Location: Waikato Region
Top Things to do in Waikato Region
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Waikato Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Waikato (/ˈwaɪkɑːtɔː/ or /ˈwaɪkætoʊ/) is a local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel Peninsula, the northern King Country, much of the Taupo District, and parts of Rotorua District. It is governed by the Waikato Regional Council.
Restaurants in Waikato Region
1. Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,299 reviews
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave is a stunning geothermal attraction located off the beaten track between Taupo and Rotorua. Described by the Lonely Planet Guide as "arguably the best geothermal area left in New Zealand", Orakei Korako brings you into a world of gushing geysers, bubbling mud pools, and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
This is a brilliant site to see some easily accesible geothermal activity. A nice little boat trip across the river and a pleasant two kilometre plus stroll around the site makes for a pleasant hour or so viewing some amazing natural phenomena. We were impressed by the infrastructure - good quality steps and explanatory boards - and even more impressed by Nick the young man who ferried us across the river. It's a family business and he's rightly proud of it; he was more than happy to spend time chatting to us about the site and the difficulties of operating a small business in the face of covid. A definite asset to the business and a credit to his family. When he said thank you for our support it was obviously sincerely meant. This is a site worth visiting for it's natural wonders and a business worth supporting for it's contribution to the region.
2. Motutere Recreation Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
3. Wainui Reserve
4. Coromandel Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand
We went up the Pinnacles from the Kauaeranga Road carpark up the Webb Creek Trail. We stayed the night at the Pinnacles hut and then walked back to the carpark through the Billygoat Trail. The trail near the top had amazing views of the forest area around the pinnacles. It was quite scenic all around the area. There were also plenty of other camping and tramping options around the area. The trails all crisis cross with each other so looking at the right trail for your experience isn't too difficult.
5. Tongariro National Trout Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 260 reviews
Walk the banks of the world famous Tongariro River. Visit the Trout Hatchery with its own museum and fresh water aquarium. Learn the history of fishing in Taupo. Have a picnic by the pond, feed the trout with special food available for sale from our visitor centre. See wild trout in the streams and at the underwater viewing chamber. Small charge for adults, kids free!
Reviewed By aliheydari781
Fantastic place to visit. You can see lovely trouts from a close distance, get familiar with their reproduction process. A great place for kids too.
6. Mill Creek Bird & Animal Encounters
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Bird & Animal Encounters of the best kind. Situated in beautiful valley surrounded by scenic hills. Over 400 birds and many friendly farm animals. Interaction with our birds and animals encouraged. Hold one of our Macaws or one of the smaller birds. Walk-in Lorikeet aviary. Small miniature train rides around the park. Coffee and food kiosk. Camp ground at very reasonable rates. Cabins. Units.
Reviewed By NaeNae11 - Rotorua, New Zealand
Had a great time at Mill Creek, heaps of animals and birds to see and a great little playground a and picnic area as well! The staff were super friendly and attentive even while they were busy trying to fix damage from previous floods. We will definitely come back next time we are in Coromandel
7. Te Toto Gorge Lookout
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By GenRoseGenRose - Red Beach, New Zealand
Worth the windy gravel road to get there, parking can be busy due to being across the road from hiking track Beautiful, breathtaking sheer drop, one of the best lookouts I’ve been to
8. Pukorokoro Miranda Shorebird Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By CMelissa7 - Vancouver, Canada
Unique opportunity to see hundreds of migratory shorebirds up close. Informative displays and gift shop at the centre, where donations are gratefully accepted. A short 30 min walk takes you to 3 bird blind and viewing areas, where we saw hundreds (if not 1000+) birds including pied stilts, godwits, black swans, goldfinches, white faced herons, spoonbills, kingfishers and wrybills. Make sure to go near high tide- tide charts linked from the centre’s website. Great to see local conservation efforts - thank you for your education and habitat restoration work.
9. Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Irish_Kiwi77 - Wellington, New Zealand
The views of the bay are amazing from the lookout at the top and there are a few signs explaining a bit of the history of the area and the names of the islands in the bay. There is also a separate viewing area for Lonely Bay. There is parking available at the top and it is a short walk to the lookout from the car park, if you are walking it is a bit steep on the the way up.
10. Te Pare Historic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Rantinrover - Biggar, United Kingdom
There are good short trails with access from the beach at both ends of Hahei. The one at the north leads up to Cathedral Cove eventually and the one at the south to Te Pare Historic Reserve. Both trails provide good views over the town, beach and coastline. They are open to the public to freely access at any time. We actually drove to the Te Pare trail which starts at the end of Pa Road. It's a residential area however there is a turning circle with space for a few cars to park. The trail starts from the road end and passes through a wooded section before heading up onto the bluff overlooking the Bay. It's a fairly rough track and there is a gentle climb but nothing too demanding. There are steps at points so possibly wouldn't suit everyone. Young children should be kept close to hand as there are some unguarded drops. At the top the views over Hahei are great - we had a slight disadvantage that the sun was low and in our eyes towards the end of the afternoon so it may be better to visit in the morning. Beyond the area where the historic pa used to be (no more than groundworks can be seen) I followed the trail as it narrowed towards the cliff edge, over exposed tree roots. Here I got a very good view along the coastline with rock stacks standing in isolation from the land thanks to erosion. It's similar to those seen at Cathedral Cave and elsewhere on this coast. Far down below I could see a couple of guys fishing off the rocks which looked a particularly hazardous activity as some of the waves which crashed over these could easily have swept them off their feet and into the Bay. I suppose they knew what they were doing. During our visit we were the only people at the site until a couple of women arrived just as we were setting off back down the trail. It's a peaceful spot with very good views and worth the short walk to see it.
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