The ultimate Waikato travel guide. Find Waikato's location on the map, discover iconic places to visit and must-do experiences, and book hotels.

A Complete Travel Guide To Waikato, New Zealand 2025: Location & Best Places to Visit - Travel Guides Traveloka

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Waikato

Hamilton City

Western Bay of Plenty District

Tauranga City

Rotorua District

Thames-Coromandel District

Bay of Plenty

Auckland Region

Auckland

New Plymouth

Taranaki

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Hamilton, New Zealand, is the largest metropolitan area in the country. It is located in the Waikato district, about an hour and a half drive from Auckland. Originally, Hamilton was one of the Maori villages, including Kikiriroa. When British settlers arrived, some of the villages were abandoned. The area where the British settled was later named Hamilton, in honor of Commander Fane Charles Hamilton who was killed at the battle of Gate Pa.
One popular tourist destination in Hamilton is Hamilton Gardens. In the 1960s, Hamilton Gardens used to be a garbage dump. However, it has since been transformed into a beautiful garden and is now considered one of the best gardens in the world, covering an area of 54 hectares. Hamilton Gardens is also home to Te Parapara, New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden, where traditional ceremonies related to food production and storage are often held.
Another attraction in Hamilton is the beautiful Waikato River. In this area, you can find Hobbiton, the original Village Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movie trilogies. It is a must-visit for travelers coming to New Zealand.
Hamilton also offers other exciting activities for travelers, such as soaking in natural hot springs to relieve fatigue, watching world horse racing, and surfing at Raglan beach. With its diverse range of attractions, Hamilton has everything that tourists need, making it a great destination for your next vacation.

Hahei, located along the sheltered shore of Mercury Bay on New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula, encourages tourists with its appeal and natural beauty. This charming coastal village is a popular destination for both locals and international tourists, thanks to its tranquil atmosphere and stunning views.
The vast white sand beach in the middle of Hahei is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and strolls. However, Cathedral Cove, a stunning natural arch accessible via a short walking trail, is without a doubt the area's showpiece. This landmark site attracts visitors from all around the world.
Beyond its sun-kissed beaches, Hahei has the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, a protected aquatic refuge teeming with marine life. Kayaking, snorkeling, and diving are popular methods to discover this underwater paradise.
Hahei welcomes outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities, with a range of walking and hiking trails. There's a trail for everyone, from simple strolls to more strenuous hikes. The renowned Cathedral Cove hikes promise spectacular coastline views as a reward.

Hahei

Tucked away amidst the serene landscapes of New York's Hudson Valley, Port Charles beckons travelers with its irresistible charm and intriguing history. Steeped in both tradition and modernity, this quaint yet vibrant town offers a myriad of reasons to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey.
First and foremost, Port Charles boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and captivating landmarks waiting to be explored. From the elegant Victorian architecture of its historic district to the serene beauty of its waterfront parks, every corner of the town tells a story of its past and present. Dive into the local art scene at the renowned Port Charles Museum of Fine Arts, or immerse yourself in the town's maritime legacy at the Port Charles Maritime Museum. Moreover, Port Charles is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, with its diverse culinary scene offering everything from cozy cafes serving up artisanal delights to upscale restaurants showcasing the finest in farm-to-table cuisine. Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a foodie, Port Charles promises an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression. So, pack your bags and set forth on a journey to discover the timeless allure of Port Charles.

Port Charles

Popular Areas in Waikato

Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Day Tour Departure From Auckland | New Zealand

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours Ticket | New Zealand

[Auckland Departure] Hobbiton Day Tour with Buffet Lunch | New Zealand

Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Aranui Cave

Hobbiton & Te Puia Te Pō Day Tour | New Zealand

Huka Falls Jet Boat Tour | New Zealand

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour | New Zealand

Cathedral Cove Jet Boat Ride - 45 Minutes

Private Hobbiton Day Tour with Guide

Cathedral Cove Kayaking Tour | New Zealand

Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Cave Private Tour

Black Water Rafting Labyrinth Tour

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua

Black Water Rafting Abyss Tour

Coromandel Coastal and Island Classic Boat Tour

Aldermen Islands or Ruamaahu Nature Reserve Scenic Boat Tour

Triple Cave Combo

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Waikato is located in New Zealand. Let us guide you to explore Waikato and uncover its beauty. Find inspirations about popular tourist attractions, travel tips, to the best accommodation in  here. Plan your next adventure at Traveloka!

In This Guide

Waikato

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New Zealand

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Waikato

Get to Know Waikato

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Popular Areas in Waikato

Hamilton City

Thames-Coromandel District

Hahei

Port Charles

Explore Waikato

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

Must-try Activities in Waikato

Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitomo Caves Day Tour Departure From Auckland | New Zealand

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours Ticket | New Zealand

[Auckland Departure] Hobbiton Day Tour with Buffet Lunch | New Zealand

Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Aranui Cave

Hobbiton & Te Puia Te Pō Day Tour | New Zealand

Huka Falls Jet Boat Tour | New Zealand

Cathedral Cove Boat Tour | New Zealand

Cathedral Cove Jet Boat Ride - 45 Minutes

Private Hobbiton Day Tour with Guide

Cathedral Cove Kayaking Tour | New Zealand

Hobbiton and Waitomo Glowworm Cave Private Tour

Black Water Rafting Labyrinth Tour

Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua

Black Water Rafting Abyss Tour

Coromandel Coastal and Island Classic Boat Tour

Aldermen Islands or Ruamaahu Nature Reserve Scenic Boat Tour

Triple Cave Combo

More Destination Near Waikato

Hamilton City

Western Bay of Plenty District

Tauranga City

Rotorua District

Thames-Coromandel District

Bay of Plenty

Auckland Region

Auckland

New Plymouth

Taranaki

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