Hamilton City 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.
Take a stroll from the centre of the city along the majestic Waikato river to the Hamilton Gardens, a stunning selection of themed gardens in parklike surroundings
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 has an excellent range of exhibitions and something for all interests and ages. It has an exceptional collection of Maori taonga (treasures), including a section devoted to Tainui culture and the Maori King
Indulge your retail urges at Downtown Plaza and Centreplace, Hamilton's boutique shopping centre.
You'll find a wide range of retail outlet and café options
Try your luck at Skycity. The casino offers 20 gaming tables and 300 gaming machines and a selection of bars and restaurants
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 the lush Matamata farmland you can visit the remnants of the original Hobbiton village set from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour
Matamata airport is the launching point for glider rides and sky dives
Cambridge is ‘the town of trees and champions’. It’s memorable for its leafy streets, heritage buildings, antique shops and world class thoroughbred horse studs. You can also tour a stud farm in Cambridge. Enquire via the Cambridge i-SITE
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
South east of Hamilton, Maungatautari Ecological Island reserve allows visitors to experience New Zealand’s native flora and fauna in natural, self-sustaining forest surroundings
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.
