Waikato New Zealand is a prosperous farming region on the banks of the mighty Waikato river.
Waikato New Zealand - here, rolling pastures and farmlands conceal a subterranean wonderland of limestone caves which attract thousands of visitors to the region every year.
A Culturally Significant Region - Waikato New Zealand The Waikato region is culturally and historically significant to both Maori and Pakeha (European New Zealanders). Many local Maori people can trace their heritage back to the Tainui canoe which arrived in New Zealand about 800 years ago. The region was the site of many 
Maori pa (a fortified village) and was an important centre of early Maori commerce.
The region was the scene of many fierce tribal battles, which escalated in the early 1800s with the availability of european muskets and weapons. As more and more european settlers arrived through the mid 1800s, the local Maori tribes united to appoint their own king, Patatau Te Wherowhero, whose descendants continue to assume the role of king or queen. The settlement of Ngaruawahia is one of the region's oldest, and is significant to Maori people. Located on the banks of the Waikato river at Ngaruawahia, the Turangawaewae marae is the official residence of the reigning Maori monarch, Te Arikuni Tuheita Paki. Crowned in 2006, he succeeded his late mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who had reigned for 40 years. Nearby Mount Taupiri has special importance to Maori, as the burial site of past Maori kings and the Queen. If you visit Waikato New Zealand in March, make a point of visiting the tiny seaside town of Kawhia. The annual Maori Food Festival attracts thousands and is a wonderful showcase of Maori cuisine and culture. Waikato New Zealand - Nature's Wonderland A mixture of landscapes ensures a wide variety of activities for those attracted to the outdoors. Bays and beaches, rolling hills, raging rivers and underground caverns attract thousands to the region every year. 
Perhaps Waikato New Zealand's most significant attraction, Waitomo caves are an ancient network of limestone caves containing stalactites, stalagmites, deep caverns, and streams. And to top it all off, millions of tiny glow worms bathe the caverns in an eerie, peaceful light. The Maori name "Waitomo" is derived from "wai" meaning water, and "tomo" meaning hole.
For the adventurous, this amazing complex features overnight caving expeditions, black water rafting, abseiling, and climbing tours. The caves feature the county's highest cave abseil which drops around 100 metres into a feature known as the "Lost World". Waitomo Caves are one of New Zealand's oldest and most popular tourist attractions, and a "must see" if you are in the region. Scroll down the page to view a full range of tours to Waitomo Caves. 
The Mount Pirongia forest has a network of walking tracks which feature a wide variety of New Zealand flora and fauna. From low altitude forests and ferns, to alpine plants on the exposed peaks, the forest is a haven for New Zealand birds. The keen obsever may see tui, fantail, grey warbler, wood pigeon, and tomtit, to name a few. The beautiful Hamilton Gardens are another very popular attraction. Covering 58 hectares, the gardens feature a selection of theme based sections featuring plants and styles from around the globe. 
The area around Kawhia harbour is well known for its beaches and fishing. At Ocean beach, the Te Puia springs are a popular spot where you can dig your own bubbling spa in the black sand. Hot springs bring water to the surface for a relaxing, invigorating experience.
The mighty Waikato river is a major supply source for the country's hydro elect power supply. But it's also a fly fishing paradise. Local trout are legendary and guided fishing tours are available. The Waikato is also a perfect waterway for a leisurely boat trip, or for the thrill seeker, a roaring jetboat ride. 
For Lord of the Rings fans, Matamata is home to Hobbiton, the hobbit village. And the Hobbiton set will be further developed for The Hobbit movie. The Waikato New Zealand region is also known as a popular hot air ballooning destination and each year hosts New Zealand's leading hot air balloon festival, Balloons over Waikato. Another popular attraction in the region is Bridal Veil Falls . Located near Raglan, the falls drop 55 metres into a pool surrounded by lush vegetation. There are two viewing platforms at the top of the falls, and a track takes you to the bottom of the falls for the best photos. Some Interesting Things About Waikato New Zealand * Waikato river, at 425km, is New Zealand's longest river. * Hamilton New Zealand is New Zealand’s largest inland city. * Hobbits once roamed the hills at Hobbiton, near Matamata, where the Lord of the Rings film trilogy was filmed (true :)).
To learn more about Waikato New Zealand, click here to visit the Tourism New Zealand web site.
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This thriving, vibrant university city, sits on the banks of the roaring Waikato river, and is home to many sporting and agricultural events. Perhaps the most notable are the Hamilton V8 motorsport races and the annual
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