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Itineraries
These suggestions highlight the city’s sophisticated metropolitan experiences.
* Walk along the riverside. There are plenty of places to enjoy the magnificent Waikato River on both banks.
* Go shopping at the boutique stores dotted through the city, including European-style Casabella Lane, or in the city’s modern malls, and have lunch at one of the many top streetfront cafes with their pavement dining.
* Take in the Waikato Museum for its interactive historical shows or contemporary art exhibitions all under the one roof and over several levels. While there, don’t miss Te Winika, the waka taua (war canoe) or Hamilton exhibition on permanent display. Beside the museum, ArtsPost showcases the best local artists at its ever-changing exhibitions, as well as offering fine gift buying opportunities in its shop.
* Have a flutter at one of SkyCity Casino’s gaming tables or gaming machines.
* Go sky-high – well nearly – with a magical balloon ride to start the day and see Hamilton and the Waikato spread before you.
* Walk through Hamilton Gardens. Their themed gardens range from Italian Renaissance to Chinese, with just about everything else in between, and Turtle Lake adds to the picturesque setting.
* Have a wine tasting at Mystery Creek Wines on the city’s outskirts, and stop for lunch there at the highly rated Woodbox Winery Restaurant overlooking the Waikato River.
* Head to Inspirit Gallery directly across the river from Mystery Creek Wines, and browse among great art, photography and crafts, including sculptures.
* Catch a concert or show at one of Hamilton’s theatres, whether in the central city or at the Academy of Performing Arts with its beautiful setting on the university grounds.
* Make the most of the many fine dining and nightlife options clustered around the popular southend.
Option 2: Hamilton - Family Fun
These suggestions showcase the myriad of family focused activities Hamilton has to offer.
* Take a cruise on the mighty Waikato River with Waikato River Cruises, or if you want to get up close and personal with the river, try your hand at Canadian canoeing with Wiseways Canoes.
* Visit Waikato Museum and explore the interactive centre, learn about the marvels of the Waikato River, and take in “Never a Dull Moment”, an exhibition which showcases the best of Hamilton’s stories from the past (open seven days).
* To finish off the day with a bit of family fun and team challenge, check out SkyCity’s ten pin bowling or laser tag accompanied by family-friendly dining.
* Visit Hamilton Zoo and see the sumatran tigers, chimpanzees and white rhinos, along with a huge range of other animals.. Walk through the largest free flight aviary in Australasia, or get up close to the animals with a Face 2 Face encounter.
* Have a picnic at Hamilton Gardens with its wide range of themed gardens and open spaces including picturesque Turtle Lake.
* Cool off at Waterworld where there’s a diving pool, a hydroslide, and a choice of indoor and outdoor pools along with a barbecue area and cafe.
Option 3: North Waikato
Uniquely significant in both Maori and European history the North Waikato Region celebrates its heritage while welcoming the future through the range of experiences and attractions on offer.
Suggested activities include:
* Walk about 40mins into the Hakarimata Ranges and stand next to the largest kauri trees in the Waikato.
* Journey beneath the earth and encounter untouched limestone formations and glowworms at Nikau Caves near the west coast.
* Picnic on the banks or stroll around the beautifully developed Hakanoa Lake, with its plantings from different regions. A circuit of the lake takes about 1hr 15mins.
* Step back in time and explore the lives of the miners and their families by visiting the Waikato Coalfields Museum in Huntly (open seven days), set in an historic homestead.
* Check out the race action at Placemakers Huntly Speedway, dust flies at 7pm.
* At Rangiriri Heritage Centre, which is also a tearooms, watch a video of the Waikato wars and visit a partly preserved fortification from the battle fought there in 1863.
* Visit Herb Haven for Victorian high tea (bookings recommended). Stroll around the grounds, and purchase some of its famous garlic sauce. Or take its course in bread making (booking required).
* Enjoy the race action at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park with its full calendar of events. Nearby is the Meremere drag strip, and Huntly holds regular speedway meets.
* Test your skills at making your very own lollipop at Candyland and see how chocolates are made (two shows a day at weekends, public holidays and school holidays).
* Visit historic Woodlands Homestead. Stroll around the gardens, which are of regional significance, or take a tour of the homestead itself. And enjoy a meal at the café, looking out across a picturesque cricket field and trees.
* Experience Zealong’s Oolong Tea Plantation, he first of its kind outside of Asia, on the outskirts of northern Hamilton. Learn about the process of growing and harvesting this specialist premium team and enjoy a delicious high tea as you look out over the vista of 1 million tea plants.
Option 4: South Waikato
The South Waikato region is home to the charming country town of Tirau with its antiques, arts and craft shops and home-style cafes. Nearby is the “olde worlde” Okoroire hot springs and hotel while some of the region’s finest river trails and walks can also be found here.
* Stop off in Tirau, well known for its corrugated iron sculptures. Walk around the township for a spot of retail therapy in the many boutique shops, including antiques and crafts.
* Visit Tirau Museum, an excellent private collection of Geoff Ernst and a dream for all collectors – you name it, he’s got it (open seven days, closed Mon and Fri mornings). There is also a honey shop on site.
* Visit Okoroire Hot Springs with its “olde worlde” country pub, classic nine hole golf course and chance for a soak in the hot pools.
* Check out Over the Moon Cheese in Putaruru. Taste their award-winning range of specialty products and watch the cheeses being made in their artisan dairy.
* Visit the internationally acclaimed Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring, with its pure water that has been underground for up to 100 years. The return walk, over varied terrain, takes about three hours.
* Explore the Waikato River Trails, a series of river and lakeside walking and biking tracks that encompasses the magic and beauty of native bush, exotic forest and significant wetlands with lake and river views.
Taking a country to coast approach this itinerary has been designed to combine adventure with relaxation. From Hamilton you’ll travel through the town of Cambridge with its quaint ‘old-English’ feel and on to the Bay of Plenty. A popular stop for cruise liners, the area’s warm microclimate produces great marine activities and fabulous food and wine. Heading north up the coast you’ll reach the Coromandel Peninsula, a holiday hot spot for Kiwis and visitors alike with its golden beaches, superb fishing and diving, and laid-back lifestyle.
Hamilton to Bay of Plenty
Head south out of Hamilton following SH1 to Cambridge and Lake Karapiro. Drive time approximately 20 minutes.
* Pavement dining doesn’t get much better than at one of the many cafes in Cambridge’s town centre, or try the Boatshed overlooking Lake Karapiro.
* Hire a kayak and paddle the tranquil waters of Karapiro – a leisure boaties’ dream.
Continue on SH2 south to SH29 towards Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. (Bay of Plenty)
Overnight Tauranga / Mt Maunganui.
Tauranga / Mount Maunganui options:
* Go diving, swim with dolphins or just make the most of the fishing opportunities.
* Relax in the hot saltwater pools with their lovely setting.
* Visit Mills Reef Winery and sample some award wining wines.
Bay of Plenty to Whitianga / Coromandel
Head north east on SH 2 towards Waihi and the Coromandel Peninsula, well known for its white sandy beaches and bohemian lifestyle. Drive time approximately 2 hours 40 minutes.
* Take a breather at the coal mining town of Waihi and check out the Martha Mine located adjacent to the main street of the town.
* Stop off at the twin harbour towns of Tairua and Pauanui. Walk the beach, surf cast, climb Pauanui hill, soak up the scenery.
* Walk to the inspirational and much photographed Cathedral Cove.
* Dig your own private spa at Hot Water Beach – when it’s close to low tide.
Overnight Whitianga.
Back to Hamilton
Back to Hamilton via Waihi, approximate drive time 3 hours.
Starting from Hamilton this itinerary takes in the towns on the eastern side of the region. Stop in at the ever-popular sculpture park on your way to historic Te Aroha. Known for over 100 years as a Spa Town, Te Aroha is filled with beautifully preserved and restored historic buildings and rejuvenating natural hot springs. Matamata, where hobbit holes are found and movie magic happens is next, followed by Cambridge, home to some of New Zealand’s top thoroughbred champions as well as a number of contemporary artists and artisans.
Hamilton to Te Aroha via Morrinsville
Depart Hamilton along State Highway 26 towards Morrinsville, a service town for the local farming community (30 mins)
* Stop at Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Trail. Allow 1-2 hours.
* Follow the Heritage Trail with a map from the information centre. The walk showcases 21 sites including the historic Nottingham Castle Hotel.
* Discover the creativity in the town by following the arts trail
* Visit Morrin Museum, Lorne St (open 1.30-4pm Sun, Mon, Tue), with a focus on the pioneering and farming past.
Drive on to Te Aroha (15-20 mins), an Edwardian spa town at the base of Mt Te Aroha well known for its hot pools and biking and hiking tracks
* Picnic in the lovely Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain.
* See the Mokena Geyser (the world’s only hot soda water geyser).
* Soak in mineral spa pools, with a choice of luxurious private baths or spas.
* Follow the Heritage trail around the historic buildings and monuments.
* Visit Te Aroha museum, in the historic Cadman building on the domain grounds (open seven days).
* Take one of the many excellent hiking and mountain bike tracks.
* Travel to the top of magical Mt Te Aroha the easy way with Mountain High, River Wide tours, departing from i-SITE.
Overnight in or around Te Aroha.
Te Aroha to Matamata
Head south to Matamata (35 mins), well known for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours, award-winning cheese and geothermal springs.
Options include:
* Visit the Firth Tower Estate and Museum, an eccentric building set amidst lovely gardens (closed Tue, Wed).
* Go bush and see the Wairere Falls – allowing two hours to complete the first and second lookouts with wonderful views of the 153 metre-high falls as well as of the Waikato basin.
* Have lunch at Kaimai Cheese, watch the cheese making process and sample some of its fine cheeses, from bocconcini to havarti (open seven days, 8am-4pm).
* Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm for an insight into the genius of Peter Jackson and a rural experience, about 15 minutes south of town – tours depart from the local i-SITE
Stay overnight at a farm stay or accommodation in town.
Matamata to Cambridge via Karapiro
Head to Cambridge (40 mins). Known as “The Town of Trees” Cambridge offers visitors some old English charm with all the modern creature comforts.
Options include:
* Shopping for the antiques, art and craft – there are several outlets in and around the town centre.
* Take your pick from the fine cafes and restaurants with some streetside dining in the sun.
* Follow the sporting walk of fame, as it pays tribute to the town’s many Olympians.
* Learn about the town’s history with a visit to the museum in the old courthouse building near the Waikato River (open seven days).
* Just a short drive away is Inspirit Gallery which sells fine art and sculptures, and Mystery Creek Wines with the leading Woodbox restaurant.
* Take the short drive up Maungakawa, which was once the site of a TB sanatorium and is the perfect setting for a picnic.
* Visit picturesque Lake Karapiro – home of the World Rowing Championships 2010 (15 mins from Cambridge).
Stay overnight in Cambridge or drive back to Hamilton (approx 20 mins up SH1).
Nature and soft adventure experiences can be found right throughout the drive south from Hamilton to Waitomo. Travel from Hamilton to Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, an internationally significant conservation project which is restoring the mountain and its wildlife to its former glory behind a predator proof fence. From there head to Te Awamutu, birthplace of the famous Finn Brothers from Crowded House fame.
Hamilton to Te Awamutu
Depart Hamilton, drive south along SH3 towards Te Awamutu. Approx 40 mins from the centre of the city is Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, where native species are flourishing once more behind a pest-proof fence.
Allow half a day for a walk on Maungatautari – guided by appointment or self guided. Make sure you include the southern enclosure for sightings of native species like the stitchbird. Have lunch at Out in the Styx café.
Head to Te Awamutu, known as the Rose Capital of NZ but also making its name as the “Cow Town” of the Waikato region
* Visit the Rose Gardens, in full bloom between November and April but pleasant at any time of the year.
* Visit the highly regarded Te Awamutu Museum with its display on local music heroes the Finn brothers as well as a gallery with Maori taonga (treasures) and a New Zealand Wars exhibition (open seven days).
* Take the short drive to Mt Pirongia with its huge range of walking and hiking options in native bush, or play a round of golf at one of several local golf courses. The township of Pirongia is worth checking out for good coffee and crafts.
Overnight in Te Awamutu and surrounds.
Te Awamutu to Otorohanga
Head south on SH 3 towards Otorohanga (25 mins), known for its Kiwiana culture and displays along with the Kiwi House.
* Visit Alphra Lavenders and learn about lavender farming – the main flowering, with great photo opportunities, is early November to the end of January.
* Check out the Otorohanga Kiwi House to view live kiwi and other native species including the ruru (morepork) and swamp birds. The grounds are a good place for a picnic.
* Visit the Pou Pou (Maori carved totem poles) in the centre of town – a tribute to the ancestors of the local Maniapoto people.
Stay overnight in a farmstay or other accommodation. Or continue south to Waitomo 15 mins away.
Waitomo to Hamilton
Take SH3 south to Waitomo, The world famous cave system with its myriad glowworms has every option from spectacular walks to the adrenalin rush of black water rafting and abseiling.
* Explore the magical glowworm caves by taking a cave tour (a number of options are available).
* Visit the Discovery Centre to learn the history of the area and wonders of the caves.
* Check out the awe-inspiring Mangapohue Natural Bridge.
* Visit the 35 metre high Marokopa Falls.
* Challenge yourself by partaking in an action packed caving adventure.
If time allows, head south to the “shearing capital” Te Kuiti, check out its shops and then drive further south to Pureora Forest for a walk in its majestic bush.
Head back to Hamilton (drive time 1 hour 45 mins).
Running through the heart of the central North Island Thermal Explorer Highway provides an ideal itinerary for those wishing to take in the best of what the area has to offer but only have a short timeframe to do so. Starting from Hamilton your trip will enable you to experience Hamilton’s laidback urban vibe and the stunning Waikato River before heading south to the world-famous Waitomo Caves to try your hand at black water rafting, abseiling or glowworm viewing. From Waitomo this itinerary takes you east to Rotorua, the birthplace of New Zealand tourism for some geothermal action and then down to Taupo for water sports and outdoor adventure thrills.
Hamilton to Waitomo
Head south out of the City and take SH3 towards Waitomo. Drive time approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Waitomo options:
* Get the adrenalin pumping with some caving – climbing, squeezing, abseiling and generally taking it to the limit through these amazing caves.
* Go black water rafting, or tubing, through the caves – all you have to do is sit tight and hang on.
* The Kiwi Culture Show tells you all about the rural lifestyle – with a big dollop of Kiwi humour to go with it.
Overnight Waitomo
Waitomo to Rotorua
Head back north to Kihikihi, turn right towards Maungatautari, continuing on to connect with SH1 and SH5 at Tirau. Continue on to Rotorua Drive time approximately 2 hours.
Rotorua options:
* Take in a Maori Culture Show for an experience of New Zealand you won’t forget.
* Walk among geysers, hot pools and bubbling mud in one of Rotorua’s magical geothermal areas.
* Go Zorbing – the most fun you can have in a big see-through ball.
Overnight Rotorua
Rotorua to Taupo
Head south on SH5 to Taupo, drive time 1 hour.
Taupo options:
* Take a thrilling jet boat ride with 360 degree spins as part of the fun amid a beautiful natural setting.
* Cast a line in one of the best trout fishing spots in the world.
* Take the plunge and bungy jump from high above the Waikato River.
Overnight Taupo
If you’re after a bit of an ‘off the beaten track’ experience then this is the itinerary for you. Your journey begins by travelling to Raglan. With its world-famous left hand surf break and thriving artistic community, Raglan is a mecca for those seeking a slightly alternative lifestyle. Just south of Raglan is the smaller but equally appealing west coast town of Kawhia, the spiritual and ancestral home of the region’s Maori tribe, Tainui. Otorohanga, the self-proclaimed ‘Kiwiana’ capital of NZ is next on the list, followed by glowworm and caving adventures in the renowned Waitomo Caves.
Hamilton to Raglan
Drive to Raglan, 45 mins drive from the centre of Hamilton. Raglan is known as a surf town with an artistic flavour and its world famous left hand surf break.
Options include:
* Bridal Veil Falls, 7 kms before Raglan – excellent for a picnic and native bush walk. The view is good from the top, and even better if you take the steps to the bottom.
* Hire a bike and cycle round the picturesque and laidback town
* Hire a kayak to explore the harbour or take a cruise
* Fish from the wharf with the locals, or take a charter trip out across the bar. And if you happen to be unlucky catching your own, the locals recommend the Fish and Chips Shop at the Wharf
* Cool off with a swim at Ngarunui (Ocean Beach) – always remember to swim between the flags and take your jandals – the black sand of the dunes gets burning hot. The harbour is another swimming option.
* Watch the kitesurfers take to the air above the waves on a windy day
* Go horse riding – choose a trek ranging from 1-3 hours
* Learn to surf at the surfing school – then test yourself at Manu Bay, the longest left hand break in the world.
* Check out the shops, cafes, arts and crafts – this creative town has quite a personality.
Overnight with a view of the Raglan harbour or the wild west coast.
Raglan to Otorohanga via Kawhia
Head over the hill to Kawhia (allow 1 hour), a coastal village known for its hot water spring on Ocean Beach where you can dig your own bath and for the annual Kai Festival in February.
* Take a harbour cruise and learn about the area’s history
* The fishing’s great – drop a line from the wharf, go floundering or head out with a chartered boat.
* Check out the arts and crafts galleries and the harbour-front museum and information centre (centre open Wed to Sun, Labour weekend to Easter)
* See Maketu Marae – burial place of the Tainui canoe that brought the first people to the region.
* Walk to Ocean Beach at low tide and dig your own hot pool in the shallows.
Drive to Otorohanga (50 mins), known for its Kiwiana culture and displays along with the Kiwi House.
* Seek out the Kiwiana walk off the main street. Printed guides are available from one of the main street shops or i-SITE
* Visit the Kiwi House where you are guaranteed to see a kiwi and other native species. The grounds are a good place for a picnic.
* To finish the day enjoy a cold beer at the Thirsty Weta Bar and Eatery or one of the other bars/cafes in town.
Stay overnight in a farmstay or other accommodation or head further south to Waitomo (15 mins).
Otorohanga to Hamilton via Waitomo
Take SH3 south to Waitomo. The world famous cave system with its myriad glowworms has every option from spectacular walks to the adrenalin rush of black water rafting and abseiling.
* Explore the magical glowworm caves by taking a cave tour (a number of options are available).
* Challenge yourself with a 100m abseil into the Lost World
* Check out Ruakuri natural tunnel and bush walk.
* Get your heart pumping by going black water rafting or tubing – there are plenty of options depending on time and adrenalin level.
* Take in the highly entertaining Kiwi Culture Show.
* Watch angora rabbits being shorn.
* Enjoy some delicious local fare at HuHu Cafe.
Head back to Hamilton (drive time 1 hour 45 mins).
This itinerary has been designed to showcase the range of experiences and landscapes on offer in the central North Island, and all within a couple of hours of each other. Starting in Auckland travel though the picturesque coastal region of the Bay of Plenty and on to the famous geothermal wonderland of Rotorua where Maori culture abounds. Taupo, on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake, is next on the list for a spot of fishing or adrenalin pumping activities. Underground adventure then awaits at Waitomo, whether it’s a boat ride through the glowworm grottos or abseiling in to cave with names like The Lost World. Your road trip will end in the metropolitan city of Hamilton known for its café scene, boutique shopping and vibrant nightlife.
Auckland to Bay of Plenty via Matamata
Head south out of Auckland and take SH2 then SH27 towards Matamata. Drive time to Matamata approximately 2 hours.
Matamata options:
* Stop for lunch or a snack at Kaimai Cheese, watch the cheese making process and sample some of its fine cheeses.
* Visit the set of Hobbiton Movie Set where Peter Jackson brought his Lord of the Rings vision to life.
* Head on to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty via SH29. Drive time approximately 45 minutes.
Bay of Plenty options:
* Walk along the beautiful white sand beach of Mt Maunganui and around the base of its famous landmark, Mauao.
* Relax in the hot saltwater pools before enjoying an evening meal at one of the many restaurants nearby.
* Check out the funky cafés and shops in the Mt Maunganui township.
* Take a scenic flight over the Bay of Plenty for amazing views of the coast.
Overnight Tauranga / Bay of Plenty.
Tauranga / Bay of Plenty to Rotorua
A 35 minute drive east of Mt Maunganui on SH2 is the town of Te Puke well known for kiwifruit growing.
Te Puke options:
* Te Puke Learn about the fruit named after New Zealand with a fun tour at Kiwi 360.
* Take a jet boat ride on the Kaituna River at Springloaded Fu Park.
Continue on SH33 to Rotorua. Drive time approximately 45 minutes.
* Take in a farm show in Rotorua or get the heart racing with one of its adventure activities.
* At the end of the day, soak it all away in the famous Polynesian Spa on the shores of Lake Rotorua.
Overnight Rotorua.
Rotorua to Taupo
Head south on SH5 towards Taupo. Drive time approximately 1 hour.
Taupo options:
* Visit New Zealand’s only prawn park, on the banks of the Waikato River, and catch yourself dinner.
* Treat yourself to a round at world-class Wairakei International Golf Course.
* Visit Taupo Museum and the wondrous Ora Garden, which won gold at the Chelsea Flower show.
Overnight Taupo.
Taupo to Waitomo via Te Kuiti
Head north west connecting with SH30 towards Te Kuiti and te Purerora Forest.
* Visit the Pa Harakeke Eco Cultural Centre (45 mins south west) amid the beautiful native bush of Pureora for an enriching experience and insight into Maori lore.
* Continue on to Waitomo Caves. Drive time approximately 50 minutes.
Waitomo options:
* Try one of the many caving experiences among Waitomo’s weird limestone formations.
* Check out the myriad glowworms that cast their light from the cave ceilings.
* Take the short bush walk to the enchanting natural limestone bridge of Mangapohue – just like the Waitomo Caves, but above ground.
Overnight at Waitomo.
Waitomo to Hamilton via Maungatautari
Head north from Waitomo on SH 3 to Otorohanga.
* See New Zealand’s iconic bird up close at Otorohanga Kiwi House.
Stay on SH3 to Kihikihi and take a right turn towards Pukeatua.
* Explore Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, a huge inland sanctuary where New Zealand’s wildlife lives as nature intended.
Continue back on SH3 towards Hamilton.
* Step into Waikato Museum where you will find leading art exhibitions and the region’s fascinating heritage showcased.
Overnight Hamilton.
