A region the size of Waikato offers so many wonderful sights, here are just a few activities to keep you busy:

Hamilton Zoo

A wonderful outing for all the family, the  Hamilton Zoo is open daily and is a short drive from the heart of Hamilton city.  Includes the largest walk-through aviary in Australasia with many species of rare and endangered New Zealand bird life. 

 Rongopai Vineyard

A short trip through picturesque to Te Kauwhata countryside brings you to Rongopai Winery.  Based in the former Government viticultural research station, an historic building, Rongopai is a well known producer of quality New Zealand wines, exported to Australian, Pacific, British and American markets.

Hamilton Gardens

A world-renowned  attraction featuring lakes, flowers, exotic pavilions, river walks and beautiful themed garden areas, each changing with the seasons .  With cafes and picnic spots, this is a relaxed activity popular with visitors and locals alike. The  Hamilton Gardens website has more information about this must-see Hamilton activity.

Lake Karapiro

Visit Lake Karapiro near Cambridge for long walks, a good coffee and water sports opportunities.  The Boat Shed Caf and Kayaks is the perfect base to start out from, especially if you want to learn to kayak.  Picturesque and accessible, Lake Karapiro also offers jet boat rides with an experienced jet boat company, heading out from the foot of the Karapiro dam.

Horses in Cambridge

Taking advantage of its fine horse breeding reputation, there are a number of horse related adventure parks, shows and treks in Cambridge as well as tours of some of New Zealand's most successful thoroughbred studs.  Find out more  here.

Roses in Te Awamutu

Famous for its world-renowned rose gardens (at their peak between November and April every year), Te Awamutu is located 30 kilometres south of Hamilton.  The town celebrates everything to do with roses every year at the Rose and Cultural Festival, but a visit any time between November and April will afford visitors beautiful sights and scents of rose gardens in full bloom.  Visit the  Te Awamutu i-site for more information.

Hobbiton/Matamata

Matamata has lately become world famous for being the home of the  Hobbiton movie set for the epic Lord of the Rings films, directed by New Zealander Peter Jackson.  A number of tours offer visits to the movie set so if you're a fan, book ahead.

Kawhia

Just 45 minutes drive North West of Otorohanga rests the small rural community and coastal retreat of Kawhia, spiritual home of the Maori tribe Tainui, and a beautiful scenic harbour well worth a visit.  A short drive further on brings you to Ocean Beach to experience the wild beauty and spectacular waters of the New Zealand West coast.

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo is the caving centre of the Waikato region and offers a spectacular array of caving wonders. 

• See underground glow worm worlds by boat, as you glide through caverns deep below the earth's surface. 
• Experience the thrilling rush of a black water rafting trip (travelling through cave waters in a wetsuit clinging to a car tyre inner tube!)
• For serious cavers, discover abseiling, flying fox or more strenuous cave adventures with experienced guides.