Discover your perfect itinerary for a short break in the Waikato this summer
This year has seen New Zealanders explore more of their own country than ever before. And while places like Queenstown, Rotorua and the Bay of Islands often come first to mind because of their huge international appeal, there are so many other must-dos scattered throughout the rest of the country. The Waikato region often pops up on people’s New Zealand bucket lists with attractions like Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton within its bounds, but there’s plenty more to see on top of these well-known spots too. Here are three possible itineraries, depending on what you’re looking for in a holiday this year.
Relaxing summer break
If you’re looking to take your summer holiday at a relaxed pace but still have fun, the Waikato is perfect. Leisurely picnics and gentle meandering around the
At Hobbiton Movie Set you can’t help but be totally enchanted by the intricate and adorable Hobbit holes set into rolling countryside.
internationally-awarded Hamilton Gardens (it’s not just for lovers of trees and plants - the new surrealist garden will appeal to absolutely anyone) farmers markets; pick your own berries; walks round the lake or along the river; fun with furry friends at the zoo or losing yourself in the art at Waikato Museum are all great options. You can enjoy a cocktail at one of the funky eateries by Victoria on the River, local brews at Good George or an incredible tea tasting and high tea at Zealong Tea Estate (yes, an actual tea plantation in New Zealand, and winning international awards for their products too). If you fancy a walk along the beach it’s only 40 minutes by car to Raglan’s shores as well.
Ticking off the bucket list
There are several activities that come up repeatedly on lists of New Zealand must-dos; why not make this summer the year you tick off the Waikato-based ones? Maybe the most obvious is a tour of Hobbiton Movie Set - whether you’ve seen the movies or not (and honestly even if you’re not a huge fan), you can’t help but be totally enchanted by the intricate and adorable Hobbit holes set into rolling countryside. And of course there’s Waitomo Caves where you can be mesmerised by enormous stalactites and stalagmites and marvel at cave walls, millions of years old dripping in the luminescence of twinkly glowworms. See kiwis up close at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - a 3400 hectare safe haven for many of New Zealand’s most endangered species (birds, bats, frogs, lizards, giant weta) and enjoy strolling through the lush pest-free bush listening to native birdsong as it should be. If you’ve always imagined yourself behind the wheel of a V8 muscle car, or racing a Supercar like you’re Greg Murphy, definitely hit up Hampton Downs - Waikato’s world class Motorsport Park and Events Centre. Tick tick tick.
A taste of adventure
If you like to keep moving when on holiday, Waikato has a lot for active types. Turn the adrenaline levels up with a different way to see the region’s caves - on an underground zipline or abseiling into the abyss with Waitomo Adventure’s Lost World. Catch great waves in surf-town Raglan or explore everything from native forest and birdlife to hydro dams, suspension bridges and exhilarating downhills on the bike trails across the region. Walkers will love the Waiorongomai Valley in Te Aroha, once the site of a gold rush frenzy (New Zealand’s oldest bush tramway with original rail is still where it ran, as well as machinery and the remains of gold mines and miners’ lodgings). And did you know you’ll find the North Island’s highest waterfall — all 153 metres of it— in the Waikato? Just 10 minutes’ drive from Matamata, is Wairere falls and the return walk to the lower viewing platform takes about an hour and half, with extensions for those who want to make it a half day excursion.
No matter what your style of purpose for a holiday, you’ll find something amazing to do in this part of the country. To find out more about making a trip to the Waikato region visit Waikatonz.com