Welcome to the

Mighty Waikato

A region where culture, nature, and adventure come together. From the vibrant heart of Hamilton and the magic of Middle-earth to the rugged west coast and the world's longest left-hand surf break, the Waikato offers something unforgettable for every traveller.

One Flight to everything you love about New Zealand 

Just one easy, direct flight from Australia lands you in the heart of the North Island - unlocking alpine adventures, glowworm caves, epic landscapes, surf coast and iconic film locations, all within easy driving distance.
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Direct flights from Australia to Hamilton are officially here!

Now, it’s easier than ever for your family and friends across the ditch to visit the mighty Waikato. Whether it’s to reconnect with loved ones or explore Hamilton & Waikato’s stunning landscapes and thrilling activities, the journey just got shorter!
Visit Hamilton

Cycle Trails in the Waikato

A trip to the Waikato region isn’t complete without a few days spent exploring by bike.
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Aerial view of two cyclists navigating a picturesque Te Awa River Ride cycling trail on a winding wooden boardwalk, surrounded by lush green trees on one side and water on the other.

Walking & Hiking Trails in the Waikato

From casual strolls along the river to overnight bush excursions and winding mountain tracks, the Waikato region has a variety of great walking trails to suit everyone. Meander alongside the Waikato River or get the pulse racing climbing to an inspirational mountain top view.
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A person walks at Hakarimata Scenic Reserve towards steep stairs. Tall trees and dense foliage surround the area, creating a lush, green setting—an excellent advanced walk in the Waikato

See & do in the Waikato

top pick Natasha Halliday
from
$12
Hamilton

Hamilton Zoo

Featuring the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants, there’s always something new to explore. Connect with the animals up close and learn more about their counterparts in the wild and how you can make a difference to their survival. Hamilton zoo plays an important role in connecting people with nature and conservation, providing fun experiences that inform and educate visitors, and participate in breeding programmes for endangered species, as well as undertaking conservation and research projects and rehabilitation for our precious native animals.
top pick Des Frith
from
$140
Tamahere

Tieke Golf Estate

Designated as one of New Zealand’s Marquee golf courses by Golf New Zealand, Tieke Golf Estate opened to visitors in 2022 and has quickly become one of New Zealand's most sought-after golf experiences. Crafted out of sand from the original riverbed of New Zealand’s mightiest river, The Waikato River. Tieke uses the natural river sand, fine fescue turf, creeping bent grass putting surfaces, and a sensational design to provide a wonderful golfing experience for all levels of golfer. Tieke provides a special blend of links and private valley golf, leaving a feeling that you are the only golfers on the course. After your golf, relax at our renowned Tieke Café and Bar and enjoy the panoramic views of the golf course.
top pick Alexandra Weddings
from
$11
Te Aroha

Te Aroha Mineral Spas

Relax and unwind in our private wooden tubs filled with naturally silky mineral water that flows from the Mokena Geyser. Each mineral spa is in a private room with changing area and en suite for ultimate relaxation. For your comfort you can adjust the temperature of the spa. Treat someone special to our Birthday Package or Romance package with all the added extras including a candlelit room & take home gift. Indulge in a beauty or massage treatment at the recently opened Domain House Beauty. The facility is set at the base of Mount Te Aroha in the beautiful Edwardian style Te Aroha Domain. For your safety remember to always bring a friend, there is a minimum of two adults per spa.
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Events in the Waikato
featured
Gourmet In the Gardens
Sun 22 Feb - Sun 26 Apr
Hamilton
featured
Air Playground
31 Oct 2025 - 19 Apr 2026
Hamilton
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Top places to stay in the Waikato

top pick Quest Hamilton Exterior
from
$225
Hamilton

Quest Hamilton

Quest Hamilton is ideally located in Hamilton’s CBD, close to everything, including restaurants, shops, Hamilton offers a vibrant range of attractions such as SkyCity, Claudelands Event Centre, Zoo and Hamilton Gardens. Easy access to iconic surrounding attractions such as Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Sanctuary Mountain and Raglan’s surf coast & much more. Quest Hamilton offers a mix of 38 studio, one- and two-bedroom self-contained serviced apartments all with modern furnishings and all the great services and amenities Quest is known for. Perfect for stays from one night to one year or more. Quest Hamilton offers a unique “Home Away from Home” experience. Reception hours are 7am to 7pm Monday-Friday and 8am to 4pm Weekends & public holidays.
top pick Clements Hotel
from
$350
Cambridge

The Clements Hotel

The sensitively restored and renovated building is being transformed into a boutique hotel featuring 29 guest rooms and complemented by extensive Food & Beverage (F&B) operations. Steeped in history, this property is iconic and promises to become a popular weekend dining destination with locals; opening soon, the plush basement bar will have a prohibition era vibe with an extensive cocktail list and the restaurant serves contemporary cuisine, inspired by the local Cambridge food scene, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Original features within the hotel include a magnificent sweeping staircase, stunning stained-glass, parquet flooring, high ceilings, and luxurious furnishings creating a refined and relaxed atmosphere.
top pick ibis Tainui Hamilton
from
$200
Hamilton

Ibis Tainui Hamilton

Ibis Tainui Hamilton boasts the city’s best location, in the CBD on the banks of the Waikato River. The hotel presents the only restaurant in the city with breath taking views of the Waikato River - a great place to enjoy unique local flavours. Reopened in November 2022 after a full refurbishment, the hotel is the ideal choice for your next stay in Hamilton.
Accommodation
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Where to sample real fruit ice cream

In addition to selling the best berries in the country, many Waikato berry farms also offer delicious real fruit ice creams. You can choose either ice cream, frozen yoghurt or dairy-free as your base.
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Getting around

top pick Oli Campers
from
$110
Hamilton

Motorhome & Campervan Hire

Oli Campers offers practical and comfortable campervan and motorhome hire for travellers who want freedom and flexibility while exploring New Zealand. Vehicles can be collected in Hamilton, around 90 minutes south of Auckland, or delivered directly to your chosen location. Each camper includes comfortable sleeping areas, cooking equipment, and the onboard essentials needed for confident, self-contained travel. For peace of mind, all rentals include 24/7 nationwide roadside assistance. Oli Campers is well positioned for visiting destinations such as Hobbiton, the Waitomo Caves, and the Coromandel Peninsula, while giving you the freedom to explore New Zealand on your own schedule.
top pick
from
$1
Hamilton

BUSIT Hamilton and Waikato bus service

With 21 city routes and 14 regional routes, BUSIT gets you from A to Bee. Waikato uses the Bee Card ticketing system which is available throughout most New Zealand regions – so if you’re visiting from Northland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawkes-Bay, Manawat–u-Whanganui, Nelson, Otago or Invercargill – your Bee Card is ready to use! If you’re from elsewhere, no worries – Bee Cards are available to purchase and top-up from the Hamilton Transport Centre sevendays a week.

Using public transport is an affordable, convenient, relaxing and comfortable way to get around and see our region. With free Wi-Fi and accessible buses – why travel any other way? Sit back, relax and enjoy being driven.
top pick
from
$2
Hamilton

Te Huia Train

It’s just as much about the journey as the destination - make the most of your travel time by catching up on news online, getting stuck into a book, chatting with your travel companions or stretching your legs.

Te Huia connects the Waikato to Auckland, offering comfy seats, light and airy carriages, free Wi-Fi, an onboard café, tables, power and USB ports at every
seat, toilets, as well as bike/luggage/pram storage. The cheapest way to travel is with a Bee Card – the ticketing system used by
most New Zealand regions. Pick up a Bee Card onboard or from the Hamilton Transport Centre seven days a week. Family passes are available with a BeeCard, and cash/EFTPOS fares are also available on the train.

The Te Huia service has three Waikato stops (Frankton, Rotokauri and Raahui Pookeka | Huntly) and three Auckland stops (Papakura, Puhinui and the Strand).

Te Huia runs return services from Frankton (Hamilton) to the Strand (Auckland) twice a day during the week, and once on Saturdays.

The service has an estimated running time of:

2 hours, 25 minutes from Frankton to the Strand (98 minutes to Papakura)
2 hours, 17 minutes from Rotokauri to the Strand (90 minutes to Papakura)
1 hour, 56 minutes from Raahui Pookeka | Huntly to the Strand (68 minutes to Papakura)

Find timetable here

Transport options
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