Location: Waikato Region
Top Things to do in Waikato Region
Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids 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. Footwhistle Glowworm Cave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
We are a locally owned and operated glowworm cave tour based in the heart of the Waitomo Caves Village. Footwhistle Glowworm Cave is located on our private farm and was developed over many years. Our family run tour company ensures that your experience of Waitomo's unique ennvironment is a memory to treasure. We take a maximum of 11 guests per tour and we also allow photography
Reviewed By 84jeannetteb
‘Ross the Boss’ was our awesome guide for the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave experience. His mix of passion, knowledge and humour made this one of the best local sites to visit in Waitomo. A private family run business that is truly about making this a perfect, intimate experience. The visit is topped off with kawakawa education and tea. The caves themselves are a real delight and the family’s understanding and work towards the ecology of them is a credit to them. Highly recommended.
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. Hobbiton Movie Set
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,857 reviews
The Hobbiton Movie Set tour is an essential stop on the itinerary for all visitors travelling through New Zealand, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set as seen in The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep and beef farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the village, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Your guide will then escort you around the set, showing you the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be taken around the 12 acre set; past Hobbit holes, the Mill and into the famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you can indulge in our exclusive, specially brewed beverages to conclude your own Middle-earth™ adventure.
Reviewed By gemknitsj
Summer harvest festival with banquet yesterday evening absolurely fantasic, very well organised, not rushed through the tour like you are during the day, food was excellent and plenty of selection, a very special evening with a great atmosphere, our tour guide sunny was great he made our evening with his wit, humour and knowledge of the set and movies, hope they make him employee of the year he deserves it
10. RAPAURA Watergardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
A mature property, which has evolved over more than 45 years, Rapaura Watergardens offers something for everyone; native trees, ferns, seasonal flora, lily ponds, meandering walks over lush green lawns, bridges and streams, garden sculptures by an award winning artist and a relaxing bush walk to a cascading waterfall, ‘The Seven Stairs to Heaven’.
Reviewed By FayeF217 - Auckland, New Zealand
An exceptionally beautiful walk in bush like surroundings. The huge Lilly ponds and the waterfalls on one track were very easy to stroll along as was the second section winding around water features, sculptures and amusing sayings on signposts. The Cafe is lovely with good food. Excellent service from Sasha - thank you,so efficient and Sally was a gracious hostess, thank you both. A stand out day out with the Garden Club.
