Waikato Hidden Gems

Life’s a beach - a hot pool too

One of New Zealand’s best kept secrets is the hot water that bubbles up at low tide at remote Kawhia Hot Water Beach on the Waikato’s western coastline.

Known as the Te Puia Springs, this is where you simply choose your spot and dig your very own spa pool - with stunning views out across the Tasman Sea. When the tide’s out at the end of the day, the view generally comes with a stunning sunset with the sun lighting up the sky and the ocean as it sinks below the western horizon.

The Kawhia area is steeped in Māori history with the great Tainui waka having entered the sheltered harbour in approximately 1350 AD after an arduous sea voyage from the Hawaiiky homeland. Today, Maketu Marae at Kawhia is recognised as the hearth and most important settlement of the Tainui people.

Charming, unspoilt and laid-back is how Kāwhia is described. While this seaside town is off the beaten track, it is only about an hour’s drive to the south-west of Hamilton City.

Omaru Falls - hidden & spectacular

Hidden away through farmland and native forest, and looking their best after rainfall, are the spectacular Omaru Falls, located just off SH4 about 12km south of Te Kuiti.

An easy 30-minute walk from the road-side sign-post, the falls drop 45 metres.

The track takes visitors across a swing bridge and there’s an ideal picnic spot enroute next to the river and a small terraced waterfall.

Ruakuri - ‘den of dogs’

Ruakuri Walk, in the world-famous Waitomo Caves area, is not widely known but a great opportunity to see birdlife, natural sculpted cliffs and limestone arches - and learn some new words at the same time.

Ruakuri means ‘den of dogs’ and was named by Chief Tanetinorau who was travelling through the area and spotted wild kurī - native dogs - defending their den in a small cave.

Along the loop walk, which takes about 45 minutes, there are dolines (enclosed depressions), karren (fluted outcrops), plus arches, tunnels and caves that are collectively known as karst.

A number of native birds make the scenic reserve their home, including kereru (native wood pigeon), piwakawaka (fantail), tauhou (waxeye), karearea (native falcon) and tui.

Victoria on the River

Tucked away, but in the heart of Hamilton, is Victoria on the River, an expansive amphitheatre-style park overlooking the mighty Waikato River as it wends its way through the city.

Victoria on the River is a multi-purpose space that has collected a number of architecture and design awards since it was opened in 2018.

It’s one of several riverside places in the city where you can relax, read a book or enjoy the view - and people watch.

You might also encounter street performers who entertain there regularly.

Previously occupied by the Waikato Times newspaper office, the site has a lush green and organic feel thanks to the 9000-plus plants that are part of the landscaping.

Pancakes - hidden in plain sight

Raglan is best known as a laid-back surfing mecca thanks to its spectacular beaches and the long peeling left-hand break that runs along the rocky shoreline, encompassing three bays.

What’s not so well-known about Raglan is that it’s also one of several places in New Zealand where you can see intriguing pancake rock formations.

Raglan’s pancakes are actually hiding in plain sight across the harbour from the town and can be readily accessed on stand-up paddleboard or in a kayak.

If you don’t have your own board or kayak, a number of operators in Raglan hire out equipment or can provide a guided tour.

The distinctive layered pancake rocks are formed as water, wind and salt spray erodes softer rock leaving the harder, more resistant bands of limestone.

(Un)buried treasure in Te Aroha

New Zealand’s oldest bush tramway with the original rail still in place and other historic sites dating back to gold mining days are waiting to be explored by trampers in the Waiorongomai Valley in Te Aroha.

A range of trails, some short and others more challenging, thread through the hills.

The area didn’t ever produce much gold because the super-hard rock of what was identified as a rich gold bearing reef proved to be too much of a challenge. However, hikers do get great insights into Te Aroha’s gold rush days with gold mining machinery, mine tunnels and shafts and miners’ huts still in existence, as well as the tramway.

Famous, but did you know?

Port Waikato, where the mighty Waikato River meets the rumble of the Tasman Sea, is quite the surfing and fishing hot spot in summer for those in the know.

Also perhaps not widely known is that the commanding limestone outcrops in the surrounding hills are the Weathertop Hollow landmark featured in The Lord of the Rings movie.

While the setting is on private farmland, it can be seen clearly driving along Waikaretu Road which leads to Nikau Cave where you can take a tour to check out the underground formations and glowworms.

Port Waikato is located on the southern bank of the Waikato River mouth in the northern part of the Waikato region.

Moo-rinsville walkabout

While the creative cow statues around the streets of Morrinsville make for an interesting walk around town, there’s even more to admire in a wander along the banks of the Piako River which wends its way past houses and parkland.

The scenic river walk - an easy one that’s great for the entire family - includes magnificent stands of native trees, including tōtara, as well as a small waterfall.

In the heart of the Waikato region’s dairy farming country, Morrinsville is art town where visitors will discover the art gallery is an outpost of the celebrated TSB Wallace Arts Centre.

Located on the main street in what was once the post office, the Wallace Gallery Morrinsville showcases the work of New Zealand’s finest established and emerging artists.

Coming exhibitions include Fumbles for Rhymes, exploring the use of humour by contemporary Kiwi artists.

History insights at Te Toto Gorge

Te Toto Gorge south of Raglan boasts stunning views out over the Tasman Sea and along the western coastline of the Waikato, and provides visitors with insight into the history of Māori in the area.

A 30-minute walk from the carpark, where the hiking trail up Mount Karioi also begins, leads to a viewing platform.

Here is where there are stunning views out across the coast, the gorge and an amphitheater area where remnants of garden plots, stonewalls and karaka groves can be seen. These date back to Māori habitation during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Wetland wonderland - Lake Rotopiko

Behind the pest-proof fence protecting Lake Rotopiko - also known as Serpentine Lake - awaits a world of wonder that will appeal to the kids as well as adult visitors.

Lake Rotopiko is located right beside SH3 between Hamilton and Te Awamutu.

There are two easy loop walks around the lake and wetland area which take about 15 minutes and to add extra fun with some learning, there’s a special self-guided Wetland Discovery Trail designed to appeal to families and school groups.

The trail has activity stations with each one featuring a story about a wetland creature or feature.

Rotopiko is part of the Toyota Kiwi Guardians network set up by the Department of Conservation for kids to learn about nature and become future guardians of New Zealand’s natural taonga.

Peace, quiet & redwoods

Opposite the main entrance to Ōtorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird Park is the sweet surprise of Rotary Park.

The carved Māori entranceway leads to a track through the tranquil park where there are towering redwood trees along with native plantings.

The walking track through the park up to Mountain View Road provides superb views across Ōtorohanga town and there are picnic tables to stop off at along the way.

In the dark on Mt Pirongia

Tucked away in the forest park clothing Mt Pirongia are the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, reached via the Nikau Walk track - an easy loop that takes 2 hrs 30 minutes round trip; add a further 30 minutes to include the caves.

The larger of the two caves has a 20-metre long main cavern with a short section where the cave ceiling is low and you’ll need to crawl through. The cave floor is wet and it’s dark so a torch is essential.

The smaller of the caves is tight and narrow.

Child-friendly, Nikau Walk follows a stream through the trees with swimming and picnicking spots along the way. It’s accessed from Limeworks Loop Road - look for the car park signs.