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There are many wonderful things to do in the Waikato from soaking in the thermal pools at Te Aroha to visiting the magnificent Waitomo Caves.

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Te Aroha 

Travelling from the Coromandel along State Highway 26 you come to the town of Te Aroha. Te Aroha is reasonably close to both Waihi and Hamilton and  therefore you could easily drive there for a day trip and enjoy their hot pools.  

Cambridge

Travelling southward from Auckland, we have found that Cambridge is a good place to stop to refresh yourself and the children.

One of our favourite parks to visit is Te Ko Utu Park in Cambridge which has two play areas next to each other; one catering for the very young and the other more suitable for older, more able children. A lovely glasshouse is open to the public and just past the glasshouse is a public toilet. For those wanting a bit more space and comfort Cambridge also has a 'superloo' which has excellent facilities for parents with infants and young children.

From Cambridge the city of Hamilton is only a short distance away, and you are less than three hours from the National Park. Two other places worth travelling to include Waitomo which features the Waitomo  Glow Worm Caves and Te Awamutu which was the home of the Finn brothers (Split Enz, Crowded House). Or if a soak in hot mineral pools inspires you, visit the town of Te Aroha for an enjoyable day trip.

Te Awamutu

Te Awamutu is best known as the town where the Finn brothers came from. For those who are not  familiar with brothers Neil and Tim Finn, they featured in two very popular New Zealand bands - Split Enz and Crowded House. 

Hamilton 

Hamilton is the main tertiary centre of the Waikato, with the Waikato Polytechnic and the University of Waikato sited here. With the Waikato River running through the city and its flat landscape, you will often see students and other residents of Hamilton riding their bikes. Hamilton is only a few hours from Auckland, the National Park, Tauranga and Te Aroha. 

Otorohanga

Otorohanga is known as the Kiwiana Capital of NZ and the town is adorned with lots of Kiwiana.  This town is only a short distance from the magical Waitomo Caves. Right in Otorohanga your family can enjoy indoor rock climbing, visit the famous Kiwi House and Native Bird Park or even see a 200-year-old waka.

 

Waitomo

Waitomo has become famous because of the glow worm caves in the area.  Waitomo's limestone landscape with its green hills, farms and fields is truely beautiful. The river slips into hillside caves and creates a magical world on glittering glow worms in the blackness. Waitomo Caves are located about three hours drive from Auckland or two-and-a-half from Taupo.

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