Show On Map
Welcome to the Mighty Waikato
-
Experience the real Middle-earth
If the Shire is at the heart of Middle-earth, then the Waikato is at the heart of the Shire.
Find out more -
Top walking trails
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.
Find out more -
Underground Wonders
Weirdly wonderful, an underground world of limestone caves lies below the native forest and farmland of the Waitomo region in the Waikato.
Find out more
Welcome to the Mighty Waikato
Official tourism, destinations and events website for Waikato.
Events in the Waikato
The Waikato is gearing up for a family-orientated, super fun festive season with a huge variety of events happening across the region. Check out the list of events below for your city or town, and enjoy the lights, markets, carols and of course, the appearances by the man himself – Santa!
Find out more-
06 Nov 2022 - 26 Mar 2023Gourmet in the Gardens
-
09 Dec 2022 - 23 Apr 2023
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
-
18 Dec 2022
Auto Addict
See & do in Waikato
- All destinations
- North Waikato
- Hamilton
- Raglan
- Te Aroha
- Matamata & Surrounds
- Cambridge
- Te Awamutu & Surrounds
- Waitomo Caves & Surrounds
-
Top Pick
From $26
Hamilton Zoo
HamiltonHome to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings, Hamilton Zoo is the destination for a memorable day out.
-
Top Pick
From $595
Lost World 7 Hour Epic
Waitomo CavesAbseil 100m into this amazing cavern as per the 4 hour option, but this time wearing a wetsuit - you're heading off to explore the Mangapu River passage. An all day comprehensive experience in the best underground playground imaginable. Free photos.
-
Top Pick
From $20
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Te AwamutuSanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is an ancient, vibrant and pest free Eco-system, surround by a 47km fence, making it the largest mainland fenced sanctuary in New Zealand. Home to many of New Zealand's most endangered species.
Accommodation
- All destinations
- North Waikato
- Hamilton
- Raglan
- Te Aroha
- Matamata & Surrounds
- Cambridge
- Te Awamutu & Surrounds
- Waitomo Caves & Surrounds
Eat & drink in Waikato
-
Restaurants & Dining Options
The Waikato region has an abundance of top quality dining options - from award-winning restaurants and wine & tapas bars to gourmet eateries and cafes.
-
Pick Your Own Fruit
Fruit never tastes better than when it is freshly picked – warmed by the sun and oh so sweetly juicy.
-
Best Noodle Spots in the Waikato
Saucy, soupy, spicy and even fried, noodles are an ever-popular go-to meal, whichever way you like your noodles, there are plenty of places to get your fix in the Waikato region.
Welcome to the Waikato region
A geographically and culturally diverse region, the Waikato has a range of activities and attractions to suit all ages and tastes – from our vibrant city hub of Hamilton to the rugged west coast, underground wonders and middle-earth movie magic.
Share your Waikato adventures with us #MightyWaikato