Waikato & Waitomo
Intro to Waikato and Waitomo
Waikato is the region to the south of Auckland. It has one main city, Hamilton (the largest inland city in New Zealand), plus lots of large towns. As such there are several fairly busy major roads. Most of Waikato is devoted to farming of one sort or another.
The topography of Waikato region is generally a large valley system (around the Waikato River) with many small hills. In winter cool air can get trapped and so the region is prone to fogs. In summer, heat buildups can bring isolated thunderstorms from time to time.
Waitomo is to the southwest of Hamilton in an area of limestone, which together with plentiful water has created the many nice caves.
What to see?
Waitomo caves - not for the claustrophobic but range from very easily accessible to those for experienced cavers.
Kiwis at Otorohanga, near Waitomo.
The "old English" town of Cambridge, just to the south of Hamilton.
What to do?
Black water rafting in the Waitomo Caves.
Where to stay?
Most of the accommodation is in Hamilton, or at Waitomo. However all the main towns have at least a couple of hotels.
How to get around?
There is frequent bus service between Auckland and Hamilton, Hamilton and Cambridge. Other towns on the main highways are also served by long-distance/tourist buses. Towns off the main highways are connected to the main centres by local buses on a regular service (eg a couple of times per day).
Passenger trains to/from Auckland and Wellington also serve Huntly, Hamilton, Taumaranui.
Hamilton has an airport (actually between Hamilton and Cambridge) with frequent flights to major cities in New Zealand, and also a few flights to Australia and South Pacific.
Major events
Fieldays near Hamilton is a major agricultural event over several days [timing?]
There is usually one rugby test in Hamilton each year (June/July), plus Super14 franchise and NPC provincial games.
Tips & tricks
Links
When is the best time to visit?
Best weather - Late summer
Best music and public events - xxx
Least crowded - Winter
Last edited by Kiwi Flyer; Jan 11, 2006 at 10:21 pm