Location: Waikato Region
Top Things to do in Waikato Region
Top 10 Free Things to do in Waikato Region, North Island
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. Hamilton Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,439 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 Adamc7651
The gardens are a good activity to do for the whole family! Our friends and family enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and stunning gardens
2. Ruakuri Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 374 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Lula444 - London, United Kingdom
Lovey short walk through beautiful forest with a couple of viewing decks - very well maintained paths, lots of steps
3. Mount Ngauruhoe
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By iVeracity - Magenta, Australia
The first time we drove and Mount Ngauruhoe came into view it did not disappoint. In July it was snow covered and although we could not walk the Tongariro alpine crossing without a guide we walked as far as possible to the mountain. The walk is beautiful and accessible but you must be well prepared and have gear for all weather conditions. We started in beautiful sunshine with outstanding views of the mountain and returned in snow.
4. Huka Falls tracks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,294 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By SteveBaldwin-NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand
Really amazing sights and walk, very relaxing walking along the tracks, great facilities and car park too which makes the visit easy. Never get tired of visiting here
5. Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
Waipahihi Botanical Garden is an amazing park of native trees and colourful bushes, shrubs and plants which boasts spectacular views over Great Lake Taupo.
6. Cathedral Cove Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,404 reviews
Reviewed By greatwhitelion - Hobart, Australia
We parked in the car park at the entrance to Hahei and caught the shuttle bus to the start of the walk. Fantastic views from Cathedral Cove viewing deck right at the start.The walk undulates up and down through some forest and open land to Cathedral Cove with lots of great views along the way. It brings you out on the beach where you can walk through Cathedral Rock to the next lovely sandy beach. Along the way are short detours to Stingray Beach and Gemstone Bay both worthwhile.
7. 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.
8. Mercury Bay
9. Whangamata Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By TravellingMrsH07 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Love this beach - it's so beautiful and even in the height of summer it still feels peaceful. Gorgeous sand, views out to the islands. The southern end (with the estuary) is great for kids, and the waves are good for body surfing/boogie boarding.
10. 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.
