Best Waikato road trip: 7 adventure destinations

Are you ready to take a break from city life to discover stretches of farmland, endless blue skies and stunning flowing rivers? It’s time to take a Waikato road trip and explore everything this stunning region has to offer! From brushing up on The Hobbit trivia and visiting the famous movie set, to making your way through some spectacular glowworm caves that will leave you in awe.

There’s so much to see and do on this amazing road trip, so it’s time to load up that campervan, motorhome or caravan and hit the road. Check out these 7 places you won’t want to miss in your travels.

Best road trip around Waikato: 7 places you can’t miss

Total distance: 318km | Recommended days: 7+ days | Best time to do the route: between December and March | See route in Google Maps

1. North Waikato

Start your road trip in Waikato by visiting the Northern part of this region to start exploring. You can start off at the Nikau Caves where you can head underground to check out some stunning limestone formations, while also enjoying the glowworms that create a magical sight at night time.

For a little bit of history, head off on the Waikato War driving tour, where you will discover key locations and plenty of information. You can download apps to guide you through key details, and learn a little about the area.

Finally, head to the historic Woodlands Homestead where you can take a stroll around the gorgeous gardens that stretch on for acres. There’s also a lovely cafe you can pop into for a bite to eat after soaking up the scenery.

2. Raglan

This coastal town in the Waikato region is one not to be missed in your travels. It’s well-known for the black sand at Ngarunui Beach, where you will also find some of the best waves in New Zealand to tackle.

Head off chasing waterfalls, starting at Bridal Veil Falls, which drops an amazing 55 metres. It’s just a 10-minute walk to reach the viewing platform. You can even take the steep stairs down to the bottom of the waterfall, although the water isn’t recommended for swimming!

Since you have your walking shoes on, why not challenge yourself to a hike up Mount Karoi. This 2.4 million-year-old volcano offers us some stunning scenery. Even in the warmer months, the track gets very muddy, so pack your boots and expect a difficult hike.

3. Waitomo Caves

The glowworm caves are a spectacular sight that you don’t want to miss. You can jump on an underground tour to take in their magnificent glow. If you want a different experience, why not check out the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, where you can get up close and personal with the glowworms in all their glory.

Once you’re done exploring, make your way to the centre of town, where you can sit back and relax at The HuHu Cafe or Tomo Bar and Eatery where you can sample some of the delicious beer from King Country Brewing Company.

4. Okoroire

If you’re up for adventure, then Okoroire is the perfect place to find it. This spot is home to some of the most stunning hot springs in the region. These pools are private but can be hired from the Okoroire Hotel.

There’s plenty more you can do during your stay. Head off on a white water rafting adventure nearby at Mclaren Falls lake, or simply wander the riverside soaking up some stunning scenery.

You can also pop those walking shoes on and head off on one of the many amazing walks in the area. The Three Kauri Tree walk is one of the most popular, alongside the Wairere Falls walk, where you can see plenty of native plants and flowers.

5. Matamata

There’s one main thing that draws many visitors to this place, and it has everything to do with The Hobbit movie. At this stop, you can venture off on a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, and wander the gorgeous area that was used as the Shire in the movie.

If you love your cheese, then make sure you pay a visit to Kaimai Cheese Company Ltd, which is just a short drive away. You can watch the cheesemakers in action, and of course, sample the delicious cheeses firsthand.

Finally, head off for a laid back picnic at the Te Tapui Scenic Reserve, where you can take a nice trek around the Loop Track, which leads you to the peak of Manungakawa. It will take you a good 3-4 hours to circle your way to the top, but there’s plenty to see along the way.

6. Hamilton

You might consider spending a couple of nights at this stop to truly soak up all there is to see and do. Start by taking a wander through the gorgeous Hamilton gardens, which showcase different types of garden design through their themed collections.

Kids (and big kids!) will love a trip to Hamilton Zoo, which is home to 600 native and exotic animals. It’s worth spending the day here. Another great option for the whole family is checking out Waterworld, which is one of New Zealand’s largest aquatic centres.

End off your visit with a trip to Hamilton Lake, where you can enjoy a quiet picnic, and sit back and enjoy the views.

7. Taupiri

This is the perfect place to end your Waikato road trip. The town is overlooked by Taupiri mountain, which is a sacred burial ground for the Waikato tribes of the Maori people.

Take a dip in Taupiri Bay, with its incredibly blue water that stretches on. You can enjoy views towards Cape Brett and the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the flowering NZ Christmas tree, pohutukawa.

Just 30 minutes away you can take a trip to Russell, where you will find a small town with a big history. The streets are still in their original layout with the same names from 1843.

Hire a van for your Waikato road trip

Once you sort out campervan hire in Waikato, it’s time to explore the stunning region. There are so many amazing places just a short drive away, you even have the opportunity to base yourself in Waikato for your stay, taking daily road trips out to the areas you want to explore. And at the end of each day, head back to base at some of the best camping grounds in Waikato!

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