Getting around

  1. Visitors
  2. Plan your trip
  3. Getting around
The Waikato region is readily accessible and easy to get around, whether flying in, driving, or travelling by train or bus. Self-drive is the most popular option and most attractions are within a comfortable hour’s drive of Hamilton city, while Hamilton Airport services flights throughout New Zealand.

Driving safely in New Zealand

A self-drive holiday in the Waikato region is the perfect way to explore the many attractions and hidden gems on offer. Driving in New Zealand can be very different to driving in other countries and it’s important to understand our rules for driving in New Zealand before you get behind the wheel here.
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isite Visitor Centres

isite is New Zealand's official visitor information network providing visitors with travel information, tools and advice as well providing a booking services throughout New Zealand.
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A hobbit house-themed building in Matamata, New Zealand, located near the famous Hobbit filming location, serves as a visitor information centre where everyone can find information about things to do in Waikato.

Thermal Explorer Highway Touring Route

The Waikato region is part of the Thermal Explorer Highway – a touring route which exits Auckland and takes in Waikato, Rotorua and Taupo.
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A vibrant Indian Char Bagh garden at Hamilton Gardens, brims with orange and pink flowers in front of a white building inspired by the Taj Mahal featuring arched doorways. The scene is bathed in sunlight under a partly cloudy sky, while trees border the backdrop near the Waikato River.

Transport options

Acting as a gateway to the Waikato and the Central North Island, Hamilton Airport has frequent direct domestic flights to major cities, tourist hotspots and most destinations within New Zealand
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Heart of the Central North Island

The Waikato Region's proximity to other destinations makes it the perfect base for exploring the central north island. From Rotorua's thermal attractions and trout fishing at Taupo or skiing on Mt Ruapehu, to the white sand beaches of the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty and the many charms of Auckland, Hamilton city provides the gateway to some of New Zealand’s top tourist locations.
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