Location: Waikato Region
Top Things to do in Waikato Region
10 Things to Do 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. Te Awamutu Space Centre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 82 reviews
An inspiring educational attraction for all ages. Experience the world of space and astronomy through displays and interactive activities. Our centrepiece exhibit is a small but fascinating collection of artifacts from the American and Russian/Soviet space programmes. You'll also find informative displays about the Universe, the history of space exploration and scientific research. Use the interactive screens to see what's in the night sky, tour the Solar System, create your own orbital systems and more. Watch videos, ask us questions and just hang out chatting about space. We also have a small space shop featuring new and secondhand items.
Reviewed By peter_the_traveller4 - Deal, United Kingdom
Forget about glow worms and kiwi houses. If you want to give your kids (and yourself) a good half day out this is a must. There are plenty of interactive activities, virtual reality displays and quizzes for the kids and adults. I was rubbish at landing at landing a lunar module on the moon! Kids can even try on a space suit. How cool is that.
Special mention must be made of the Curator - Dave who is very helpful, friendly and above all knowledgeable. Please don't miss this place.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Explore an enchanting world of secret Gardens. Transport yourself through time and to far-flung corners of the world. Meander through a lush tropical jungle, visit ancient China and indulge yourself in a Renaissance Prince's 16th century garden. Five garden collections have been created to delight the senses, with some garden concepts reaching back 4,000 years. Hamilton Gardens is a conceptual garden based in the Waikato that explores the context, history and meaning of Gardens through time, and from around the world. It is internationally recognised for its unique concept and is the Waikato region's most popular tourist destination. Only five minutes drive from Hamilton's CBD, the Gardens is open 7 days a week during daylight hours and entry and parking is free. Access is off SH1, alongside Cobham Drive on the southern side of Hamilton.
Reviewed By Markus_Ldn - London, United Kingdom
Beautiful free is charge spot! Stopped by on our way to hobbiton and it was beautiful. Such a nice idea to create those differently themed Gardens. Unfortunately, two were closed the to private functions. Cannot believe that those were converted from a former dump site...
3. Caveworld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
Caveworld offer two fantastic tours with the aim to create memorable caving and glowworm experiences for all our customers. Either choose our fun-filled black water rafting adventure Tube It, or bring your family and friends along and join our Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour, a relaxed one hour guided walk down through glowworm displays and formations. We are A family-run, locally owned and operated business, Cave World specialises in providing the personal and professional touch on our authentic Waitomo tours, with over 10,000 satisfied visitors experiencing our unique piece of New Zealand each year.
Reviewed By Emsy5 - Brisbane, Australia
We went to Waitomo specifically to see the glowworms; our only decision was which company we would go with. We booked the Tube It tour with Caveworld purely based on availability, but we had a great time. You are suited up with wetsuits on-site and then driven out to the cave. A small amount of walking to the cave entrance is required (in a wetsuit and carrying a tube, not easy!) before you make your descent. Once inside, we turned our headlamps off - the glow worms were amazing to see. We waded through water until it became chest deep. After a small jump into the water, our tubes were connected up and our guide towed us along, so we could concentrate on staring at the glow worms above us. The tour finishes off with a waterslide at the end. Our guide (whose name I’ve forgotten!) was entertaining and informative. He took photos throughout our trip and I was impressed that at the end we were given a link to download them for free.
4. Wairere Falls
Overall Ratings
5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By Worldismyoyster1070 - Bangkok, Thailand
It was a great hike after being in a car to recharge Matamata. Easy to follow path. Some is quite steep. we found the time posted is the average time to reach the summit. Worth a visit if you have 1.5-2 hours available. The summit was worth the extra effort as it is amazing to be on top of the falls.
5. Marokopa Falls Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Peter_dR_NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand
It's a bit of a drive from pretty much anywhere, unless of course you're already in the Waitomo area. But even if you aren't, the drive is worth it. This really is one of the most beautiful Waterfalls of the North Island. The walk is very easy, and the falls are very much worth it.
6. Bridal Veil Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 542 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By GippyTraveller - Warragul, Australia
Bridal Veil Falls is a must do if you are in the Raglan area.
It is spectacular and viewable from just a 10 minute walk from the car park. You can view it from the top, mid way & at the bottom if you are prepared to walk the very many steps down & back up but it is definitely worth the effort to see such a spectacular sight from different angles!
7. Hahei Beach Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew P - Melbourne, Australia
There's no particular unique attraction about this beach, it's just gorgeous. Sheltered for the kids, enormous, with space to get away from people. The only problem is parking. There is a very large new carpark at the entrance to town. It's then a 10-15 minute walk to the beach. New parking restrictions are being rolled out, so be prepared to not be able to park right at the beach. The price of popularity.
8. Ruakuri Walk
Overall Ratings
5 based on 294 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Lwdzeeuw - Putaruru, New Zealand
We took our two boy (3yrs and 9 months) for a hike around Waitomo. Started in Waitomo and walked all the way to the Ruakuri Walk. It was awesome! The caves are amazing, the natural tunnels were a bit of a challenge with a baby on my back but still doable. Our oldest loved it and also we! We're definitely going back for this hike with the rest of the family :) It's not just straight, bit of going uphill and stairs but still easy for not-experienced hikers !! Even my 3 yr old can do it !
9. Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Reviewed By paullegate - Luton, United Kingdom
Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway covers a huge expanse with many walkways and also many sights that can been seen in the surrounding area. Over the course of a couple of days we walked about 20km and got to see the Victoria Battery and Tramway, Owharoa Falls as well as walking along the edge of the Ohinemuri River, we walked along tracks, through tunnels and enjoyed the scenery and the attractions during our time there. We will cover the sights we missed on the next visit we make to the gorge.
10. Cathedral Cove Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Wolf_W - Tucson, Arizona
Cathedral Cove itself is beautiful and worth the walk there, although you can also take the Water Taxi as alternative.
We started our walk to Cathedral Cove from the Hahei town center, rather than taking the shuttle bus that drops off visitors closer to the cove. It's a very nice trail along Hahei beach, then through some forest area before descending to Cathedral Cove. The posted walking times are for the slower walkers, we cut them in half both ways.
