... to the beautiful and magical region of the Mighty Waikato
Situated in the heart of the North Island, the Mighty Waikato region is well known for its nature-based tourism, Middle-earth movie magic, underground adventures and the iconic Waikato River.
The region offers something for every visitor, from Hamilton’s urban attractions to the stunning black sand surf beaches of Raglan and countless walking trails through the rolling hills and ancient bush-clad mountains that shape the landscape.
At the centre of the Waikato region are its towns and the main city of Hamilton, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing and most vibrant cities. All have great shops and galleries, and fantastic eateries, with top events and visitor attractions to match.
A slice of the ‘real Middle-earth’, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, can be found near Matamata at Hobbiton Movie Set, while the subterranean world of black water rafting, glow-worms and cave exploration at Waitomo Caves will be a hit with even the most seasoned traveller.
The finer things in life are also plentiful in the region, including top golf courses, scenic river cruises, boutique fashion stores and rejuvenating natural hot pools.
Visit www.waikatonz.com for more information on activities, attractions and accommodation options. And don't forget to share your Waikato adventures with us: #MightyWaikato
Easy drive to world-famous attractions...
Hobbiton Movie Set - 45 minutes
Waitomo Glowworm Caves - 1 hour
Hamilton Gardens - 15 minutes
Hamilton Zoo - 25 minutes
Zealong Tea Estate - 30 minutes
Raglan - 45 minutes
Cambridge - 25 minutes
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - 50 minutes
Easy access to surrounding regions
Being so centrally located, we offer easy access to surrounding regions - all of which engender their own rich stories, flavours and unforgettable experiences.
Rotorua - 1 hour, 25 minutes
Coromandel - 2 hours, 10 minutes
Bay of Plenty - 1 hour, 25 minutes
Hawkes Bay - 4 hours
Taupo - 2 hours
Gisborne - 5 hours, 30 minutes
Ruapehu - 2 hours, 30 minutes
Hamilton - Christchurch jet service with
Air New Zealand
Once you've experienced your fill of the magical sights, tastes and sounds of the Mighty Waikato and surrounding regions, you can grab a fast and comfortable trip from Hamilton Airport to Christchurch, in the stunningly beautiful South Island, via Air New Zealand's new jet service between our country's third and fourth largest cities.
The Tiaki Promise
Tiaki means to care for people, place and culture.
New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. For more information, visit here.
Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa.
Welcome to New Zealand.
