The Waikato region is home to Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves and Raglan’s popular surf beaches. Many Aucklanders like to spend the day out at Port Waikato, a beautiful escape from the big city that’s not too far away. Waitomo is the place to go if you’re a huge lover of caves as there’s a few to explore in the area. There are some pretty spectacular waterfalls, gardens and history to discover, as well!
Hamilton
Walks / gardens
Go for a walk or cycle along the Waikato River. It’s peaceful and there are many picnic spots along the way.
Walks – for more walks check out the walking brochure for Hamilton and Waikato.
Hamilton Gardens – this is one of Hamilton’s must do’s. Walkthrough immaculate and different themed gardens, get some ideas for your own garden at home and there’ll be lots of great photo opportunities along the way.
Taitua Arboretum – there are lots of different walking paths for you to explore set amongst native plants and mature trees.
Mt Pirongia Kaniwhaniwha Caves – explore two small caves – bring your torch.
Hakarimata Summit Track – challenging but worth it. You’ll face the infamous staircase but you’ll be rewarded with amazing views once accomplished.
Museum
Waikato Museum – exhibitions that tell the history of the region.
Classics Car Museum – over 100 classic cars on display, there are also petrol tins and pumps, signs, motorbikes and scooters, and a jukebox diner.
Pick your own
Ruakura Berry Farm – real fruit ice cream and pick your own berries.
The Strawberry Farm – pick your own strawberries in the summertime or grab lunch at Punnet and let the kids have a play in their wooden lifesized helicopter and aeroplane.
Lavender Farms – Walk through lavender farms from November to January and pick your own lavender. Check out Alphra Lavender in Te Awamutu or Lavender Backyard Garden in Hamilton.
Pools
Waterworld – fun for all of the family.
Waingaro Hot Springs – three hot water pools and New Zealand’s longest open hot water slide.
Playgrounds and parks
No matter how many attractions there are to go to, sometimes the kids have the most fun running around the playground and Hamilton has you covered:
- Punnet Eatery, Tamahere – watch the kids on the adventure playground as you sit and enjoy a bite to eat from the cafe.
- Hamilton Lake Playground – treehouse playground.
- Potter Children’s Playground, Parana Park – summer pool for the kids, playground, walking paths, shady trees to picnic under.
- Hare Puke Destination Playground – giant climbing wave with a slide at the end, in-ground trampolines, sand diggers and scooter track.
- Temple View Legacy Park – walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the playground with two large slides.
- Dominion Park – climbing towers, large slides, sand/water play, BBQ’s and toilets.
Zoo
Hamilton Zoo – bring the kids to the Hamilton Zoo to see the exotic animals like the giraffes, zebras, chimpanzees, red pandas, lemurs, tigers and also the farm animals like the kune kune pigs and alpacas. Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals so there are lots to see. There’s also the option to get up and close to a rhino or stay overnight to hear the tiger’s pillow talk, what an experience that would be!
Festival
Balloons Over Waikato – a free event held for five days in early autumn and arguably the most popular event in the city. See all of the different hot air balloons, watch them set off and even go for a ride!
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Raglan
Kawhia Hot Water Beach – dig a natural hot pool at low tide at Kawhia’s Ocean Beach.
Te Kopua Beach – the safest for swimming and therefore a great place for kids. There are BBQ sites and a children’s play area. Right by a campground, skatepark and fish and chip shop. Older families might like to jump off the bridge.
Raglan Kayak and Paddleboard – discover the limestone coast.
Bridal Veil Falls – walk to the falls.10-minute walk to the bottom.
Ngarunui Beach – surf beach great for swimming.
Surf and Turf horse riding – farm rides, sunset rides, along the beach, there’s also a ‘swimming with the horse’s’ option.
Mount Karioi – there are two ways to get up, the Mt Karioi Track takes three hours and is steep with chains and ladders to help get up. The Wairake track is quicker, isn’t as steep but the views aren’t as spectacular either.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Matamata
Hobbiton – walk through the village surrounded by rolling green hills, passing by hobbit holes with well-kept gardens and other iconic sites and see where it all was filmed. Booking ahead is recommended. Evening Banquet Tours are available on Wednesdays and Sunday’s.
Te Aroha Domain – a great spot to let the kids out of the car, have a little runaround and relax amongst the trees and dip your feet in the naturally warm foot pool. Plenty of space to set out a nice picnic, have a go on the children’s playground or discover one of the many walking tracks.
Opal Hot Springs – outdoor mineral pools.
Matamata i-Site – this i-Site looks like one of the hobbit homes and makes a great photo opportunity then pop inside for souvenirs or to talk to someone.
Walks
Wairere Falls Track – Hike to the top of the tallest waterfall (153m) in the North Island, the Wairere Falls. Absolutely stunning views of the Waikato plains. 45-minute walk.
Te Waihou Walkway (Blue Springs), Putaruru – beautiful walk through farmland, along a river to end up at the amazing Blue Spring, one of the purest water sources in the world. See ducks and fish in the water. 4.7km/ one and a half hours one way and 3 hours return. The walk begins at Whites Road carpark. For a shorter walk, park at Leslie Road carpark. Easy walk and plenty of toilets along the way.
Waiorongomai Valley Te Aroha – numerous walking tracks along tramlines and the remains of gold mines and miners lodgings.
Sanctuary Mountain – go on a bushwalk in this pest-free forest full of New Zealand’s most endangered birds, skinks, geckos frogs, bats and insects. Guided tours available.
Mt Te Aroha Summit Track – enjoy 360 views across Waikato and Bay of Plenty. On a clear day, see if you can spot Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Taranaki off in the distance.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Waitomo
Waitomo Caves – go on a gentle boat ride under the glowworm galaxy, do a walking tour of the limestone formations or choose one of the many adventure activities.
Ruakuri Caves Tour – New Zealand’s longest walking cave, it will leave you amazed and humbled at how majestic nature is.
Aranui Caves – another cave. This cave and the above two are all really close together.
Mangapohue Natural Bridge – a natural limestone bridge archway, 17 meters high. A short, 20-minute loop walk.
Marokopa Falls – a short 20-minute return walk to these 35m waterfalls are not to be missed.
Piripiri Cave – a free, 5-minute walk through a big cave.
Waikawau Tunnel Beach – this remote beach can only be accessed by a long tunnel. Explore the beach and cliffs with waterfalls and face carvings.
Ruakuri Bush Walk – a 45-minute loop track through limestone cliffs and arches, a gorge and the Ruakuri Natural Tunnel. If you go at night you can see the glowworms – bring a torch!
Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park – New Zealand’s largest free-flight dome aviary and a great place to see kiwi and other native birds. There are daily talks and feedings.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Port Waikato
Sunset Beach – beautiful and great for surfing and swimming, but beware of rips.
Nikau Cave and Cafe – enjoy a tour of a glowworm cave then dine at the cafe.
Sand Dunes – explore the sand dunes and have a play in the Waikato River. Location: Maraetai Bay Walkway
View this post on Instagram
Map out your adventure
