The Waikato region in New Zealand/Aotearoa is an area that is brimming with rich cultural history and spectacular natural wonders. From bustling city hubs to quaint small towns and vast expanses of picturesque landscapes in between, Waikato in the North Island/Te Ika-a-Maui is the perfect region to explore in a Hertz rental car from a home base in Hamilton. With a range of branches conveniently located in Hamilton and the surrounding areas, all you need to do is grab your keys and get on your way!
Discover Other Worlds
The lush rolling hills and sweeping green pastures have made the Waikato region famous the world-over as the home of Hobbits. Featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, the village of Hobbiton can be found right here in Waikato, in the settlement of Hinuera. Whether you’ve seen the films or not, taking a tour of Hobbiton is a terrific way to explore this area and discover some of the enchanting architecture that has been built into this mythical village. Located less than fifty minutes from Hamilton CBD, the Hobbiton Movie Set makes for a great day out. You can choose from the popular Hobbiton tour option, which will take you around the Shire and the lush pastures of the village, or there is also the option to visit Hobbiton at dinner for the Evening Banquet Tour, which will take you on the full tour of the village at dusk, finishing with a banquet at the end that is fit for a Hobbit.
Follow the River
Discover New Zealand’s longest river from new perspectives with a guided scenic tour down Waikato River. Traversing a large stretch of the North Island, Waikato River is both an ecologically significant water system as well as a hotspot for picturesque exploration. Canoe & Kayak, located in the town of Taupō, offers two-hour guided tours that take you down Waikato River from the area around New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupō. Perfect for the whole family, these kayak tours are a great way to get on top of the water and surround yourself with the river’s gorges and lush banks that line the crystal-clear waters. Look out for trout in the water and bungee-jumpers from above—Taupō in the Waikato region is filled with adventures of all kinds for all types of people.
Learn Cultural History
In the heart of Hamilton’s CBD is the centre of all things Waikato. The Waikato Museum tells the story of the area, the people and the creatures that have found a home in it over the centuries. The museum especially focuses on the Māori history of the Waikato area, with over thirty thousand taonga/objects on display that portray the significance of Māori life from hundreds of years ago. The Waikato Museum is perfect for both adults and families, and for locals and visitors alike. Through the rotating exhibitions and special events that the museum features, everyone can learn more about the importance of the local history of the Waikato region.
Embrace the Surf
Less than an hour’s drive west of Hamilton is the small surf town of Raglan on the North Island’s coast. Known for its unique black sand coastline, Raglan is the ideal getaway if you’re looking for some relaxed vibes or a great surf break. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or have never been atop a board before, Raglan is full of adventures and activities no matter your ability. Head to Manu Bay with your board to find some of the longest left-hand breaks in the world, or wander down to Ngarunui Beach and learn how to surf at the Raglan Surf School. Ngarunui Beach is also a great spot for swimming or relaxing on the black sand and soaking up some sun. Apart from its iconic beaches, there’s many more adventures in Raglan that await you. The picturesque coastal geography of the town makes for some great nature walks, with easier trails like to the top of Bridal Veil Falls, or more challenging tracks like hiking to the top of Mount Karioi. There’s also the Te Toto Gorge track that takes you through historic sights and past stunning coastal views. This is also a great track to discover the remnants of stone walls once used by Māori who explored the area through this same route centuries ago.
The Waikato region in New Zealand’s North Island offers travellers a plethora of adventures to choose from. Whether you’re after a beachside getaway to the coast or a venture into the Māori history of the region, this area has an activity to suit anyone and everyone. With a Hertz rental car, it’s easy to explore the region and discover the beauty of this slice of paradise.
