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.

School Holiday Fun

Discover something new and explore the hidden gems of the Waikato with your family this Autumn!
Plan your adventure

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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School Holiday Fun

Discover something new and explore the hidden gems of the Waikato with your family this Autumn!
Find out more

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 Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
from
$15
Te Awamutu

Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass

Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.
top pick Zealong Tea Estate
from
$25
Hamilton

Zealong Tea Estate - High Tea

Visit the Zealong Tea Room and indulge in our Signature High Tea, curated with a selection of hand-crafted gourmet sweets and savouries, or choose from our seasonal lunch menu. Enhance your experience with the perfect pairing of Zealong tea to - whether you prefer a refreshing green, a floral oolong, or a bold black, all our teas are 100% organically grown on-site and proudly made in New Zealand. All served with breathtaking views of the Estate’s rolling tea terraces and landscaped gardens. Make your visit even more memorable with a traditional tea tasting ceremony or a guided tour of our certified organic tea plantation.
top pick Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
Free
Hamilton

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Haere mai! Welcome to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you.
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Events in the Waikato

Top places to stay in the Waikato

top pick Tuakau Hotel
from
$160
Tuakau

Tuakau Hotel

Our vision is rooted in our unique position as the gateway between the vibrant heart of Auckland and the serene beauty of Waikato. Nestled between these two worlds, we offer a haven where history and modern comfort converge. Our commitment to sustainability, local excellence, and active community engagement is the foundation of our identity. We take pride in being a catalyst for local growth, and in embodying the spirit of genuine local hospitality. Whether serving corporate guests seeking the comforts of home or leisure travelers eager to explore, we offer them the opportunity to immerse themselves in our local are before continuing their journey to their next destination.
top pick KOSH BNB
from
$200
Hamilton

KOSH Short-Term Rentals Hamilton

Modern, family-friendly homes in Hamilton. Enjoy central locations, seamless self-check-in, curated comfort, and all the essentials for business travellers, families, or visiting friends and whānau.
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.
Accommodation

Top Coffee Spots in Waikato

The Waikato is home to a number of skilled coffee roasters and top baristas making delicious brews - from flat whites and long blacks to cappuccino and macchiato.
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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.

Transport options

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