Location: Waikato Region
Top Things to do in Waikato Region
Things to do in Waikato Region, North Island: The Best Geologic Formations
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. Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By batchhen2017 - Timaru, New Zealand
This is so close into town, its very available and easy to find. What a delightful thermal river and hot pools (man made little pools in rocks ) at the side of the larger pool. I was pleasantly surprised how modern the facilities are, changing rooms and toilets very clean. Someone told me its had an upgrade. This is a beautifully made attraction and its free to use, how about that in NZ? It was only 2d when I went, but the fog lifted and I had a lovely soak. I was expecting it to be hotter like 35 to 39d but it was prob about 3od. However, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and stunning scenery around the river.
2. Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 345 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By 6-world-travelers
If you're in the Waitomo area, this is a 35 minute drive from Waitomo village, and 5 minutes from the spectacular Marakopa waterfall. Coming from the village, parking is on the right hand side of the road; be careful turning in as it's on a curve and there might be traffic to cross. Easy walk through a gorge to the main attraction; crosses a bridge where you'll have to hold onto your kids' hands (lest they fall over the edge) and you're under the limestone arch in about 5-10 minutes. It's 57ft of wow, and hard to capture on camera. If you carry on through, you'll climb a couple of stiles, go through farmland (watch the cow pats) and up and around. Loop takes maybe 20 minutes, tops.
3. 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
4. Tokaanu Thermal Pools
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 248 reviews
Reviewed By AucklandCedarchick - Auckland, New Zealand
Went straight to the Tokaanu Thermal Pools after completing the Tongariro Crossing in January and we all felt completely recovered with no aches the following day. They are very reasonably priced and great to have so close after the walk. Highly recommend
5. Craters of the Moon
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,946 reviews
Reviewed By ChefPulitsir - Raleigh, United States
This was probably one of the absolute best experiences. Walking around the crater and looking at the rising steam, listening to the fizzing and hissing sound, smelling the sulfur in the air, feeling some of the warmth dissipating upward, looking at and listening to the boiling mud was an amazing and uncommon experience. I had had a somewhat similar experience in Akureyri, Iceland. The difference here is that there is greenery all around on the ground. Here you can actually see the edges of the crater where the earth is split. This is one way to experience what it might have been like when our earth was being formed. This is a great experience for parents of school-age children. But, most importantly, this is just an incredible place to enjoy.
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