Waikato means flowing water a name that comes from New Zealands longest river.  This flows from New Zealands largest lake, Lake Taupō, to Port Waikato on the West Coast.  This region stretches from Auckland in the north, to Mount Ruapehu in the south, from the west coast, through to the top Coromandel Peninsula on the east coast.  The largest city in the Waikato is Hamilton with a population of just under 200,000. This region is best known for its top attractions such as Hobbiton and Waitomo Glow Worm Caves.

THE PINNACLES (COROMANDEL)

The Pinnacles is located in the Coromandel, not too far from Thames up the Kauaeranga Valley. To reach the lookout it is a 4 hour hike uphill and estimated 8 hour return trip. However, about forty minutes from the top you will find the Pinnacles Hut. This hut sleeps 80 but must be booked in advance via the Department of Conservation website. An over night stay is highly recommended so you can get to experience sunset and sunrise from the lookout. The view is incredible and this has to be one of the best overnight hiking trips in the North Island of NZ!

TAIRUA (COROMANDEL)

Tairua is one of many eastern Coromandel Towns. You get the harbour and the beach here, best of both worlds! It is only minutes away from bush and kauri grove walks, old mines and caves and Pauanui is just a short ferry ride across the harbour. There are a few offshore Islands that can also be explored if you book a trip with local dive and fishing charters. This is a great place to locate yourself if you want to spend a few days exploring this part of the Coromandel.

TE WAIHOU WALKWAY (PUTARURU)

The Blue Spring River that runs along the Te Waihou Walkway is one of the most pure fresh water springs in Aotearoa New Zealand. This taonga (treasure) has formed over many thousands of years to produce this crystal clear water. Located in the Waikato near Putaruru you can park your car at either end of the track and stroll the full 4.7kms which is estimated to take 3 hours return. Swimming is no longer allowed as it was causing damage to the river. Locals are very passionate about looking after it and keeping it as untouched as possible. A place to truly cherish!

KING COUNTRY (SOUTH)

This is a pretty typical scene in the King Country during spring. Such a great example of the ‘green’ New Zealand one might expect to see. This part of the country spans both the Waikato and Manawatu-Whanganui regions with farming and forestry covering a large amount of the land. The term ‘King Country’ comes from the New Zealand Wars of the 1860s when colonial forces invaded the Waikato and the Māori King Movement withdrew south. Māori knew this land at that time as Rohe Potae (the brim of a hat) which comes from the Māori King Tawhiao throwing his hat on a map to claim that area. There is some very rich pre and post European history here. It is a beautiful part of the country to pass through with many interesting places to experience along the way. But don’t get to attached to those baby sheep. Those lambs get exported to dinner plates all around the world. 

L&P CAFE (PAEROA)

If you are a Kiwi you will know what L&P is and most likely have seen the big bottle. But have you been to the L&P Cafe? They have a great selection of typical Kiwi meals on their breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. You can enjoy Happy Hour from Wed-Sun, 3-6pm with $4 tap beers and $5 house wines. And of course you will find a selection of L&P beverages to choose from.

OTOROHANGA (SOUTH)

Where the heck is Otorohanga? You will find this ‘Kiwiana’ rural town in South Waikato about 45 minutes from Hamilton. Kiwi icons are plentiful here including the buzzy bee, hokey pokey ice cream and even Kiwi! This town is full of quirky tributes to ‘kiwiana’ and worth stopping if you are passing though. Even better it is a great place to base yourself for a weekend if you’re planning some Waitomo glow-worm or black water rafting cave adventures. These are just down the road. Check out the family owned and operated Kiwi Holiday Park for a place to stay. Close by is also the Kiwi House & Native Bird Park. Like most NZ towns and cities the i-SITE information centre will be loads of help with accommodation and what to do. The i-SITE here is right in the middle of town and has free Wi-Fi access. You don’t get more Kiwi than this place!

MATAMATA (CENTRAL)

Matamata is not just the home of Hobbiton, the famous LOTR movie set. This Waikato country town is worth stopping to stay for a night or few. You will find a variety of accommodation options at the Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park. That’s right, hot springs! You could have a nice soak after hiking to the top of Wairere Falls which is a popular walk with amazing views. The best place to start though is at the information center where you will find everything you need to enjoy a few days here. Matamata is also be a good base if you are going to Experience the Trilogy which includes Hobbiton, Te Puia and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

OROKAWA BEACH (WAIHI)

Orokawa Beach is a 45 minute walk from the north end of Waihi Beach. This gorgeous spot is perfect for a picnic as well as some peace and quiet. Swimming here is not recommended due to the steep drop off close to shore but it is tempting! The north end of the beach is known as a good fishing spot and there are a few other walking tracks that continue from here. Just one of many beautiful beaches tucked away in paradise.

KARANGAHAKE GORGE (WAIHI/PAEROA)

The Karangahake Gorge is located between Waihi and Paeroa. There is a large car park in the middle of the gorge that is the starting point for a variety of great walking and biking trails. One of the most popular walks is the Windows Walk which is a 2.5km loop that exposes you to the old gold mining tunnels and rail tracks. A little bit of climbing but kids just love it! Be sure to take a torch just in case you decide to enter one of the tunnels for some exploring and keep an eye out overhead for cave weta. A great way to finish off your visit here is by stopping in across the road at the Talisman Cafe for a drink and bite to eat. Stopping in the Karangahake Gorge is a must do if you are passing through.

NGATEA (NORTH)

Ngatea is a place most people pass through and never think to stop. But here you will find a real treat in the Ngatea Water Gardens. Situated in the Hauraki region just 1 hour from Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Coromandel. The gardens span a 5 acre property and includes funny signs and scenes throughout . It is complete with a giftshop, playground, and function centre for weddings and other occasions. Ngatea itself serves as a hub for the farming community of the Hauraki Plains. For some reason fuel always seems to be cheaper here so it makes for a good place to stop and fill the car, grab a snack, have a toilet stop and stretch the legs. But you really must consider visiting the Water Gardens, you won’t be disappointed. 

HUNTLY POWER STATION (NORTH)

Did you know this power station doesn’t need those chimneys any longer? This is the Huntly Power Station, which is the largest thermal power plant in New Zealand. It is capable of supplying over 30% of the countries electricity needs. Although it still uses some coal the plant has pledged to stop using it by 2025, except for exceptional circumstances, and to be totally rid of coal by 2030. This is in line with New Zealand’s goal to have all electricity generation 90% renewable by 2025 and 100% by 2035. This power plant can’t be missed if you are driving through Huntly between Hamilton and Auckland. So why don’t they need those chimneys any longer? Because they are already long enough

CORNISH PUMPHOUSE (WAIHI)

This is the Cornish Pumphouse, a relic of the original gold mine in Waihi. Built around 1904 it was used until 1913 which is when the first hydro power station was completed. However, the pumphouse was kept in working order for a number of years as electricity wasn’t trusted by the miners. By the 1930s the building was abandoned while mining continued. Today it is protected by the Historic Places Trust and it has become a Waihi landmark and tourist attraction. Right next door is the well known Martha Mine, a very big hole in the ground! This site is easy to access from the centre of town, opposite the Information Centre. A great place to stop and stretch your legs.

THE TALISMAN CAFE & CRAFTS (KARANGAHAKE GORGE)

The Talisman Cafe & Crafts has had a mention already as a ‘must stop’ in the Karangahake Gorge. This cafe has a gorgeous outdoor area to explore anytime of the year. In the warmer months it makes for a great space to relax and enjoy a snack or meal from the delicious menu. In the winter you will find the fire place alight creating a very cosy indoor atmosphere. There are a variety of walks and hiking tracks just across the road which makes this the perfect place to replenish after an outdoor adventure. Or maybe you just need a coffee stop and to stretch you legs. Whatever the reason you won’t regret spending some time here.

BRIDAL VEIL FALLS (RAGLAN)

Wairēinga aka Bridal Veil Falls is a spectacular 55m waterfall located near Raglan in the Waikato. From the car park to the top of the falls is an easy 10 minute walk which is suitable for wheelchair and pushchair access. There are two viewing platforms at the top which offer incredible views of the falls and surrounding countryside. You can also take the stairs to the bottom of the falls for a magnificent view across the pool and up the falls. There is no swimming here and please keep to the paths to protect the endangered plants in the area.

HAMILTON GARDENS (HAMILTON CITY)

The Hamilton Gardens was awarded ‘Garden of the Year’ at the International Garden Tourism Awards in France in 2014. It is no surprise that this place is extremely popular with free entry and about one million people visiting annually. The gardens are grouped into four main collections including the Landscape Collection, the Cultivar Collection, the Fantasy Collection and the Productive Collection. You will find a variety of events going on throughout the year but the most popular would have to be the annual Garden Arts Festival in February. Located right beside the Waikato River you can also enjoy a river tour with Waikato Explorer. The Hamilton Gardens are absolutely worth visiting if you travelling through the Waikato Region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Read more here…

TONGARIRO CROSSING (NATIONAL PARK)

The Tongariro Crossing is known as the best one day hike in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is not a stroll in the park but a hike to be taken seriously. This is despite hundreds sometimes thousands of people doing it every gorgeous summers day. This is an alpine walk and should be treated as one. It is considered a challenging 21km hike which takes on average 6-8 hours. An average fit person should have no problem conquering it. If you leave early enough and have the energy you may also want to include a climb to the top of Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom). You will need to organise transport to get dropped off and picked up which many of the local accommodations offer. You will also find you can get picked up from near by locations. The best time to do this is December through to the end of March and only when the weather is good. This truly is one for the bucket list!  

SECONDHAND BOOK SHOP (HINUERA)

How many of you have driven past this second hand book shop in Hinuera and thought you must stop and check it out one day? Well next time this happens make sure you stop! This large shed is home to thousands of books and is sure to have something for all ages and interests. Run by the Matamata Districts Book Club you can join their Club for free and receive discounts of up to 20%. Books start from 50 cents and you can trade too. You might find books being given away for free to children as a big incentive for the Club is to encourage reading as much as possible. You may find the people running the shop are very passionate about this. So if you are not familiar with this place you will find it on the main highway between Hamilton and Tauranga. It is open 12-5pm, Friday-Sunday and it may be open other days during school holidays and the summer holiday season. You really must stop next time you are driving past and pick up a book or two. 

THE POINT – WHALE BAY (RAGLAN)

Just south of Raglan you will find Manu Bay, also known as The Point. This is a world famous surfing hot spot. It is here that you will find the longest and most accessibly consistent left-hand breaks on the planet. Perfect waves have been known to allow for the perfect ride of up to two kilometers or ten minutes long. That is pretty amazing! Manu Bay became well known after featuring in the 1966 movie ‘Endless Summer’. This location is now home to several surfing competitions every year. The Point draws in people from all over the world including novices to the pros. There is not likely a day that goes by that there isn’t a body or few in the water waiting to catch a wave. And if it is too crowded there are several other surf spots close by to choose from. If you are a keen beginner there are a number of surf schools in the area that offer lessons all year round. Manu Bay is a ‘must do’ on any surfers list while in New Zealand.

PORT JACKSON (COROMANDEL)

Despite being miles off the beaten track Port Jackson is a packed out summer holiday spot. Just over 100kms north of Thames it is about a two and a half hour drive due to the narrow windy roads. It’s remote location is what makes it such a special and sort after camping location. Right on the water front you will find a Department of Conservation (DOC) Camp Site which offers only the basics. Cooking shelters, barbeques, toilets, water and cold showers. It will only cost you $13 per adult, $6.50 for a child and under five is free. If you are planning on heading there make sure to book in advance through the DOC website. It is a long way to turn around and drive home if the campsite is full. For outdoor enthusiast there is so much to do! Take a boat or a kayak and head out to sea for some fishing or try your luck from the rocks at either end of the bay. There are plenty of walking tracks to explore including the Coromandel Walkway which starts from Fletcher Bay, just a short drive over the hill. Approximately five hours return, it will take you all the way to Stony Bay, the end of the road on the east side of the Coromandel Coastline. If you have time to spend in the Coromandel then this is one place you want to spend a night or few. 

Looking for something to do in Hamilton? Then check out best free attraction the city has to offer, THE AWARD WINNING HAMILTON GARDENS!