Travel tips in Waikato, New Zealand

New Zealand › Waikato

Natural features

Cathedral Cove (Mautohe)

Whitianga, Waikato

A huge natural rock arch joining two white-sand beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve, with a tall rock pinna…

Natural features

Hot Water Beach, Coromandel

Whitianga, Waikato

At this beach on the east coast of the Coromandel, hot water from underground springs bubbles up through the sand.

Natural features

Huka Falls, Taupō

Taupo, Waikato

The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest, squeezes from about 100 m wide into a narrow rocky chasm just 15 m wide, then thunders over an 11 m drop in…

Walks and treks

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Turangi, Waikato

New Zealand's most popular day walk, 19.4 km across a volcanic landscape in Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO site, past Red Crater and the turq…

Natural features

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Otorohanga, Waikato

Limestone caves where thousands of glow worms light up the cave roof like a starry sky.

Campsites

Army Road Campsite

Waikato

Camp in an area of diverse terrain; activities include hunting, walking/tramping, fishing and rafting.

Campsites

Arohena Campsite

Tokoroa, Waikato

This campsite on the western shores of Waikato River is perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing and water sports.

Campsites

Billygoat Basin Campsite

Thames, Waikato

This campsite is on the popular Billygoat Circuit.

Campsites

Booms Flat Campsite

Thames, Waikato

A popular and spacious campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley, 6 km north of the visitor centre.

Campsites

Broken Hills Campsite

Tairua, Waikato

The Broken Hills Campsite is located beside the Tairua River among native bush.

Campsites

Catleys Campsite

Thames, Waikato

Camp on the river banks, 6 km north of Kauaeranga visitor centre.

Campsites

Central Clearing Campsite

Raglan, Waikato

This is a backcountry campsite located on Bell Track in Pirongia Forest Park.

Campsites

Clements Clearing Campsite

Waikato

A basic but large campsite in the Tūrangi/Taupō area.

Campsites

Crosbies Hut Backcountry Campsite

Thames, Waikato

This backcountry campsite is located outside Crosbies Hut.

Campsites

Dancing Camp Campsite

Tairua, Waikato

This campsite on the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail is near the historic Dancing Camp kauri driving dam.

Campsites

Dickey Flat Campsite

Waihi, Waikato

This campsite is located beside the Waitawheta River, known for its trout and some great swimming holes downstream.

Campsites

Fantail Bay Campsite

Waikato

Camp in peaceful surroundings beneath pōhutukawa trees.

Campsites

Fletcher Bay Campsite

Waikato

This is a beach front campsite in a farm setting.

Tours and activities

Helistar helicopter flights, Taupō

Taupo, Waikato

Helistar runs scenic helicopter flights from its base just north of Taupō, over Huka Falls, the Waikato River, Lake Taupō and the Māori rock carvings…

Attractions

Hobbiton Movie Set

Matamata, Waikato

The Shire from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, on a farm near Matamata, with 44 hobbit holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn, where to…

Campsites

Hotoritori Campsite

Thames, Waikato

Camp river side in the Kauaeranga Valley, 3 km north of visitor centre.

Campsites

Kahikatea Campsite

Thames, Waikato

For self contained vehicles only. Camp across the road from the river and explore the Kauaeranga Valley on one of the many short walks.

Campsites

Kaimanawa Road Campsite

Turangi, Waikato

A basic campsite in the Kaimanawa Forest Park.

Campsites

Kakaho Campsite

Waikato

Beside Kakaho Stream and dense podocarp forest.

Campsites

Kakapo Campsite

Waikato

Camp in an area near tall forest, scrubland and tussock grasses.

Campsites

Kaniwhaniwha Campsite

Raglan, Waikato

Camp in an open grassy area alongside the Kaniwhaniwha Stream.

Campsites

Mangatainoka Campsite

Waikato

A popular campsite beside the Mohaka River and the Mangatainoka Hot Pools.

Attractions

Mokena Geyser and Te Aroha Domain

Paeroa, Waikato

The Te Aroha Domain is a lovely Edwardian spa park at the foot of Mt Te Aroha, with restored bathhouses, gardens and tea rooms.

Campsites

Moss Creek Campsite

Tairua, Waikato

This backcountry campsite is located on Moss Creek Track.

Campsites

Ngaherenga Campsite

Waikato

Camp near a stream beside lush forest and look out for native wildlife such as kākā, kōkako, kākāriki and short-tailed bats.

Attractions

Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori rock carvings

Taupo, Waikato

A huge carving of the face of Ngātoroirangi, a navigator and tohunga (priest) who guided the Tūwharetoa people to the Taupō area, cut into the cliffs…

Campsites

Oturere Campsite

Turangi, Waikato

This walk-in campsite is on the Tongariro Northern Circuit.

Campsites

Pahautea Hut Campsite

Otorohanga, Waikato

There are camping pads next to Pāhautea Hut and a shelter provided with water, sink, bench and table.

Campsites

Port Jackson Campsite

Waikato

At the northern tip of the Peninsula, this campsite is at the water’s edge next to the beach.

Campsites

Shag Stream Campsite

Thames, Waikato

This scenic, riverside campsite is an ideal base for exploring the Valley.

Natural features

Spa Park hot stream (Otumuheke), Taupō

Taupo, Waikato

A natural hot stream that flows down into the cold Waikato River in Spa Thermal Park, just outside Taupō town.

Campsites

Stony Bay Campsite

Coromandel, Waikato

This is a spacious (5 ha) campsite beside the coast.

Campsites

Te Iringa Campsite

Waikato

This site is at the start of the Te Iringa Track which is popular for hunting, tramping and mountain biking.

Campsites

Totara Flat Campsite: Coromandel

Thames, Waikato

Camp alongside the river or higher up. Walk on a boardwalk through forest.

Campsites

Trestle View Campsite

Thames, Waikato

This scenic campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley, is at the end of the valley and closest to the Webb Creek Track up to the Pinnacles and Billigoat Basi…