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8 Top Must-Do's in Waikato & Waitomo
1. Surf in Raglan
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The best spots are Ngarunui Beach, Manu Bay, Whale Bay and Ruapuke Beach.
Raglan surfer © Hamilton Waikato Tourism
2. 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.
Katherine Mansfield Garden © Hamilton Gardens
3. Te Aroha Mineral Spa
Set in a beautiful vintage building, the spa with private tubs draws hot soda water from beneath Mt Te Aroha.
4. Hobbiton
A magical place even if you haven’t seen the films. The set tour visits Hobbit houses of The Shire. Enjoy a drink inside the Green Dragon Inn before the fireplace.
Hobbiton Village © Destination Rotorua
5. Bridal Veil Falls
Walk to vantage points at both the top and bottom of these spectacular 55m falls. Allow 10-20 minutes respectively. The top track is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
6. Sanctuary Mountain/Maungatautari
The sanctuary’s 47km-long predator-proof fence allows endangered species to flourish. Independent or guided tours available, a 25-minute drive from Cambridge.
7. Waikato Rail Trail
A 197km cycling trail which makes a great 4-5 day ride. Stretching from Kaiaua on the Coromandel Peninsula to the towns of Te Aroha and Matamata. Historic sights are plentiful and the scenery is second-to-none.
8. Waitomo Caves
Waitomo Caves © Hamilton Waikato Tourism
Jump on a boat that silently glides through a glittering glowworm grotto. Explore two cave systems, 130 million years in the making. The upper caves are dry, whereas the lower reaches consist of stream passages and The Cathedral – the tallest chasm in the collection.
