Waikato

The west of the Waikato region is bounded by the Tasman Sea and comprises of rough hill country sheep farms but further to the east on the floodplains of the Waikato River the lush fertile soils are used mainly for dairy farming. The city of Hamilton also overlooks the Waikato River and is the largest city in the Waikato region. To the west of Hamilton the Waitomo Caves are worth a visit as well as the Kiwi House at Otarahonga and for the more adventurous there is black water rafting through the cave systems or white water rafting on the river.

This region gets its name from New Zealand’s longest river the Waikato which starts as it drains lake Taupo in the south and enters the sea just southwest of Auckland at Port Waikato. The region has a wet temperate climate which helps to keep the vegetation green. In the south there are numerous activities and adventures to be had around Lake Taupo, trout fishing being but one of the most popular. Surfing on the west coast beaches near Raglan is also very popular or take in the scenery from above in a hot air balloon ride around Hamilton City.