TRIP 1 CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
SIDE TRIP
TR IP 1
a journey through
SIDE TRIP
Waikato
Hamilton to Te Kauwhata via SH 1 45min, 52.1km
Hamilton to Raglan via SH 23 42min, 45.6km
A
n hour-and-a-half drive south of Auckland is Hamilton, set on the banks of the Waikato River. There is a lot to include on your itinerary here, from an exploration of the city centre, a visit to the Waikato Art Gallery and Museum or the wonderful Hamilton Gardens to wander or to cycle along the Waikato River Trails. Another bonus for Hamilton is its close proximity to beachside Raglan. Head west for 45 minutes and you’ll soon be sitting at one of the cafés on the palm tree-lined main strip of this rustic, charming settlement. A popular summer destination, Raglan keeps its visitors busy and entertained with its artisan food scene, good coffee, boutique clothing stores, galleries, native bush walks and those famous west coast beaches boasting some of the country’s best surf breaks.
ABOVE: Raglan surf © Hamilton Waikato Tourism TOP LEFT: Hamilton • LEFT: Tainui Bridge, Huntly BOTH IMAGES: © Getty Images
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