PRINT MODULESection One Waikato & Rotorua
Waikato
The Waikato region has two spectacular landscapes - one above ground, the other below. On the lush surface, the scenery is green to the extreme. Fertile soils, reliable rainfall and kind temperatures have created a pastoral heaven. Below the surface, miracles have been wrought with water and limestone. Vast cave systems, huge sink holes and underground streams provide huge scope for adventure.
Key selling points
Waitomo’s natural underground world: massive caverns with amazing formations.
- Farm stays; Waikato is an intensive farming area so provides visitors with plenty of opportunity to be hosted by a local farming family.
- Waikato River; New Zealand’s longest river.
- The rugged west coast beaches.
- Matamata: "Lord of the Rings" filming location.
Key Centres
- Hamilton, the main centre and New Zealand’s fourth largest city.
- Cambridge, quaint rural town known for its antiques, arts and crafts.
- Waitomo Caves village, home of caving and adventure activities.
- Raglan, a laid back beach community with great surfing.
Climate
Mean daily temperatures - degrees Centigrade/Fahrenheit
Hamilton:
| HIGH | LOW |
|
HIGH | LOW |
|
HIGH | LOW |
|
HIGH | LOW |
|
Summer
|
|
Autumn
(Mar-May) |
|
Winter
(Jun-Aug) |
|
Spring
(Sep-Nov) | ||||
| 23/73 | 12/54 |
|
20/68 | 9/48 |
|
14/57 | 5/41 |
|
18/64 | 8/46 |
Getting around the Waikato Region
Road - self drive
Driving distances and times to and from the Waikato region
|
|
Km | Miles | Approx Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland - Hamilton | 126 | 78 | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Hamilton - Cambridge | 23 | 14 | 20 minutes |
| Hamilton - Waitomo Caves | 74 | 46 | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Hamilton - Raglan | 48 | 30 | 40 minutes |
| Hamilton - Rotorua | 108 | 67 | 1 hour 35 minutes |
| Hamilton - Taupo | 152 | 94 | 2 hours 10 minutes |
Driving Routes
Thermal Explorer - From Auckland the Thermal Explorer follows SH1 to Hamilton and continues on to Rotorua and Taupo on SH5. A diversion off the Thermal Explorer takes visitors to Waitomo Caves.
Air Services
Hamilton is the only airport servicing the Waikato region. Air New Zealand offers scheduled domestic services to and from Hamilton. www.airnewzealand.co.nz
International air services between Hamilton and Brisbane are operated by Pacific Blue. www.pacificblue.co.nz
Airport location:
13km/ 8 miles south of Hamilton City, travel time is approximately 15 - 20 minutes
Costs to and from airport
Airport to city by:
- Taxi - approx $25 - $30.00
- Airport Shuttle - $15.00 per person
Approximate flying times between domestic destinations
|
|
Approx Flying Time |
|---|---|
| Hamilton - Auckland | 35 minutes |
| Hamilton - Wellington | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Hamilton - Christchurch via Wellington | 2 hours 20 minutes |
These are approximate flying times, including connection times, and will differ depending on the airline and type of aircraft used.
Scheduled Coach Services
InterCity Coachlines operate New Zealand's most comprehensive bus and coach network. Daily bus services from/to Hamilton include Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, Napier, Hastings (Thermal Explorer destinations) and cities beyond - Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Thames, Whakatane, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Palmerston North & Wellington.
Intercity Coachline Serviceswww.intercitycoach.co.nz
Other local companies operate services to and from this region.
Rail
Hamilton is on the main rail line between Auckland and Wellington, with services by the Overlander.
Auckland to Hamilton
Journey time: Approximately 2 hours
Auckland to Otorohanga (closest station to Waitomo Caves)
Journey time: 3 hours
Visit www.tranzscenic.co.nz for information on timetables and details of where the train stops in the Waikato region.
