We spent a large amount of our time on the North Island in the Waikato region. We worked here for a bit and drove around the region in our van. We visited a lot of the main attractions and some off the beaten path ones too. Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Waikato, Aotearoa’s 4th largest region.
Be sure to check out our Instagram to see all our favourite things to do in Waikato!
Take a Hike!
It’s no surprise that one of our favourite things to do in Waikato and Aotearoa is hiking. Given the size of the Waikato region, there are plenty of good hikes to choose from. For a long hike, we recommend Karangahake Gorge and Tama Lakes. For some shorter walks, we have an entire selection to choose from in our post here. You can’t really go wrong, though. But to really see the region properly, you need to get out in nature and hit up some trails!
Wonder at the Waterfalls
Waikato is home to the North Islands highest waterfall! Wairere Falls is a stunning 153m high. You can climb to the top of the falls or enjoy the view from the halfway platform. Either way, it’s a must do in Waikato. For more of the region’s waterfalls, head to our best waterfalls of Waikato blog post here.
Spend a Day at Hamilton Gardens
The best full day FREE outing in Waikato. The Hamilton Gardens can not be missed when visiting the Waikato region. These stunning gardens have recreations of different gardens styles from around the world. From an Indian garden (Tiff’s favourite), to a surrealist garden, a Japanese garden (Nathan’s favourite) veggie garden, and an Ancient Egyptian garden (Tiff’s second favourite) to name just a few. The grounds also boast a large pond and waterfall! Pack a picnic lunch or grab something from the cafe to fuel your day of wandering around admiring this spectacular place.
Frolic at Alphra Lavender Farm
An Instagramer’s dream! This gorgeous lavender farm has rows up rows of different lavender varieties to frolic in. The scent of lavender engulfs you as soon as you step out of the car and hangs with you for most of the day too! A great brief stop on a road trip of a longer day out if you want to sit with the flowers. Be sure to visit from mid December to later January to see the flowers in bloom.
Soak in the Geothermal Waters
You can’t have a list of things to do in Waikato and not recommend experiencing the incredible geothermal features of the region. One of the best ways to do this is to soak in the healing waters of Wairakei Terraces in Taupō. With Pools of varying temperatures and an entry fee that lets you stay as long as you want, this place is a geothermal paradise. The fact that its adults only is the icing on the cake! We love to come at the end of the day when we can soak in the water watching the sunset and the stars come out.
Visit the Largest Lake in Aotearoa
Taupō (pronounced toe-paw) is the largest lake in Aotearoa. You can access the lakefront in a few locations. The easiest being from the town itself. If you are the adventurous type, you can even go looking for the Taupō tree! Much like the Wānaka tree lake, Taupō has a tree rising out of its waters. It’s a lesser known tree with no one giving away its exact location. Part of the fun is in the hunt! Check out Love Taupo NZ on Facebook for some clues on how to find it.
Take a Road Trip to Raglan
If you love a beachside town with chill vibes, then Raglan is the place to be! The Main Street has some great quirky shops and even better places to get some food. We loved Aroha Sushi, where you can use your own containers to get some delicious eco-friendly takeaway sushi to enjoy on the river front. The year long summer vibes at George’s Beach club are a must as well. Once you are done enjoying the town, either head to the river front for a swim or drive out of town to Wainui Beach to soak up the sun and marvel at the black sand and surf.
Hobbiton
Experience some movie magic on set at Hobbiton. This place is magical, whether you are a Lord of the Rings fan or not. We have visited on a few occasions our most recent being the Christmas celebrations! We got a tour of Hobbiton, then some eggnog in the green dragon before exploring some specially set up Christmas markets and then enjoying a buffet style Christmas dinner and dessert in the party tent. It was an awesome night with lots of pints and delicious food.
If you are going to Hobbiton, we recommend doing one of the tours that involves a meal, as the food here is incredible and you get to enjoy it in iconic locations.
Take in the Majesty of Aotearoa’s Longest River.
The Waikato river, for which the region is named, is the longest river in the country. Given that it’s so long, there are many places you can take in the flow of the mighty Waikato. Try going for a walk along its banks in Hamilton or if you have a van or tent camp alongside it at our favourite camping spot, Jones landing.
Hot Water Beach
Be sure to visit a Hot Water Beach whilst you are in the region. Who doesn’t love soaking in your own DIY hot tub? Just remember to bring a shovel and you can dig your very on luxury spa with an ocean view. Did you know that there is more than one hot water beach in Waikato? There is the well known Coromandel location and one in the west coast town of Kawhia. To help you choose which one to visit head to our hot water beach comparison here.
There’s so much more to do than these Top 10 Things to do in Waikato
There is plenty of things to do in Waikato region with these top 10 things only scratching the surface! We have spent months in the region and still have plenty more we could see and do. Waikato has turned into our home base in Aotearoa and we love Hamilton especially. If you want a central place to see a lot of the region from then Hamilton is a wonderful place to base yourself. Many a good day trip can be had from here.
Taupō is another great town to stay in as a base for the region as well. If you don’t have long to spend here, at least try to visit both towns. Honestly, though, the more time you have, the better! At least try tick off these top 10 activities whilst you are here.
Keen for more inspo? Be sure to check out:
- 6 Unmissable Short Walks in Waikato
- Waterfalls in Waikato That You MUST Visit
- Which New Zealand Hot Water Beach Should You Visit?
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