CENTRAL CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

he deep flowing , New Immerse yourself in , a bustling Oruanui Eruption 27,000 years ago. Lake TZealand’s longest river, winds through hub and geothermal wonderland where Taupo, the biggest lake in Australasia and the beating heart of the North Island. modern life seamlessly infuses with roughly the size of Singapore, is actually Rising on the eastern slopes of Mt Maori tradition. Walk through the Buried one of the world’s most formidable and Tour the Ruapehu in the Central Volcanic Plateau, Village and discover the story of the active supervolcanoes. the river navigates Lake Taupo and the 1886 Mt Tarawera eruption, visit the To the south in the Ruapehu district is Huka Falls before flowing northwest Waimangu Volcanic Valley and experience the Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO through the Waikato Plains. the eruption of the Pohutu Geyser (Te Dual World Heritage site (along with Central The region is famous worldwide Puia), then go full throttle on a Rotorua Whanganui National Park) and the first for what lies beneath the earth’s surface, adventure activity. area in to be bestowed but there’s much to admire above ground The vast beauty of Lake Taupo belies what national park status. as well with striking arches, tunnels and is actually an immense volcanic caldera North Island native bush. (a collapsed crater) created after the

DIVERSITY THAT RUNS DEEP

WAIKATO AND WAITOMO HAVE IT ALL: ROLLING HILLS AND LUSH PASTURES, SUBTERRANEAN LIMESTONE CAVERNS AND THE MIGHTY . ROTORUA IS NEW ZEALAND’S OWN GEOTHERMAL PARADISE, WHILE SERENE LAKES AND DRAMATIC VOLCANIC TERRAIN CHARACTERISE THE CENTRAL PLATEAU.

WAIKATO/WAITOMO BALLOONS OVER WAIKATO SURFING IN RAGLAN WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES TAUPO/RUAPEHU WANDERLUST FESTIVAL SKYDIVE OVER TAUPO HUKA FALLS TROUT FISHING CHATEAU TONGARIRO TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING ROTORUA SPAS AND RELAXATION THE REDWOODS POHUTU GEYSER WAIOTAPU Waikato landscape © Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

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Waikato River in Hamilton amilton’s energy is reflected Classics Museum and view the works Trail at Hamilton Gardens, or hire LEFT: Huntly Bridge BOTH © www.hamiltonwaikato.com Hin its people and iconic of Waikato’s best artists at ArtsPost. bikes and cycle part or the entire events, including the National For family fun, head to , four-day Waikato River Trails. Agricultural Fieldays, Hamilton Waterworld, the Children’s Discovery Gardens Arts Festival and Balloons Over Waikato. Hamilton is home to cosmopolitan Northern & coastal eateries where you can enjoy Kiwi cuisine, craft beer and award- winning cafés – home away from WAIKATO home for any coffee purist. The city’s thriving cultural precinct celebrates the region’s heritage, great shops he Waikato is birthplace of History buffs will want to visit and galleries, and a colourful Tthe Maori King Movement Rangiriri Pa, just south of Te entertainment hub of wine bars, (Te Kingitanga), whose Kauwhata, the site of a battle between clubs, pubs and a casino. descendants continue to fulfil British forces and local Maori during Visit the fashion precinct in the the role of king or queen and live the 1863 land wars, one of the largest central city and stroll through the at Turangawaewae Marae, New battles in New Zealand’s history. Spanish-influenced Casabella Lane Zealand’s only royal residence. with its boutique stores, before Since then some of the Waikato Further south, Ngaruawahia is one stopping for lunch in the plaza. has been known as King Country. of the region’s oldest towns and is overlooked by the sacred (tapu) slopes Enjoy bustling weekend markets A short drive north of Hamilton is of Mt , burial ground for the overflowing with local artisan New Zealand’s only commercial tea Waikato tribe (iwi) where past Maori produce or take a trip to The Base, plantation, Zealong Tea Estate. Enjoy kings and the late Maori Queen, Dame New Zealand’s largest retail hub and a tour or a high tea at the beautiful tea Te Atairangikaahu, are buried. home to our largest cinema screen. house at the very heart of the estate. Hamilton Explore exhibitions and over The horticultural hub of the region, On the coast, Raglan attracts so many BEST OF CITY & COUNTRY 38,000 treasures (taonga) at the Te Kauwhata’s viticultural heritage to its famous left-hand surf breaks, Waikato Museum, check out Weta and talented craftspeople offer visitors the magical Bridal Veil Falls, its creative Workshop’s bronze Riff Raff (of Rocky a delightful Waikato experience. HAMILTON, OR KIRIKIRIROA IN MAORI, IS YOUNG, Shopping in Hamilton City appeal and its welcoming, lively village. Horror fame) on the main street, see BELOW: Hamilton Gardens PASSIONATE AND AMBITIOUS. the memorabilia collection at the BOTH © www.hamiltonwaikato.com

HAMILTON 125km S of HAMILTON GARDENS Explore Chinese, Tudor, English, traditional Maori, Italian Renaissance and Indian Char Bagh gardens, along with beautiful herb and kitchen gardens. Take in the Chinoiserie Pavilion in the Perfume Garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the Japanese Garden of Contemplation. Spend an hour or an entire day.

TE KAUWHATA the empty storehouse • 53km N of Hamilton on SH 1 Greenstone Shop & Museum Pounamu Taonga

• View our greenstone carvers at work • Self-contained units, cabins and sites. • 1km to Waikato University, and 2km to city centre. • Affordable prices • 2.5km to rugby and cricket stadiums. • Open 7 days • Close to events centre & Hamilton Gardens. • 15min to airport/Mystery Creek. • 2 minutes from State Highway 1 • Amenity block with well‑equipped facilities. • Tariff: (2 persons) $40-$160, seasonal rates.

14 Ruakura Rd, Hamilton Ph: +64 7 855 8255 Email: [email protected] 140 Wayside Road, Te Kauwhata www.hamiltoncityholidaypark.co.nz Ph: +64 7 826 3156 • Email: [email protected]

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Colin Meads statue in Waipa & South Waikato MATAMATA © www.hamiltonwaikato.com aipa is rich in natural and heritage attractions and bountiful Wfarmland. Several hydro lakes provide a watersports ake a two-hour guided tour, exploring Hobbit Holes and playground, including , home of numerous Olympic TThe Green Dragon Inn. Peter Jackson thought the land here medal winning rowers. Neighbouring South Waikato encompasses looked ‘like a slice of ancient England’. Learn how this beautiful the Waikato River Trails, a popular combined walk and cycleway, piece of Waikato land was transformed into Hobbiton for the The and Te Waihou Walkway, which leads to the stunning Blue Spring. Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. It’s not hard to imagine Bilbo, Frodo and Gandalf while you enjoy a locally brewed Southfarthing beverage in the Green Dragon Inn.

WAITOMO DISTRICT

torohanga proudly celebrates Te Kuiti is the main farming service is set in rolling farmland and native O and displays everything Kiwi. town in King Country, and the shearing forests. Take a Hairy Feet tour and Don’t miss the Kiwi capital of New Zealand. The annual walk around the farm where the troll House and Native Bird Park for a NZ Shearing Championships and and campfire scenes in The Hobbit: close-up look at­ our national icon – The Great NZ Muster are held here. An Unexpected Journey were filmed. In

Hobbiton movie set, Matamata © Hobbiton Movie Set Tours and see other native species such as Piopio is known as ‘the little jewel on the township there are cafés, antique LEFT: Blue Spring, Putaruru © www.hamiltonwaikato.com tuatara. the highway’. This small community shops and a small museum.

MATAMATA headland • 63km E of Hamilton on SH 27 OTOROHANGA 16km NE of Waitomo e Awamutu is a pretty farming town, rich in Maori history Tand tradition. It’s known for its successful farming industry, WAITOMO particularly in the dairy, beef and horticulture fields. The town’s magnificent rose gardens are rated among the best Kawhia OTOROHANGA in the world (see them in bloom from November to May). There’s plenty to do here; walking the tracks that wind through the ancient KIWI HOLIDAY PARK The coastal settlement of Kawhia is steeped in Maori history and forests of Pirongia Forest Park, the Kakepuku Historic Reserve and its hills and valleys hold many ancient secrets. Set on a beautiful the Lake Ngaroto wetland track are all great ways to spend the day, harbour with glistening water and incredibly beautiful sunsets, or if you’re a bit of an adventure junkie then try rock climbing and mountain biking at Wharepapa. Kawhia has a definite laid-back lifestyle. Go swimming, surfing, fishing or sailing and head to Ocean Beach where hot springs Visit Museum to view Uenuku, a taonga (treasure) of the people, and the renovated Tangata Whenua gallery. The bubble beneath the sand. For a few hours either side of low tide museum displays memorabilia of famous hometown boys – the visitors can dig their own hot spa pool. musical Finn brothers – from Split Enz and Crowded House fame.

KAWHIA protective chants of new arrivals from Hawaiki TE AWAMUTU end of the navigable river • 30km S of Hamilton on SH 3 • 69km W of Te Awamutu Kiwiana town of New Zealand KAWHIA CAMPING GROUND • Self-contained units • Pet-friendly 73 Moke St, Kawhia • Ph: +64 7 871 0863 • Ensuite units • Central to town Email: [email protected] www.kawhiacampingground.co.nz • Standard cabins • 16km to Waitomo Caves • Power/tent sites • Large bus access • WiFi • Playground

OTOROHANGA KIWI HOLIDAY PARK • Kawhia’s friendly campground with shade trees on all sites, communal kitchen, toilet/showers 20 Huiputea Dr, Otorohanga (accessible facilities) • Cabins, tent/power sites. Campervans welcome. Phone for reservations: +64 7 873 7253 • Boat ramp 200m. Township 10min walk • Te Puia Hot Springs & Ocean Beach 5min away. • Tariff: $20-$70 (2 persons). Winter rates apply. www.kiwiholidaypark.co.nz

62 PAGE 10 - NORTH ISLAND MAP 63 WAIKATO / WAITOMO WAIKATO / WAITOMO he caves you see today Leaving daylight behind, you will T have been 30 million enter an underground network Luckie Strike Cave, Waikato © Absolute Adventures / Tourism NZ Waitomo Caves years in the making, formed of caverns and passages dripping INSET: Cave tubing © www.visithamilton.co.nz by underground streams with pristine crystal formations. carving out apertures through Don’t worry, it’s entirely safe NATURAL ATTRACTIONS the limestone rock. The and you won’t be alone. Tour caves include deep caverns, guides deliver an informative WAITOMO CAVES ARE luminescent glowworms and commentary, sharing natural UNSURPRISINGLY AMONG dark waterways, as well as history and cultural legends. For a amazing limestone formations. little more adventure, there’s the THE MOST-VISITED TOURIST option of blackwater rafting on a This fabulous ‘lost world’ is both ATTRACTIONS IN THE COUNTRY. tube beneath ceilings of sparkling eerie and captivating, but you’ll glowworm larvae or abseiling need to go underground to see it. massive tomo (holes and caves).

DID YOU KNOW? Waitomo’s In Maori mythology, taniwha are supernatural creatures, similar to serpents and dragons in OTHER CAVES other cultures. They were said to hide in the ocean, rivers, lakes or caves. Some taniwha would eat and kill people, According to Maori legend, place to local Maori as it was intricate formations, eerie or kidnap women. Others a pack of wild dogs once once used as a burial ground passages and underground were believed to be guardians inhabited the entranceway (or wahi tapu). The public rivers, as well as the intriguing (kaitiaki) of a tribe (iwi), and to Ruakuri Cave, hence its entrance has been placed myths and legends. The cave people would offer them gifts name – ‘rua’ means den and so the sacred sites are not was closed for over 18 years and say a spell (karakia). ‘kuri’ means dogs. Ruakuri disturbed. Visitors will be and was reopened for guided Cave is a significant spiritual awe-struck by glowworms, tours in 2005.

Ruakuri Cave, Waitomo RIGHT: Waitomo Glowworm Caves BOTH © www.hamiltonwaikato.com Glowworms, Ruakuri Caves © davidwallphoto.com

WAITOMO MUSEUM OF CAVES Something for every visitor The ARANUI CAVE is considered to be one of the prettiest caves in the country. Its namesake, • Come face to face with fossil moa – why are they in a caving museum? Ruruku Aranui, first discovered this beautiful cave • Challenge our cave crawl back in 1910. This is the smallest of Discover Waitomo’s three • Take a journey through geological time caves available to tour, but the most decorative. Pale pink, • Caving and glowworm films on demand white and brown stalactites hang from almost every surface, WAITOMO i-SITE and delicate formations of cave coral and flowerstone adorn Will help you through the maze of the walls. caving options • Tours and attractions • Free bookings and information WAITOMO CAVES water entering a cave • 75km S of Hamilton • Transport and accommodation WAITOMO BIG BIRD B&B / Farmstay • Part of New Zealand’s official visitor 1. Bungalow (4-7p), Chalet (2-4p), Studio (2-4p) information network 2. Homestead/ensuite rooms (3 rooms) 3. Retreat (3-brm house at Waitomo, 4-10p) EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Tariff: $85-$120 Dbl, Groups $55 Adult, $25 child. and bookings through FREE C/Bfst, FREE Ostrich/Emu & Mini Animal Tour, Mini Horse rides (-30kg). Check in after 2pm. Your New Zealand BIG BIRDS & “MINIATURE-ANIMAL” PETTING FARM SEE OUR NEW MOA MASCOT Waitomo (Ostrich/Emu) Rare-breeds (Baby-Doll Sheep, MiniBull,

Munchkin Cats, Mini Llama, visit starts Alpaca, Donkey, Horse, Goats) OPEN DAILY 2-5pm $6pp here (Min $25) 1hr tours Come as “Unique” experience with guests - leave “Selfie-Savvy” Adorable SEE GLOWWORMS, INTRICATE as friends Animals – see Facebook!! “Pet Paradise” for FORMATIONS, EERIE PASSAGES 0800 474 839 or +64 7 878 7640 “Animal Lovers”! Rest in our Nest Email: [email protected] 17 Waitomo Caves Rd, SH 37 AND UNDERGROUND RIVERS... Email: [email protected] • www.waitomodiscovery.org www.waitomobigbird.co.nz Otorohanga 3977 Waitomo Caves Museum Society also trade as Waitomo Caves Discovery Centre and Waitomo i-SITE facebook.com/waitomobigbird Call now Ph: 0800 733 244

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