Waikato is mostly flat without the steep terrain of much of New Zealand giving cyclists and hikers a chance to slow down and savour the journey.
MANGAPOHUE NATURAL ROCK ARCH BRIDGE
View Mangapohue Natural Bridge, limestone arches spanning the Mangapohue River. Fossil hunters look for limestone bluffs and cliffs where layers of oyster shell fossils are evident to the naked eye.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge has spectacular sights. The 17 metre-high limestone arch which spans Mangapohue Stream is the remnants of an ancient cave system.
Discover Mangakino’s picturesque Lake Maraetai and remember to pack a picnic. For coffee buffs the quirky waterfront cafe should be popped on the bucket list. The Bus Stop Cafe is fun and a very good reason to hang out at a lake without the hard work of preparing snacks.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge
Pathway through New Zealand native bush, Mangapohue Natural Bridge, Waitomo District, Waikato
WALKS AND HIKES – PLACES TO VISIT IN THE WAIKATO
Discover the mighty Waikato River where suspension bridges, hydro dams and scenic landscapes invite visitors outdoors. Stroll in bush and forest reserves, through wetlands and areas of natural beauty near the Waitomo Caves. Enjoy fascinating natural rock formations and waterfalls with opportunities to explore quirky New Zealand towns. Enjoy family friendly walks suitable for all fitness levels.
The old Te Aroha post office
- Miranda Shorebirds short walks on a chenier (shell) beach where sky, sea and horizon blend into a world inhabited by birds
- Te Aroha Domain with Edwardian splendour; the grandeur of an original spa town
- Putaruru Blue Springs is a Waikato must-go short walk destination
- Hakarimata Rail Trail is a family walking and cycling track following the route of the former Ngaruawahia/Glen Massey railway to attractive streams
- LAKE HAKANOA wetlands is a secret surprise at the Huntly Domain
- MANGAOTAKI WALK, fantasy comes to life in the Lord of the Rings film setting
GARDENS & PARKS – PLACES TO VISIT IN THE WAIKATO
Waikato gardens flourish in the fertile plains of the Waikato. The highlight for many visitors is the incomparable HAMILTON GARDENS.
- Cambridge with its leafy main street is a great base for garden and outdoor activities
- Te Awamutu Rose Garden & War Memorial park attractions and things to do
- Taitua Arboretum, mature trees cover 20 hectares of lakes, grassed areas, and woodland gardens linked with winding paths
- Lavender Backyard Garden is a small, family owned lavender and blueberry farm in Newstead, Hamilton. For just 2 months each year in December and January you can take your family to pick your own lavender. Plus from December to January you can also pick your own blueberries
- The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum is about 15 kms east of Hamilton is a 17.5 hectare arboretum with more than 20,000 trees from around the world. The kids will enjoy discovering more than 100 New Zealand made sculptures and installations along the 2km trail. The art-in-nature experience aims to inspire imagination. There is no cafe onsite, however there are picnic areas. The park is only open by appointment so you need to book before you visit.
Top 10 Waikato Gardens
Te Awamutu War Memorial Park
BEACHES, RIVERS & WATERFALLS IN THE WAIKATO
Marokopa
MAROKOPA – Tunnel Beach
Marokopa there are plenty of things to do. A place that is known for its beach access. And the wild west coast beach is not really swimmable. A remote beach with the only access through a stock tunnel is the main reason for the trek to Marokopa. Waikawau Beach is the majesty of nature in unravelled glory.
Waikawau Tunnel and beach Sandstone cliffs are tinted with orange, yellow and creams. The beach and headlands remind visitors that there are places where people are few and far between. Waikawau beach is raw, elemental and wild. You feel like an adventurer especially after the journey to the location.
What’s So Great about Marokopa
MAROKOPA WATERFALLS
Had enough beaches? There’s one of New Zealand waterfall jewells with a very satisfying constant cascade of water to visit nearby Waitomo Caves. Marokopa Waterfalls has a short easy boardwalk access, it is photogenic and glorious.
Marokopa Falls have a 30 metre drop and are phenomenal and while readily accessible are not on the tourist circuit. The impressive waterfalls are located in Tawarau Forest.
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Marokopa Falls
INTERESTING FACT
Find out where New Zealand’s North Island’s sole inland beach is located on Hamilton city walks and enjoy a dip in the cool waters of the Waikato River.
FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN PLACES TO VISIT IN THE WAIKATO
Discover interactive activities that push, pull and engage with objects capturing children’s attention. Waikato Museum has the Exscite Science Gallery where manipulating magnetic fields bounces differing colours onto the floor.
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WAIKATO FAMILY FRIENDLY HIGHLIGHTS
- Quirky cool collections from thousands of bottle caps at Ngatea Water Gardens to Hamilton’s Classic Museum petrol signs and vintage cars
- Adventures with the pedal to the floor at Drift Kart challenges to looking upwards at an indoor climbing wall
- Outdoors with the mighty Waikato river trails and summits to clamber
- Water sports at Lake Karapiro
- Indoors museums and galleries where jumping, pulling and pushing levers is encouraged
- New Zealand’s top playgrounds to burn off excess energy
Activities & Adventures in Waikato – BOOK HERE
Ngatea Water Gardens feeding the ducks
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Check out Gardens and Parks for ideas where to take the kids.
Conservation and sustainability are part of the kids’ world. Sanctuary Mountain gives everybody a chance to walk in a protected world where Aotearoa New Zealand wildlife flourishes.
Kaka, Sanctuary Mountain
TOP PICK FOR THE YOUNG CONSERVATIONIST – WAIKATO
Rotopiko National Wetlands Centre & Yarndleys Bush
- Learn the critical importance of wetlands in New Zealand
- Find out about life in a wetland
- Explore on well marked easy trails and discover an ancient swamp forest
- Try your hand at a family-oriented interactive discovery trail – play Eels and Ladders, Mudfish Scrabble, and try to identify what bird walked across the boardwalk
FAMILY FRIENDLY MANGAOTAKI VALLEY WALK IN PIOPIO
This gentle loop walking track is an 800m fantasy walk worthy of inclusion in the Lord of the Rings film locations. The massive boulders littering the landscape are covered in mosses and gnarled kahikatea trees artly grow up and around the boulders.
The shaded walk is another imaginative landscape perfect for kids as The Mangaotaki River is ideal for the novice fly fisherman, with no shortage of rainbow trout, with access gained via the Mangoataki Scenic Reserve. Make sure you have the required licence to fish.
What’s So Great about Piopio
Stunning rock formations at Mangaotaki Valley, the filming location of `The Hobbit, an Unexpected Journey`
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The Mangaotaki Valley was the filming location for Trollshaw Forest in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
@grassrootstrustvelodrome
KIDS – PRACTISE YOUR SKILLS AT THE CAMBRIDGE AVANTIDROME
Cambridge’s Avantidrome is a great bike skills park catering to all ages. Kids will enjoy themini roading system with traffic lights and stop signs. You can take your own bikes, trikes or scooters or hire bikes there for adults and kids over the age of 6. Entry is free.
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WAIKATO ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO FOR COUPLES
If you’re out on a summer Sunday, Hamilton Gardens’ Gourmet in the Gardens is a fun way to spend the evening. Here, handpicked food trucks, popular with locals offer tasty cuisines from around the world. Free entry.
TE AROHA + HOT TUB SOAK
Perhaps a hike up Mt Te Aroha is a fantastic way to spend quality time together with a Te Aroha spa booked as a treat for afterwards. The summit track is three hours one way through native bush to the highest point on the Kaimāī Range. The panoramic views across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty stretch to the distant Mt Ruapehu, Ngāuruhoe and Taranaki on clear days. It is a steep climb yet one of the favourite day walks in the North Island.
A picnic within the Te Aroha Domain is a budget option and find the footbath. Te Aroha is part of the Auckland weekend escape destinations meaning bookings are necessary for must-go attractions.
Find out more about Waikato romantic places, things to do for couples.
What’s So Great about Te Aroha
@tearohamineralspas
EAT & DRINK – PLACES TO GO IN THE WAIKATO
@zealongtea
The imaginative name for ice cream heavenly treats is matched only by the names of Duck Island ice cream. You can order roasted white chocolate or cinnamon smoked apple pie or fairy bread. Award-winning Duck Island Ice Cream in either Hamilton East or Riverbank Lane in the CBD.
Find zen at Zealong Tea Estate
Slow down and enjoy the ancient rituals of a tea ceremony at Zealong Tea Estate in Waikato.
- Tivoli Cinema, a treat to sit with your wine, snacks or a coffee from the inhouse cafe and relax the old-fashioned way in a picture theatre
WAIKATO, ODD, UNUSUAL AND FASCINATING PLACES TO GO
Learn about classic cars and enjoy nostalgic glimpses of 1950’s road signage from the heyday of the Sunday drive.

INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
A Wētā – Mahoenui
In 1962 a new species of giant wētā was found in a gorse patch on a farm in Mahoenui. The gorse, which protected the insects, was reserved by the Department of Conservation. Mahoenui is the only place these wētā have been found. Mahoenui giant wētā are one of the world’s largest insects. It’s likely that the wētā were once present throughout the lowland forests of Waikato. Mahoenui Giant Wētā Scientific Reserve is managed by the Department of Conservation.
Mahoenui giant Weta @Department of Conservation
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The Mangaotaki Valley was the filming location for Trollshaw Forest in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
ART & HERITAGE IN THE WAIKATO – PLACES TO GO
WAIKATO MUSEUMS
Is a regional New Zealand repository of the history of human occupation of the Waikato reaching back over 900 years. An excellent source of information about the region. The museum has a well stocked gift shop representing local artisans, arts and crafts from the Waikato.
Open: Every day (excerpt Christmas Day)
10.00am – 5.00pm
Exhibitions: Charges could apply
Admission: Free
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Waikato Museum entrance, Hamilton
Kāwhia museum, Waikato @Pharmacy Today
KAWHIA MUSEUM
The former Kawhia County Council building is now a waterfront museum. The museum is stacked with memorabilia, fascinating facts and dedicated volunteers. There are dinosaur fossils including moa bones. Photographs galore and slightly dusty exhibits. It is the perfect place for fans of regional collections. Look for the nineteenth century whaling boat.
Reviews & More on TripAdvisor
@Ōtorohanga Museum
OTOROHANGA COURTHOUSE MUSEUM
Kiwiana on steroids, murals, enormous sculptures, statues and open air museum dedicated to kiwi objects, memorabilia and contemporary culture. Postcard pretty main street is augmented with the Sir Ed Hillary walk, a visual feast of kiwiana objects. Nearby the Otorohanga Historical Society Courthouse Museum, managed by volunteers, has replica buildings and exhibits and is a reservoir of local history.
PIOPIO MUSEUM
The original blacksmith’s shop and cottage is home to the Piopio Museum. The forge is occasionally fired up for demonstrations. It’s fascinating looking at a manual switchboard where party telephone lines meant everyone could listen in on your conversation. Piopio’s original manual telephone exchange is still in working order. There is an extensive photography collection and memorabilia from the district. Entry is by donation and keys collected from the local Piopio general store. Location: Centre of town.
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Piopio & Districts Museum @Piopio
WAIKATO FESTIVALS
SHOPPING, MARKETS IN THE WAIKATO
WHERE TO GO
Discover Hamilton’s shopping spirit. Hamilton, with its golden triangle of Auckland and Tauranga is home to international brands, hot fashionista trends and a population ready to shop. Hamilton has three significant shopping malls, The Base, Centre Place and Chartwell Shopping Centre. Hamilton has a surprise for dedicated shoppers with a town meets country vibe with a well known second hand book shops, opportunity shops and thrift stores as well as innovative local designers whose works are showcased in Hamilton.
Need an excuse for a day trip, a girls day out and about in Hamilton from either Auckland or Tauranga. Here’s the road map for your shopping trip.
Beautiful pottery objects ArtsPost Galleries
Let’s get the inside lane to what is hot and what is grab at ArtsPost Galleries & Shop. The heritage post office building, under the management of Waikato Museum is split into three spaces each focused on different elements of Aotearoa New Zealand art and craft scene. These spaces are dynamic and influenced by exhibitions and artists. The gallery is named to honour well known citizens in the Waikato arts scene (see Travel Pack Section for details).
Highlights:
- Free entry between 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
- Online shopping portal for those pieces you left behind
- Extensive range of NZ art from ceramics, prints, paintings, jewellery and Kiwiana
Reviews & More on TripAdvisor
Hankering after a leisurely browse in a bookshop without best sellers dominating the space. Browsers is the place to go. Take a virtual tour of the beautiful store with its ceiling high shelves. The bookstore’s focus is arts, photography, fishing, hunting, exploring, music, mysticism, NZ and quality fiction. Yet there is more with an excellent children’s section. And most importantly the bookshop is not musty or moudly, the light filled space is inviting and the passionate Rachel Pope, owner and manager knows every title.
Hamilton Shopping & Market Guide
@Browsersbookshop
NOTE
Damaged books are lovingly repaired and good for resale.
Location: 298 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central
FREE ATTRACTIONS IN THE WAIKATO
Raglan Te Kopua Estuary Beach
The best places to go in the Waikato are free
- Raglan wild west coast surf beaches with a safe Te Kopua beach & estuary for families to paddle
- Summer weekends in the Hamilton Gardens’ Gourmet in the Gardens is a fun way to spend the evening. Here, handpicked food trucks popular with locals offer tasty cuisines from around the world. Bring a picnic rug and enjoy the entertainment.
- Waikato River walks
- Cambridge’s Avantidrome is a great bike skills park with free entry
KIWI TOWNS WORTH A DETOUR
Heritage villages have big stories and quirky stops tempting visitors to explore the Waikato’s side roads from Marokopa with its stunning waterfalls and tunnel leading to a wild west coast beach where the only footsteps are yours.
Perhaps it’s Otorohanga with its delightful, amusing kiwiana trail and kiwi house. The New Zealand story told in public art installations is a great stop for all age groups and perfect for instagram collectors of where to go for the next selfie. How about a town where there is a traditional whale boat festival.
Te Waitere and great walks. Cambridge is Waikato local favourite weekend destination with its superb year round weekend market and urban vibe combined with countryside vistas. Cambridge, Waikato trip guide, what to do, best activities. A picture postcard kiwi town where spring and autumn is showcased with leaf glory lining the main street Victorian streetscape. Shopping in Cambridge is a pleasure, not a large shopping mall in sight, traditional high street shopping with plenty of cafes to restore flagging energy.
Kiwi preservation house and zoo in Otorohanga
HAMILTON CITY, WAIKATO
@hamiltongardensNZ
WHAT TO SEE AND DO TOP SIGHTS IN HAMILTON, WAIKATO
- Waikato River walks exploring shady corners, popping into nearby cafes
- Vibrant art and heritage culture from vintage vehicle museums to a contemporary art galleries
- Fascinating collection of second hand shops
- Street art and festival season celebrating the Waikato
- A perfect place to rest your head while you explore the Waikato district
Adventures & Activities in Hamilton – BOOK NOW up to 50% OFF!
Hamilton and the Waikato River are synonymous with identity and the city spirit. In 1993 the Waitangi Tribunal acknowledged that the river was a taonga (treasure) for tribes of Tainui and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. The Mighty Waikato River offers city dwellers and visitors alike shaded walks, a place to relax and revive and a sense of community.
New Zealand’s longest river charges through the Waikato for 425 kilometres and for 16 of those, it makes its way through Hamilton, the largest inland city in New Zealand.
Hamilton is a great place for kids, family and friends with quirky museums, an interesting riverwalk, playgrounds.
Hamilton Travel Guide
Sunset along the Waikato River in Hamilton, Waikato
RAGLAN
Raglan is a North Island west coast gem, Waikato region near Hamilton. The black sand beaches of Ngarunui Beach and Manu Bay are surfing favourites. There is a well established surf club culture, surf schools and tourism experiences focused on the outdoors and the beach.
RELATED GUIDES
THAMES – GATEWAY TOWN TO THE COROMANDEL
Thames is just over an hour’s drive from Hamilton creating opportunities to explore the gateway town of the Coromandel. Thames – Coromandel district has a layered history from Maori settlements, gold and coal mining and today supporting the agricultural sector.
Thames School of Mines
GETTING AROUND
The Waikato region is dominated by one large urban area (Hamilton) with key attractions such as Waitomo Caves in a rural setting. Either a guided tour bus or private / rental vehicle is required.
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Ensure you have allowed sufficient time between attractions to arrive at your destination in time to enjoy the experience. Remember always check opening hours to avoid disappointment.
Distances
Hamilton to Auckland (motorway) |
120 km |
1 hour 10 minutes |
Hamilton to Raglan |
40 km |
35 minutes |
Hamilton to Waitomo Caves |
69 km |
55 minutes |
Hamilton to Otorohanga |
56.5 km |
45 minutes |
Hamilton to Piopio |
102 km |
1 hour 20 minutes |
Hamilton to Lake Karapiro |
50 km |
45 minutes |
Hamilton to Cambridge |
25 km |
26 minutes |
Hamilton to Sanctuary Mountain |
59 km |
53 minutes |
Hamilton to Thames |
112km |
1 hour 25 minutes |
Hamilton to Otorohanga |
56.5 km |
47 minutes |
WAIKATO BUS NETWORK
Hamilton city is serviced by INTERCITY BUS and has its own urban bus network. Hamilton buses – BUSIT has a number of routes to the regions, Regional buses – BUSIT. For visitors who are using public transport the regional bus network connects to TAUPO, a visitor hot spot.
There are no regional trains however the Auckland to Wellington once daily train service stops in Hamilton as well there is a commuter train service between Auckland and Hamilton. The profitability of the commuter Auckland to Hamilton service means it is advisable to check its timetable and whether it is continuing to operate.
Hamilton, Waikato bus stop artwork
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Check Timetable – Te Huia train Auckland to Hamilton for up to date information.
NOTE
Commuter train stops in Huntly.
BEST TIME TO VISIT WAIKATO
Between November to March. The lush farmland with its emerald green pasture enjoys year round moisture, especially in the autumn / spring months. An umbrella and clothing layers is recommended year round.
WEATHER IN WAIKATO
Waikato Weather Forecasts and Observations – MetService New Zealand
Hamilton The average summer temperature is between 24.9°C and 22.2°C. It does not snow in Hamilton however in winter the average temperature is between 12°C and 16°C. Rain is most likely to occur between October to December (spring to early summer) perfect for baby lambs, not so perfect for visitors.
QUICK FACTS
The Waikato is a local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato District, Waipa District, Matamata-Piako District, South Waikato District and Hamilton City, as…Wikipedia
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