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The Waikato region, centred on the Waikato River, contains rolling green fields of productive farmlands. The main centre, and the service centre for the outlying farming community, is the university town of Hamilton.
In the Waitomo area south of Hamilton, there is a natural labyrinth to discover. Massive subterranean caverns are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites - formations that have been millions of years in the making. Visitors can glide through the darkness on a water-borne barge and admire the beauty and deep silence of the cave, where the glow-worms overhead give the effect of an eerie underground sky.
Hamilton
The city of Hamilton is bisected by the mighty Waikato River, which is best appreciated from the deck of a classic paddle steamer. While the trees and riverbank suburbs glide by, you can learn about the citys history and special attractions. At Hamilton Gardens there are themed displays of trees, flowers and exotic plants to enjoy at any time of the year. Other city highlights include the Waikato Museum of Contemporary Art and History and the zoo, which provides native birds with enormous freedom in a walk-through free flight aviary. Sport is a major obsession in Hamilton - see if you can catch a match at Waikato Stadium.
Waitomo
Waitomo Glow-worm Caves:
see the glow-worm grottoes and underground caverns
Cave tubing:
float on an inflated inner tube past incredible limestone formations and under glow-worms
The Lost World Cave:
take an all-day adventure trip to the Lost World. Abseil 100 metres/328 feet down into the cave (accompanied by a guide) then, through a combination of walking, rock climbing, spider walking, inching along narrow rock ledges and wading and swimming through a subterranean river, there is a three-hour journey through a 30 metre-high/98 feet cave to get back out
Haggis Honking Holes:
this four-hour cave trip includes professional abseiling instruction followed by a caving trip with four abseils, rock climbing, and going along a subterranean river with waterfalls
Woodlyn Park:
visitors can gain an insight into New Zealand's pioneer farming heritage and drive jet boats
Museum of Caves:
view excellent exhibits on how caves are formed, the flora and fauna that live in them, the history of the caves and cave exploration.
The Shearing Shed:
see angora rabbit shearing demonstrations and buy products made from angora fiber |
