Welcome to the
Mighty Waikato
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.
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. When scouting around for settings for his epic three movie adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Kiwi director Peter Jackson found just what he was looking for in the green rolling paddocks, rugged limestone outcrops and underground caverns of the Waikato region.
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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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Family Friendly Fun in the Waikato
The Waikato has to be one of the most fun regions to visit when considering a family holiday with the kids.
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Underground Wonders
Millions of years in the making, the region’s caves, including the world-famous ones at Waitomo, provides a playground unlike any other. As if it’s not enough that nature has carved out a glowworm-studded underground marvel, enterprising locals have added adventure activities to enhance the experience further.
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Waikato Waterfalls
Breathtaking views are available everywhere in the Waikato region, which is home to a number of waterfall features. From short tracks that provide stunning waterfalls, to hikes, there is a perfect destination for all waterfall lovers in the Waikato.
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See & do in the Waikato
top pick
![SkyCity Hamilton](/media/mo3fzxad/p-c963f607-fe41-9d99-b8083d46f199ac4d-2544003.jpg?width=515&height=497&format=webp&v=1da0d2722af9970)
Free
Hamilton
SkyCity Hamilton
SkyCity Hamilton is situated inside the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise a superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River.
With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger - voted the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse - the first Good George bar in the CBD, there is something for everyone at SkyCity Hamilton!
Enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the Main Gaming Floor with over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games (R20 to enter the casino) or strike up a little competition on level two with Hamilton's only bowling alley, Bowl and Social, a world-class venue offering non-stop fun and state of the art technology!
top pick
![Natasha Halliday](/media/eb5ddim5/p-0f23062c-9c26-fb5a-aa2879a334115876-2544003.jpg?width=515&height=497&format=webp&v=1da0d274a48edb0)
from
$12
$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
![Hobbiton Movie Set](/media/50eocbl5/p-95b514ea-daaa-9cb0-6839532442b3132a-2544003.jpg?width=515&height=497&format=webp&v=1da18ec8184e650)
from
$120
$120
Matamata
Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours
Experience Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Your guided tour starts with a drive through our picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.
top pick
![Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari](/media/4xidoi0v/19.png?width=515&height=497&format=webp&v=1da31eae0a8fb50)
from
$11.5
$11.5
Te Awamutu
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
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.
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What's on in the Waikato
Top Winter Activities in the Waikato
![](/media/g4db1cbd/hobbiton_winter.jpg?width=330&height=290&format=webp&v=1dab73329a9f430)
From indulgent treats to keep you warm, to outdoor adventures, activities for the whole family and much more, check out the top 10 winter activities to do in the Waikato.
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![](/media/g4db1cbd/hobbiton_winter.jpg?width=1000&height=550&format=webp&v=1dab73329a9f430)
Top places to stay in the Waikato
top pick
![ibis Tainui Hamilton](/media/4dtogntn/ibis20ham_facade_lanscape.jpg?width=515&height=497&format=webp&v=1da0d278bfdc280)
from
$200
$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.
top pick
![Capstone Hotel Management](/media/utpinyjd/te20karaka20lodge_20master20view.jpg?width=515&height=497&format=webp&v=1da0d26624924d0)
from
$400
$400
Hamilton
Te Karaka Lodge
Te Karaka Lodge is a brand new architecturally designed luxury lodge offering the perfect location for those looking to escape into nature surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. The lodge offers 10 guest lodgings for an intimate and hosted experience. Truly a place to unwind and the perfect escape to connect with nature and experience the stunning beauty of rural New Zealand. The Lodge facilities include a decadent outdoor heated spa swimming pool, lawn games, outdoor fireplace and barbeque and several verandas on which to to relax and absorb the sound of native birdsong. Interior spaces include a large lounge and dining area with bar and cosy fireplace for those chillier morning and evenings.
top pick
![Jet Park Hotels](/media/swcb4ve1/20191206_080343-edit_2.jpg?width=515&height=497&format=webp&v=1da18ed35033790)
from
$169
$169
Tamahere
Jet Park Hotel Hamilton Airport
Ideally located a short walk to Hamilton Airport Terminal, experience authentic New Zealand hospitality and enjoy 4-star hotel accommodation including pet-friendly rooms. The 61 rooms have been completely refurbished and suites contain a kitchenette and living room. Children under 12 stay free with an adult at no extra charge. Complimentary parking, bistro restaurant and café, gym, outdoor pool, sauna, tennis court and WIFI are some of the many features on offer. Our unique destination in the countryside paired with our immaculate attention to detail, means that your stay will be more than just a bed for the night. Located close to Mystery Creek and Fieldays, we are the ideal place to book when attending an event there.
Accommodation
Top coffee spots in the Waikato
![](/media/ompfvd10/punnet-hot-drink-by-the-fire.jpg?width=330&height=290&format=webp&v=1dab04571240930)
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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![](/media/ompfvd10/punnet-hot-drink-by-the-fire.jpg?width=1000&height=550&format=webp&v=1dab04571240930)