Waikato

The Waikato region is famous for dairy farming and the mighty Waikato River, which traces it’s sources many hundreds of kilometres south to Lake Taupo and the mountains Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. On the Waikato’s western side is the beautiful and seldom explored coastal areas with small settlements and weekday surfers. The south eastern Waikato is covered in soft rolling hills and Matamata was home to the Hobits of Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings films.

South west in the Waikato lies King Country which takes its name from the Maori king Tawhiao who took to the hills there for many years. Aside from bush clad hills and large stands of native tress, the King Country is famous for Waitomo with its caves, stalagmites and stalactites, subterranean rivers and millions of glow-worms. Well worth a look.

With its mighty river, wide open spaces, subterranean rivers, and rolling rural landscape, the Waikato is a treat for those who like to experience New Zealand the way real New Zealand is.