Waikato / Waitomo Hamilton Gardens An exceptionally beautiful maze of fascinating gardens that cover everything from Indian temples to an Italian villa. Look for big yellow doors and a surrealist garden with moving trees. Free entry.
Huntly
Te Aroha
Sunday Farmers’ Market Every Sunday, fresh farm produce direct from the growers. Held at Claudelands Arena. Zealong Tea Estate New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate is open for plantation tours, tastings and a decadent high tea.
Hamilton Lovegrove Lane Easily missed, which only adds to its appeal, Lovegrove Lane hosts a charming row of gentrified sheds, repurposed into a yoga studio, frame shop, florist and GG’s retro café. Located just off Grey Street – keep your eyes peeled. If you see murals, you’re close.
The Riverbank Lane A gorgeous pocket of shops and hangouts, combining the fabulous Browsers bookshop (literally packed to the rafters with second-hand literature), a café, burger joint, Duck Island ice cream and a bar boasting elevated river views from its deck.
Raglan
Freeman ata Ehu Matam
Marketing Manager, Maungatautari / Sanctuary Mountain.
Cambridge
My top must-do’s for visitors to this region:
a rich history that we can all learn from.
• Cycle down the Waikato River track and have a picnic.
I’m starting to feel hungry just thinking about… Madam Woos and Bahn Mi Caphe!
• Take a day trip to Hamilton Gardens.
Waikato River Cruises The river is large and fast-flowing, carving a wide and striking route through the heart of Hamilton. A two-hour cruise shows off the best of both the river and city. Duck Island A nationwide success story; Kiwis go crazy for ice cream flavours like Fairy Bread and icecream ‘sammies’. The flagship store sits on Grey Street and there’s a second scoop shop on Riverbank Lane.
Waikato Museum From the enormous waka that dominates the main floor to a series of nooks and staircases leading to an endless supply of artefacts, the museum is free and fascinating. ArtsPost Galleries & Shop A mere hop from Waikato Museum (so combine both), this striking building, a former post office, celebrates artists from across the region over three galleries. Entry is free. Fieldays Play farmer for the day and browse over 1000 farming exhibitors. This is the southern hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, occurring annually over four days in June. Balloons Over Waikato A weeklong hot-air balloon bonanza in the skies above Hamilton, culminating in a nightglow event with stationed balloons choreographed to music. With food stalls, fair rides and fireworks. Held every March, every event is free. Cornerstone Alpacas Make friends with dozens of playful alpacas, 20 minutes from Hamilton. Following an alpaca presentation, head into the paddocks. Alpacas are generous receivers of hugs (and food) and boy do they love a selfie. TOP TIP: The Classic Car Museum has a huge car park, albeit distinctly no-frills, self-contained campervans can stay overnight for a bargain $15p, or $50 for the week! Maximum stay 3 weeks.
Katherine Mansfield Garden © Hamilton Gardens ABOVE: Lovegrove Lane, Hamilton © Hamilton Waikato Tourism
Te Awamutu
• Explore glowworm caves in Waitomo.
For a delightful day trip… Arapuni Dam and cycle track. Beautiful day in a picturesque location and the cycle tracks around the lake provide a perspective not seen by many.
You might not have heard of it, but… There are many historical battle sites in the Waipa and Waikato districts. The Ōrākau battle site has
Living in Waikato is awesome because… Adventure is only on your doorstep for those brave enough to seek it.
• Visit the tuatara and takahē at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari.
Ōtorohanga
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Classics Car Museum & 1950s Diner Grab yourself a burger and shake then head next door to an enormous collection of classic cars and vintage petrol pumps. Hamilton Lake Domain Walk the lake’s 3.8km perimeter, passing lovely little spots for a sit down, as well as the lake fronting Verandah Café, covered picnic area and playground.
k to T KaĀlwhia a Local
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Hamilton Mountain Bike Track Great for beginners and seasoned pros alike, tackle 10km of single track and Grade 2-3 terrain.
Hamilton Zoo Say hello to 600-plus native and exotic animals including four new cheeky cheetahs that arrived April 2021. Daily keeper talks and animals in immaculate grounds are not to be missed.
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