Waikato

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Waikato

Waikato is a prosperous farming region on the banks of the mighty Waikato river. Agricultural lands stretch across long plains and hills, and above vast underground networks of limestone caves that have attracted adventuring visitors since New Zealand's early days.

Culturally Significant

The Waikato region is culturally and historically significant to both Māori and Pakeha (European New Zealanders).

Hamilton, in the heart of the Waikato and en route between Auckland and Rotorua, is New Zealand’s fourth largest urban area. The university city, on the banks of the Waikato river, is home to major sporting and agricultural events such as the Hamilton V8 motorsport races and 'Fieldays' - the southern hemisphere's largest agricultural show.

Raglan, a little coastal town with a relaxed bohemian vibe, is one of New Zealand’s most famous surf beaches. Just 45 minutes west of Hamilton, the black sand beaches and legendary left-hand break at Manu Bay attract surfers from all over the world.

Waikato - mighty Waikato river

Heritage

Many Waikato Māori trace their ancestry back to the Tainui canoe which arrived in New Zealand about 800 years ago. The region was the site of many Māori pa (fortified villages) and an important centre of early Māori commerce.

The Waikato region was the scene of many significant battles. The fierce tribal warfare that broke out amongst iwi (tribes) in the early 1800s escalated with the introduction of European muskets and weaponry.

As British settlers flooded into the country during the mid-1800s, Māori tribes united to choose a Māori king. The first king was Waikato chief Pōtatau Te Wherowhero whose descendants continue to assume the role of king or queen.

Waikato - Kawhia beach

Māori Culture

Ngaruawahia is significant to Māori and one of the Waikato’s oldest settlements.

On the northern bank of the Waikato river at Ngaruawahia, Turangawaewae marae is the official residence of the reigning Māori monarch - Te Arikuni Tuheita Paki. King Tuheita, crowned in 2006, succeeded his late mother and Māori Queen - Dame Te Atairangikaahu - who reigned for 40 years.

Watching over nearby Ngaruawahia, Mount Taupiri's sacred slopes contain the Waikato’s most significant burial ground where past Māori kings and the Māori Queen are buried.

In March the tiny coastal town of Kawhia attracts thousands of visitors for the annual Māori Food Festival - an authentic Māori food and culture experience.

Waikato - Maori heritage

Nature and Wildlife

Waikato nature and wildlife experiences are as varied as the coastal, riverside, hill and underground landscapes.

Waitomo caves are an ancient wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, deep caverns, and rocky streams bathed in the ethereal light of millions of glow worms. Named by early Māori explorers - Waitomo translates as wai / water and tomo / hole - the caves are one of New Zealand's oldest tourist attractions.

Walkways in Mount Pirongia forest park pass through low altitude forests of podocarps and ferns, up to hardy alpine plants on exposed ridges, and the mountain flax, coprosma and ferns of the summit. Native New Zealand birds including tui, wood pigeon, fantail, grey warbler and tomtit inhabit the forest.

Hamilton Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Spanning 58ha, the gardens are arranged in themes and collections presenting a wide variety of flora and garden styles from around the world.

Waikato - Waitomo caves

Adventure / Outdoors

Waitomo caves are a unique subterranean adventure playground for overnight caving expeditions, abseiling, rock climbing and black water rafting thrills. New Zealand’s highest cave abseil falls 100 metres into the ‘Lost World’.

Kawhia harbour is famed for fishing and beaches. At Te Puia springs on Ocean beach, beachgoers dig natural spas in the black sands where hot spring waters bubble to the surface.

The deep flowing waters of the mighty Waikato river - a major source of New Zealand's hydro-electricity - are a fly-fishing haven, and the setting for leisurely boat or thrill-seeking jet excursions, while hot air ballooning offers a different perspective.

Matamata is home to Hobbiton, the hobbit village created for the Lord of the Rings film triology. A popular destination for LOTR fans, the Hobbiton set will be extended for The Hobbit movie, soon to be filmed in New Zealand.

Waikato - surfer at Raglan beach

DID YOU KNOW

Waikato river, at 425km, is New Zealand's longest river.
Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city.
Hobbits once roamed the hills at Hobbiton, near Matamata, where the Lord of the Rings film trilogy was filmed.

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