Waikato

The Waikato is a region of lush, green hills, bush and farmland, with exceptional surf on the West Coast. The Waikato is the first region south of Greater Auckland. It has two spectacular landscapes—one above ground, the other below. The beautiful Waikato River carves its journey through the landscapes, and intersects the region’s hub, Hamilton, a city of education and scientific research, parks and gardens, fine cuisine and cafes, culture and attractions.

Throughout the region, one can discover bush-clad mountains, stunning waterfalls, hot mineral pools, beaches and, of course, the magical limestone glowworm caves in Waitomo. Travel off the beaten track for more memorable views and experiences. Charming small towns are dotted throughout the region, each one with its own flavor.

With coasts on the western and north-eastern sides of the North Island, Waikato stretches from Lake Taupo and northern King Country in the south, north to the Coromandel Peninsula. It is bounded by Auckland on the north, the Bay of Plenty on the east, Hawke’s Bay on the southeast, and Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki on the south. Waikato Region is the fourth-largest region in the country in terms of both area and population. Prior to the founding of New Zealand’s counties, Waikato was a notable Maori area.

Waikato, the Maori word for ‘flowing water’, also refers to the long river that runs through the region. The Waikato River is the longest in New Zealand and provides much of the life-force to the region, especially the vast agricultural landscapes, and generates a large portion of New Zealand’s clean, green energy through hydro-power.

The city of Hamilton is the seventh-largest in New Zealand, and is an urban hub of activity. With a rapidly growing café culture and town lifestyle, Hamilton draws a great number of tourists, both from around New Zealand and internationally, each year.

Hamilton’s zoo, sports stadium, museum, theaters and art galleries are also popular tourist spots.

Hamilton is famous for its themed gardens, and the local zoo that has the largest free flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere providing an excellent chance to find out about New Zealand’s distinctive native birds. The southern end of Hamilton’s main street offers an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes and bars. It is also home to the University of Waikato and Wintec.

Derived from the Maori words ‘wai’, meaning water, and ‘tomo’, meaning hole, the Waikato town of Waitomo is a popular tourist destination due to its magical glowworm caves. Tours are offered through the caves, through black-water rafting, caving and abseiling, each offering a unique and picturesque opportunity to see some of New Zealand’s special scenery. Thirty million years in the making, the caves have attracted visitors for over 100 years, and many famous singers and choirs have been drawn to the incredible acoustics of the aptly named ‘Cathedral’ cave.

Also known as the Town of Roses, Te Awamutu is a friendly and scenic farming town famous for its picturesque rose gardens. The English translation for the town’s name is ‘the river’s end’, and Te Awamutu is close to the banks of the Waipa River and the Waikato Plains.

The quirky West Coast beach town of Raglan is known throughout the international surfing community for its amazing left-hand break. As a result, the local township is laid back, arty and has numerous good eating places. Even if you don’t surf, you’ll want to sample the idyllic Raglan lifestyle.

Waikato region history

The Waikato has a prominent history, particularly regarding relationships between Maori and Europeans in early colonial New Zealand. The Waikato was within the defined boundaries of the colonial provinces of New Ulster (1841–1853) and Auckland (1853–1876), but was principally Māori.

During the Land Wars of the 1860s, the Waikato was the scene of major bloodshed in what is referred to as the Invasion of the Waikato. During 1863 and 1864, fighting occurred throughout the region. Eventually the Maori King Movement forces pulled back to positions in the area to the south of the Waikato, still known as the King Country. The Orakau siege was immortalised in one of New Zealand’s first major motion picture – Rewi’s Last Stand in 1925.

Interesting bit of info

The people of the Waikato occasionally use the nickname Mooloo to apply to themselves or to their region, particularly in relation to sporting endeavours. The word was likely first applied to the Waikato provincial rugby team. Its origin is related to the mascot of a pantomime-like milking cow used in parades, public events and sports matches.