Just south of Auckland you enter the Hamilton-Waikato region. A land where lush pasture and fertile soils have made this the centre of the dairy industry.
Just over an hour south of Auckland you enter the Hamilton & Waikato region; a land of lush verdant pasture, chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
If you’re a Tolkien fan, drive east to Matamata and visit Hobbiton Movie Set, the amazing Hobbit-sized village created for the movies. Or if surfing is more your style, then Raglan is the perfect spot for you, with one of the longest left hand breaks in the world.
For a magical underground experience, drive south to Waitomo Caves, where the natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glowworms will take your breath away; or for those seeking more of an adrenalin rush, black water rafting and abseiling are not to be missed.
Known for its scenic diversity, the Hamilton & Waikato region offers a myriad of options for those keen on walking, hiking and cycling, from casual strolls along the Waikato River to overnight bush excursions and winding mountain biking tracks. A popular spot is Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, which allows walkers to experience the New Zealand forest as it was hundreds of years ago, thanks to the special predator-free environment.
The city of Hamilton boasts stunning gardens, plentiful shopping and a popular nightlife and restaurant scene. With abundant accommodation, Hamilton provides a perfect base for exploring the wider region.
Just over an hour south of Auckland you enter the Hamilton & Waikato region; a land of lush verdant pasture, chosen to play The Shire in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
If you’re a Tolkien fan, drive east to Matamata and visit Hobbiton Movie Set, the amazing Hobbit-sized village created for the movies. Or if surfing is more your style, then Raglan is the perfect spot for you, with one of the longest left hand breaks in the world.
For a magical underground experience, drive south to Waitomo Caves, where the natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glowworms will take your breath away; or for those seeking more of an adrenalin rush, black water rafting and abseiling are not to be missed.
Known for its scenic diversity, the Hamilton & Waikato region offers a myriad of options for those keen on walking, hiking and cycling, from casual strolls along the Waikato River to overnight bush excursions and winding mountain biking tracks. A popular spot is Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, which allows walkers to experience the New Zealand forest as it was hundreds of years ago, thanks to the special predator-free environment.
The city of Hamilton boasts stunning gardens, plentiful shopping and a popular nightlife and restaurant scene. With abundant accommodation, Hamilton provides a perfect base for exploring the wider region.
