Title: Visit Waikato: Best of Waikato Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Waikato Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Waikato.d6047974.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in Waikato](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Waikato.d6047974.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[Waikato Flights](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Waikato.d6047974.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Waikato](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Waikato.d6047974.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Waikato Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Waikato.d6047974.Car-Rental-Destinations)[Waikato Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Waikato.d6047974.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Waikato ## New Zealand ![Shakespeare Lookout showing a beach and a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179076-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Cathedral Cove Beach which includes a sunset, rocky coastline and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236078-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Waikato](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/179000/179020-North-Island.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![New Zealand](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/335000/335447-Waitomo-Caves.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Craters of the Moon which includes landscape views, mountains and tranquil scenes](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236088-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) #### From rolling green hills to underground caves, this region of New Zealand is so lush and lovely it has attracted the attention of Hollywood movie producers. Waikato lies just south of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island and boasts a landscape that ranges from rolling green hills to black-sand beaches and almost everything else in between. Soak in geothermal hot springs, explore underground caves and discover pleasant gardens, cute local wildlife and charming towns. Take a guided tour around the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, which was used as the location for The Shire in *The* *Lord of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* movies. Dig your own hot-water pool at the beach at Kawhia, where geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand. Hot water slides can be found at Waingaro Hot Springs, while soothing mineral-water spas feature at Te Aroha. Hear stories of Maori culture at the Waikato Museum, then take a stroll along the waterfront of the Waikato River to Hamilton Gardens. This collection of manicured gardens tells the story of gardens and garden design through the ages, each area themed around a different era. Enjoy a tea ceremony at Zealong, overlooking the country’s first oolong tea plantation on the outskirts of the city of Hamilton. Go surfing in the town of Raglan, whose beautiful beaches are home to one of the longest left-hand breaks in the world. Take a boat ride into the underground caves of Waitomo to see the thousands of glowworms that reside there, or go black-water rafting through the cave network itself. Bush hikes will lead you to some of the region's many waterfalls, such as Bridal Veil Falls and Wairere Falls. Visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House to see New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, in its natural habitat. Take the children to SKYCITY Hamilton to enjoy a bowling alley, hundreds of arcade games and a selection of bars and restaurants. Fly into Auckland Airport and then take a connecting flight to Hamilton, or ride one of the local long-distance buses. Rent a car to explore the beaches and towns at leisure. With its cycling trails and walking routes, Waikato is filled with nature-based activities for all ages. ### Popular cities in Waikato [WairakeiKnown for Dining, Friendly people and Spas](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei.dx6052675) Get close to volcanic wonders and experience the geothermal power of the center of New Zealand's picturesque North Island. ## Reasons to visit - Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa - Craters of the Moon - Prawn Farm [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei.dx6052675)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei-Hotels.d6052675.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [HamiltonKnown for Spas, Family-friendly and Gardens](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton.dx6048121) Hamilton has the appeal of a country town and the cultural attractions of a city, and is close to many of New Zealand’s popular attractions on the North Island. ## Reasons to visit - Hamilton Gardens - Hamilton Central Business District [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton.dx6048121)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels.d6048121.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [TaupōKnown for Lakes, Spas and Family-friendly](https://expedia.ca/Taupo.dx3571) Visit a beautiful lakeside town and venture into its surrounding volcanic countryside to see awesome natural wonders and to enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures. ## Reasons to visit - Spa Thermal Park - Taupō Museum and Art Gallery [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Taupo.dx3571)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Taupo-Hotels.d3571.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Waitomo CavesKnown for Friendly people, Dining and Historical](https://expedia.ca/Waitomo-Caves.dx10061) This underground labyrinth of spectacular rock formations, with dazzling glowworms and enchanting acoustics, is one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions. ## Reasons to visit - Waitomo Glowworm Caves [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Waitomo-Caves.dx10061)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Waitomo-Caves-Hotels.d10061.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [MatamataKnown for Friendly people, Tours and Coffee](https://expedia.ca/Matamata.dx6320926) ## Reasons to visit - Hobbiton Movie Set [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Matamata.dx6320926)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Matamata-Hotels.d6320926.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [CambridgeKnown for Gardens, Countryside and Tours](https://expedia.ca/Cambridge.dx6034435) A visit to this tree-lined North Island town with its peaceful parks, boutique stores, cafés and scenic lakes is a pleasant day trip from Hamilton. [Explore city](https://expedia.ca/Cambridge.dx6034435)[Find hotels](https://expedia.ca/Cambridge-Hotels.d6034435.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ## Cities in Waikato ![Huka Falls which includes a bridge and rapids as well as a large group of people](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113387-Taupo.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Taupō Visit a beautiful lakeside town and venture into its surrounding volcanic countryside to see awesome natural wonders and to enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures. [](https://expedia.ca/Taupo.dx3571) ![New Zealand](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/335000/335436-Hamilton.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Hamilton Hamilton has the appeal of a country town and the cultural attractions of a city, and is close to many of New Zealand’s popular attractions on the North Island. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton.dx6048121) ![Raglan](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/46000/46483-Hamilton.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Raglan The best surf in the country, a nice selection of cafés and galleries and a relaxed bohemian feel make this harbor town a hard place to leave. [](https://expedia.ca/Raglan.dx6139313) ![Cathedral Cove Beach featuring caves, a sunset and a sandy beach](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236077-Waikato.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Whitianga It’s all about the water at this laid-back coastal town on Mercury Bay where you can explore beautiful beaches, including one that’s naturally heated, and fascinating coves. [](https://expedia.ca/Whitianga.dx10451) ![Driving Creek Railway showing tranquil scenes, landscape views and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/236000/236420-Coromandel.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Coromandel This peninsular is known for its stunning beaches and coastline hikes, vineyards, gold mining history and New Zealand’s famous fresh green lipped mussels. [](https://expedia.ca/Coromandel.dx180400) ![Cambridge](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/d54993164088b2649f0f0660e73bc262.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cambridge A visit to this tree-lined North Island town with its peaceful parks, boutique stores, cafés and scenic lakes is a pleasant day trip from Hamilton. [](https://expedia.ca/Cambridge.dx6034435) ![Turangi showing a river or creek and rafting](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113428-Turangi.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Turangi With outdoor pursuits and close proximity to active volcanoes and geothermal attractions, this riverside town is an exciting vacation destination. [](https://expedia.ca/Turangi.dx9674) ![Wairakei showing mist or fog as well as an individual female](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/113000/113436-Wairakei.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Wairakei Get close to volcanic wonders and experience the geothermal power of the center of New Zealand's picturesque North Island. [](https://expedia.ca/Wairakei.dx6052675) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app ![QR code to download the app](data:image/png;base64,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)