The Waikato is a region of the North Island of New Zealand that lies to the south of Auckland and is named for the Waikato River that traverses its length. The Waikato River has several hydroelectric dams and the manmade lakes behind them are used for a range of water sports.

The Arapuni Suspension Bridge over the Waikato River

Regions

• Coromandel Peninsula

Cities

• Hamilton
• Cambridge
• Huntly
• Matamata – where Hobbiton was built for the Lord of the Rings and is now a tourist attraction
• Pirongia
• Raglan
• Te Awamutu
• Te Kuiti
• Thames

Other destinations

• Waitomo

Understand

This area of New Zealand is partly agricultural, with dairying being the major agri-industry.

Within the region there are also areas of incredible natural value - such as the Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Pirongia, Waitomo, and more.

Get in

InterCity is a coach company that serves more than 600 destinations nationwide.

NakedBus may be really cheap if you order in advance.

See

• Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, 501 Buckland Rd, Hinuera, near Matamata, ☏ +64 7 888 1505, toll-free: 0508 4 HOBBITONFORMAT. Located in the countryside in the triangle between Matamata, Cambridge and Tirau. 
• Ruakuri Cave at Waitomo, offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences you will enter and begin a spiral 1.6 km descent from ground level via an incredible drum entrance and walkway into the underground cave.

Do

• Creative workshops. Take part in a creative workshop: Spend a day with local artists and learn their skills and passion. 

Go next

• Bay of Plenty
• Central North Island
• Taranaki