Waikato Region
A region in the north-central North Island that brings together popular sights such as Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula.
The Waikato Region lies in the north-central North Island and is named for the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest. Fertile pastoral plains fill the center, and the main city is Hamilton. Near Matamata, the Hobbiton movie set and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves are popular attractions, and Raglan on the west coast is a surfing haven. The Coromandel Peninsula in the northeast has Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, while the south reaches toward Lake Taupō. Summer is best for coastal fun. You can drive here from Auckland, and Hamilton has an airport.
Destinations
Itineraries
- Classic North Island: Auckland to Wellington – Head south from Auckland to Wellington, connecting the glowworm caves, Hobbiton Movie Set, geothermal wonders, and alpi…
- Auckland Volcanoes, Harbour and Hobbiton – Rangitoto Island, Devonport, the volcanic cones and the Ponsonby neighbourhood, plus a day trip to Hobbiton.
- Auckland City and Day Trips – Auckland city plus Waiheke Island, Hobbiton and the glowworm caves, with a night on the Coromandel Peninsula.
- Western Volcanoes & Forgotten World Highway – Travel from a surf town through SH43 to Taranaki, then follow the Whanganui River south to Wellington
- New Zealand North to South: Auckland to Queenstown – Head south from Auckland through geothermal areas and Wellington, cross the strait, and explore the lakes and fjords to…
- Coromandel Peninsula Loop – A short weekend getaway from Auckland, featuring the West Coast road, Cathedral Cove, and Hot Water Beach
- Pacific Coast and East Cape Road – From Auckland along the east coast to Napier, rounding East Cape to see the long wharf and Napier's Art Deco city.
- Northern Explorer Train & Volcano Route – A car-free journey from Auckland by scenic train to hike Tongariro, then south to Wellington