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Situated in the heart of the North Island the diverse Hamilton & Waikato region encompasses New Zealand's fourth largest city, the country's longest river, and the world famous Waitomo Caves with its glowworms and adventure tourism activities. Well-known for its nature-based tourism, underground adventure and off-the-beaten track experiences the Hamilton & Waikato region offers something for every traveller, from the stunning black sand surf beaches of Raglan to Hamilton's vibrant café scene and the rolling hills and majestic forests that shape the landscape.

Plan your trip to Hamilton and Waikato with plenty of information on the region including Places to Go, Things to Do, Accommodation and Events.

Current issues of the Waikato Times in original form. Now you can read the digital Waikato Times on your computer. 

Read all about the latest Waikato and Central news from the Waikato Times, including breaking sports, entertainment and event news.

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The Zoo with personality is home to over 600 native NZ and exotic animals set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings.

Visit Australasia’s largest free-flight walk-through aviary, book a close encounter of the animal kind, meet the keepers or enjoy a nibble at the zoo cafe.

To help make the most of your experience at Hamilton Zoo we suggest you plan your day around our 'Meet the Keeper' and 'Face 2 Face' animal encounters.  These are an excellent way to learn more about your favourite zoo animals, and to meet some real characters!

Bring a camera and some comfortable walking shoes.

Stunning paths and passageways lead you to gardens designed and created to tell The Story of the Garden from around the world.

Savour the Paradise Collection which features gardens including: the Chinese Scholars, English Flower, Japanese Garden of Contemplation, American Modernist, Italian Renaissance and Indian Char Bagh. Enjoy the culture of Te Parapara (Maori Garden), the first of its kind in New Zealand. Guided tours available.

Generations of Maoris knew the Waikato as a capricious and venerated accomplice in survival; generations were buried within sight and sound of the river, which means' flowing water', but the name of the river in full was Waikato-taniwha-rau, 'the flowing water of a hundred water monsters'.

Cruise Waikato offers a daily cruise with an option for coffee/tea and muffin.   All departures leave at 2pm from Memorial Park Jetty.

Hot air ballooning is a one of a kind adventure.  Kiwi Balloon Company's flights take place over the Waikato daily, depending on the weather.  To fly, we need little wind and no rain.

We meet early morning when the air is most stable and suitable to fly.  We gently rise above sleepy Hamilton and move on to the green pastures of the Waikato.  On a clear day you can see all the way to the snow capped mountains of Tongariro National Park.  The scenery and stillness will take your breath away.  After about an hour of tranquility we float back to earth.  After the flight bubbly and snacks are served.

The whole experience takes about 4 hours.  This day will be remembered for a lifetime!

Hamilton Golf Club and St Andrews Golf Course, is one of New Zealands premier golf clubs. St Andrews strives to be the provider of golf and lifestyle experiences in the region, primarily catering for its members, the visiting golf enthusiast and its local community.

Hamilton Golf Club is the venue for the annual 72 Hole Waikato Strokeplay.  This event attracts top players from all over the country which makes the Waikato Strokeplay one of New Zealand premier events.

The St Andrews Golf Course is located on the northern side of Hamilton so it only just over an hours drive from central Auckland making it a great course to visit on your days off. So come play at St Andrews.

Here on the most picturesque private farmland near Matamata in the North Island of New Zealand, you can visit the remnants of the original Hobbiton Movie Set  from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy in a fascinating two-hour guided tour.

The Hobbiton Movie Set has been returned to its natural state. However, 17 of the original 37 hobbit holes and some structures from the film set are still present. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm.

As the Hobbiton Movie Set is located on a real New Zealand farm, we also offer you an authentic and unforgettable Sheep Farm Experience. See how the shearer cleverly handles the sheep, plus take the opportunity to cuddle and bottle feed the pet lambs.

You can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in  The Shires Rest Cafe, which is also available for functions, conferences or other occasions.

We very much look forward to welcoming you at the Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm! 

Maungatautari - an internationally significant restoration project, this 3,400 hectare forested, extinct volcano stands majestically on the landscape in the Waikato basin, between Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Putaruru, in the central North Island of NZ. Takahe, kiwi, kaka (birds) and kokopu (fish) have already been reintroduced to two pest free enclosures!

The Maungatautari Ecological Island Project was inspired by a community desire to preserve and restore indigenous forest located on the slopes of an extinct volcano called Maungatautari.  The forest is an iconic landscape feature surrounded by mature and intensively developed farmland adjacent to the Waikato River. Maungatautari is the traditional home of Ngati Koroki Kahukura (the local Maori tribe) and a treasure that has provided spiritual and physical sustenance for many generations. It is estimated that 5,000 - 10,000 Maori lived on the slopes of Maungatautari prior to the arrival of Europeans 200 years ago. This high population of Maori is testament to the productivity of the environment before the introduction of exotic plant and animal pests.

At Vilagrad Wines the Nooyen family take enormous pride in their approach to winemaking, entertainment and hospitality. They understand that people celebrate in different ways be it a wedding, private function, business conference or Vilagrad's own April Harvest Festival.

Flexibility and taking a personal interest in every event ensures that expectations will be exceeded.

All that Vilagrad has to offer is just a short 15 minute drive from downtown Hamilton.

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company is New Zealand’s first black water rafting adventure operator. We’ve been sharing thrills and excitement since 1987, and have experienced guides who will take you safely through the stunning underworld of Ruakuri Cave.

What began as a special treat for a brave few has developed into a spectacular tourism attraction that gives visitors of all ages the chance to abseil, weave, jump, and float through a glowworm-studded subterranean wonderland below Waitomo.

With two exhilarating tours, namely Black Labyrinth and Black Abyss, to choose from, there is something to suit all adventurous spirits. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. is New Zealand's first black water rafting adventure operator. And it's also the only tour that takes you through the incomparable Ruakuri Cave.

Each Waitomo Black Water Rafting expedition includes around 8-12 people guided by expert guides who will support and encourage you through the whole breathtaking tour.

Our friendly, knowledgeable local guides have helped The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. achieve an excellent safety record over many years. They can help you step outside yourself and leave with a huge sense of accomplishment. 

Your guided tour will take you through over 250 metres of stunning underground scenery commencing with the impressive Cathedral. The acoustics in this particular cavern are world-renowned.  Acclaimed New Zealand Diva, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, has sung here and was delighted with the purity of the sound.  

Your tour begins at the upper entrance of the cave and proceeds along a low narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft.  Your experienced tour guide will deliver a highly informative commentary about the formations and the history of the area. The highlight of your tour is an unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto.

Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Meander underground along the Waitomo River and gaze in silence at the myriad of glow worm lights that make up the Glowworm Grotto. As you enter this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately experience a serene ambience and be fascinated and intrigued by tiny glowworms that light your way.

There's so much to do at the Te Aroha Leisure Pools. With two outdoor pools, an outdoor spa, and a soda spring bath house, Te Aroha Leisure Pools caters for everyone.  Situated at the base of the beautiful Mt Te Aroha, close to shops, cafes, or if you prefer a picnic in the park, the convenience of a day out at the Leisure Pools is unbelievable.

Choose a luxurious soda spring spa fresh from the mountain spring. Luxuriate in the silky smoothness of these therapeutic waters as they caress your skin. Flick on the pump and invigorate your muscles with an aquatic massage of bubbling air while you enjoy the timeless luxury and ambience from your kauri tub.  Each pool’s soda spa water is replenished ensuring your water is fresh and just for you.

Or indulge your senses with an exquisite aroma therapy bath using soothing oils and gentle aromas to infiltrate your senses and leave you feeling completely at ease. Add your chosen oils to one of the two freshly filled old-fashioned claw-foot slipper baths, which are side by side, enabling you to bathe with a friend or loved one while enjoying your own temperature and chosen oil, then slip into a state of total relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Waikato Museum was established in 1987 and is one of Hamilton’s largest and more unusual buildings.  The architect was Ivan Mercep of JASMaD (now Jasmax), Auckland, the same architect who designed NZ’s national museum, Te Papa. 

Situated back from the road and near the banks of the Waikato River the building has five levels and 12 galleries.

Free general admission.

 

Visit the very best of the city, SKYCITY – our premiere entertainment destination in the heart of Hamilton’s CBD.

SKYCITY Hamilton is situated behind the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise our superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River.

Floor-to-ceiling glass ensures our gaming and restaurant customers enjoy spectacular views.

Get a piece of the action in our world-class casino from a choice of over 330 gaming machines  - try your luck on one of the table games or enjoy a flutter in the Poker Zone.

The $68.4 million construction of the Claudelands Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hamilton, New Zealand, became a reality in 2009 when Hamilton City Council finalised its Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP).   

The redevelopment project has been designed on the basis of a unique one-site, multi-zoned facility with strong connectivity and close proximity to Hamilton's CBD.

It includes a 5000-capacity multipurpose indoor arena/auditorium, a 1500 capacity conference centre and upgraded exhibition facilities.

A proposed pedestrian link (as part of the City Heart project) to and from the CBD, a short walk of 10min across the Waikato River, will increase the connectivity between accommodation, central shopping and the venue.

Features of the development include a four-star plus equivalent conference and meeting facility, a 5000 person capacity indoor arena, multiple indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces, a multi-use grassed oval and a unique function space, The Grandstand

With construction due to be completed shortly for a 1 July 2011 opening, Claudelands is set to provide many opportunities for conferences, functions, live performance, sport and exhibitions as well as bringing positive economic benefits to the community.

Waikato Stadium has earned its reputation as one of New Zealand's premier venues for International & National Sports, Live Performances and Functions.

Waikato Stadium has hosted a range of  events including  International Rugby,  Rebel Sport Super 14 Rugby,  Air New Zealand Cup Rugby, NRL - Rugby League, New Zealand Football Championship - Soccer, Music Concerts, Cultural Festivals, Circus Performances, Paintball, Gridiron, Crusty Demons and a myriad of other events we like to call 'sportainment'

Waikato Stadium is also used as a stage for Product Launches, Exhibitions, Team Building Activities, Outdoor Catering with a difference and Venue Tours.

Waikato Stadium offers a whole new level in conferences and meetings with a complete package of products and services.

The Park is an arboretum that has been created in a formerly derelict quarry of 42-acres. Planting started in 1991 and has been designed to use and enhance the landscape of rocky outcrops, ponds, flowing water, and broad vistas toward Mt. Pirongia.


Features include:
    * ponds, lakes, waterfalls and a stream
    * collections of more than 18,000 trees and shrubs located in various sections including a fernery, a rock garden, native NZ bush gullies, and areas devoted to the plants of different continents
    * a two kilometre long trail leads through the sculpture park
    * all weather walking track, ample parking, bus bay; some selected sections accessible by wheelchair.

The Park is the art place to be.  All the exhibitions are presented by the Waikato Sculpture Trust. There are three new exhibitions annually. Commissions from sales help run future exhibitions.

Welcome to Woodlands, a treasured historic estate situated in the Waikato, only 10 minutes from Hamilton City.

Being the oldest Waikato icon, Woodlands peaceful setting is ideal for conferences and meetings and is one of the Waikato Region's most popular wedding venues.

This unique location offers the perfect setting for a range of functions or enjoy a casual visit and tour of the historic homestead and gardens - including a multi-media presentation of the estate's history.

It all started with a camellia tree.

Flowering, lush and green, the camellia grew next door to Tzu Chen’s house in New Zealand’s Waikato region.

A lover of oolong tea, Mr Chen was struck by the similarities between tea plants and the camellia. To Mr Chen, the thriving camellia plant meant New Zealand was not just pure and clean, it was also the perfect environment to grow the world’s best oolong tea.

In 1996, Mr Chen and his son Vincent imported 1500 tea seedlings from Taiwan. They were left with only 130 after a rigorous quarantine from New Zealand’s Ministry of Agriculture. But after careful propagation Zealong’s lush, sweet tea plants number in the thousands and spread over 50 hectares.

A wealth of knowledge gained through the years, coupled with a hand-picked team, has meant Zealong isn’t just perfectly grown and chemical free, but also processed to the highest standard.

Today, Zealong tea is a testament to Mr Chen and Vincent’s dream. Combining New Zealand’s pristine environment with the best Taiwanese knowledge and produce, they seek to produce the perfect, purest oolong tea.

Welcome to the Hamilton Airport Motor Inn and Conference Centre - perfectly located for business or leisure and the only accommodation at Hamilton International Airport.

80 metres from check-out to check-in.  Located next to the Hamilton International Airport Terminal, comfort couldn't be closer. No more early starts to catch your morning flight, and no travel hassles when arriving late at night. Our reception is open 24-hours for your convenience.

If you're doing business in the Waikato, our central airport location makes us the perfect place to stay, plus we have one of the largest dedicated Conference Venues in the region. We're only 1 km from Mystery Creek Events Centre, home to some of New Zealand's largest events including the National Agricultural Fieldays.

The airport area boasts many superb wedding venues including Vilagrad's Winery, Narrows Landing, Gail's of Tamahere, Mellow Manor, Mystery Creek and Glengariff. We can arrange accommodation and transport packages for wedding groups.

Le Grand Hamilton has the charm and style of a remarkable boutique hotel located within a stunning heritage listed building in the heart of the Hamilton city.  With its beautiful surroundings, Le Grand Hotel Hamilton continues to impress and satisfy its guests through providing the warmth and genuine hospitality that has become the hallmark of the Hotel.   Le Grand Boutique Hotel offers 39 modern guestrooms that are equipped with all the essential amenities to ensure you the utmost ease and luxury. 

A versatile set of function rooms, comfortable and high quality accommodation, combined with our attentive and friendly team makes Le Grand Hotel Boutique Hamilton a great venue to either do business or get away for a relaxing break.  VIBE Bar & Restaurant boast unrivaled flexibility in its unique style. As Hamilton's only Rock Grill Restaurant, VIBE has been designed to reflect elegance, comfort and sophistication with a warm welcome and friendly, attentive staff.

Welcome to Victoria Hotel Suites; for affordable, quality accommodation in the central heart of downtown Hamilton.  Ideally located on one of Hamilton’s most popular city streets, Victoria Hotel Suites is close to the central business district, walking distance to great local cafes and in the middle of Hamilton’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Beautiful Waikato river walks are just across the road and we are one minute from Sky Riverside Casino. Perfect for long stays, all suites have contemporary kitchen facilities (many with full cooking facilities and dishwashers), modern bathrooms and are extremely spacious.

Covered parking, superior accommodation facilities and a convenient location make Victoria Hotel Suites the ideal corporate accommodation option.  Victoria Hotel Suites' 21 self-contained, air-conditioned suites offer modern, comfortable facilities in a variety of  sizes.

This charming “English Style" brick home has three guest rooms and a large kitchen and dining area.  French doors lead to the alfresco outdoor area where guests can enjoy the saltwater pool and relax in the private gully setting.  Close to tranquil river walks,  fine dining, shopping of the Central City, Waikato Stadium and the Claudelands Events Centre.  

Bookings can be taken for up to six guests. The bathroom is private for guest use. Guests have their choice of cooked or continental breakfast. Children are welcome and a 'port-a-cot' is available.

With serene views of the Waikato river and rolling farmland, yet minutes from the central city, you’ve found the perfect motel accommodation to relax and enjoy all the Waikato has to offer. Riverlea House is a luxury bed and breakfast that mixes peaceful and quiet Hamilton accommodation with close proximity to all the major tourist attractions and the Hamilton nightlife.

Riverlea House has a range of B&B comforts including:Master suite with luxury en suite and private balcony. A selection of double bedrooms with shared bathroom; Sky TV / Home theatre; Outdoor swimming pool; Barbeque and outdoor dining area; Superb views of the surrounding countryside; Private access to river walks And warm friendly hosts ready to make your stay a highlight.

At the Eagles Nest Backpackers our emphasis is on providing not just accommodation, but a home away from home. Our Backpackers is clean, cosy and with an easy walk to the town centre, why would you want to go anywhere else?

Just like you, your hosts Graham and Anna love travelling and have been to nearly 50 countries, therefore we understand what your needs are.  Offers homely, friendly and safe accommodation in the central city only 6 minutes walk to all amenities, 2 minutes walk to the Waikato River and are on the FREE CBD shuttle bus route.

Air-Conditioned dorms and living room with wireless internet, laundry and BBQ facilities.

Welcome to Albert Park Motor Lodge, Te Awamutu's newest motel. Home away from home. The home of hospitality.

15 quiet luxury units. From studios to 2-bedroom spa bath units. Porta-cot and high-chair available if required. Wireless broadband and dial-up internet.

Just minutes walk to shops, restaurants, rose garden, swimming complex, events centre and museum.

10 minutes to Hamilton Airport and Mystery Creek
15 minutes to Cambridge
20 minutes to Hamilton
30 minutes to Waitomo Caves and Kiwi House

Asure Barclay Motel is located just minutes away from the Hamilton central business district and close to the Waikato Stadium. Family friendly and safe, Asure Barclay Motel provides an environment for total relaxation for adults and hours of fun for the kids. Full size solar heated swimming pool for guests to enjoy.

With warm, friendly hospitality and corporate styling, Asure Barclay Motel can offers you everything that will make your stay in our beautiful city a memorable one.
Within walking distance to local restaurants and supermarkets and within a short drive of Hamilton's many wonderful tourist attractions and sporting fixtures, Asure Barclay Motel is your ideal accommodation while staying in Hamilton for business, holiday and visiting friends or family.