10 Nature & Parks in Waikato Region That You Shouldn't Miss

December 19, 2021 Sachiko Swiger

Waikato (/ˈwaɪkɑːtɔː/ or /ˈwaɪkætoʊ/) is a local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel Peninsula, the northern King Country, much of the Taupo District, and parts of Rotorua District. It is governed by the Waikato Regional Council.
Restaurants in Waikato Region

1. Hamilton Gardens

Hungerford Crescent Cobham Drive, Hamilton 3216 New Zealand +64 7-838 6782 [email protected] http://www.hamiltongardens.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,439 reviews

Hamilton Gardens

Explore an enchanting world of secret gardens. Transport yourself through time and to far-flung corners of the world. Meander through a lush tropical jungle, visit ancient China and indulge yourself in a Renaissance Prince's 16th century garden. Five garden collections have been created to delight the senses, with some garden concepts reaching back 4,000 years. Hamilton Gardens is a conceptual garden based in the Waikato that explores the context, history and meaning of gardens through time, and from around the world. It is internationally recognised for its unique concept and is the Waikato region's most popular tourist destination. Only five minutes drive from Hamilton's CBD, the Gardens is open 7 days a week during daylight hours and entry and parking is free. Access is off SH1, alongside Cobham Drive on the southern side of Hamilton.

Reviewed By Adamc7651

The gardens are a good activity to do for the whole family! Our friends and family enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and stunning gardens

2. Ruakuri Walk

Off Tumutumu Road, Waitomo Caves New Zealand +64 7-878 1050 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/3ec5bcbedf2d40f1bd345485931cb14b.aspx
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 374 reviews

Ruakuri Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Lula444 - London, United Kingdom

Lovey short walk through beautiful forest with a couple of viewing decks - very well maintained paths, lots of steps

3. Footwhistle Glowworm Cave

23 Waitomo Village Road Cnr of Access Road and Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves New Zealand +64 7-878 6577 [email protected] http://www.caveworld.co.nz/footwhistleglowwormcave
Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 69 reviews

Footwhistle Glowworm Cave

We are a locally owned and operated glowworm cave tour based in the heart of the Waitomo Caves Village. Footwhistle Glowworm Cave is located on our private farm and was developed over many years. Our family run tour company ensures that your experience of Waitomo's unique ennvironment is a memory to treasure. We take a maximum of 11 guests per tour and we also allow photography

Reviewed By 84jeannetteb

‘Ross the Boss’ was our awesome guide for the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave experience. His mix of passion, knowledge and humour made this one of the best local sites to visit in Waitomo. A private family run business that is truly about making this a perfect, intimate experience. The visit is topped off with kawakawa education and tea. The caves themselves are a real delight and the family’s understanding and work towards the ecology of them is a credit to them. Highly recommended.

4. Huka Falls tracks

Huka Falls Road, Taupo New Zealand +64 7-376 0072 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/9aed265315cd4a3096e97391441f9d1f.aspx
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,294 reviews

Huka Falls tracks

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By SteveBaldwin-NZ - Hamilton, New Zealand

Really amazing sights and walk, very relaxing walking along the tracks, great facilities and car park too which makes the visit easy. Never get tired of visiting here

5. Waipahihi Botanical Gardens

Shepherd Road, Taupo New Zealand +64 7-378 2937 http://www.waipahihibotanicalgardens.co.nz
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 177 reviews

Waipahihi Botanical Gardens

Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom

Waipahihi Botanical Garden is an amazing park of native trees and colourful bushes, shrubs and plants which boasts spectacular views over Great Lake Taupo.

6. Cathedral Cove Walk

65 Grange Rd S, Hahei 3591 New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/coromandel/places/hahei-area/tracks/cathedral-cove-walk/
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,404 reviews

Cathedral Cove Walk

Reviewed By greatwhitelion - Hobart, Australia

We parked in the car park at the entrance to Hahei and caught the shuttle bus to the start of the walk. Fantastic views from Cathedral Cove viewing deck right at the start.The walk undulates up and down through some forest and open land to Cathedral Cove with lots of great views along the way. It brings you out on the beach where you can walk through Cathedral Rock to the next lovely sandy beach. Along the way are short detours to Stingray Beach and Gemstone Bay both worthwhile.

7. Coromandel Forest Park

Coromandel New Zealand http://www.newzealandnz.co.nz/forest-parks/coromandel.html
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Coromandel Forest Park

Reviewed By Acineto - Auckland Central, New Zealand

We went up the Pinnacles from the Kauaeranga Road carpark up the Webb Creek Trail. We stayed the night at the Pinnacles hut and then walked back to the carpark through the Billygoat Trail. The trail near the top had amazing views of the forest area around the pinnacles. It was quite scenic all around the area. There were also plenty of other camping and tramping options around the area. The trails all crisis cross with each other so looking at the right trail for your experience isn't too difficult.

8. Mercury Bay

Albert Street Whitianga, Coromandel 3510 New Zealand 866 5555 http://www.whitianga.co.nz
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 61 reviews

Mercury Bay

9. The Lost Spring

121A Cook Drive Whitianga, Coromandel Peninsula, Whitianga 3510 New Zealand +64 7-866 0456 [email protected] http://www.thelostspring.co.nz/
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,155 reviews

The Lost Spring

Escape and leave the everyday behind as you relax and rejuvenate, immersing yourself in the peaceful restorative atmosphere of The Lost Spring. Discover a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of the scenic Coromandel Peninsula, and bask in the revitalising serenity of one of New Zealand’s most unique destinations. Luxuriate in the therapeutic waters of our Geo-Thermal mineral pools, surrounded by lush native bush and the peaceful sounds of running water and birdsong. Experience the pure decadence of having delicious cocktails and dining delivered directly to you poolside while you soak, or pamper yourself with a massage or one of the many other tempting treatments offered at our indulgent day spa. The Lost Spring is the perfect getaway for a day of relaxation and indulgence and offers the perfect opportunity to retreat from the world and enjoy a truly transformative experience.

Reviewed By Companion60214859682

A wonderful day at the pools, Excellent Massage ,lovelly lunch pool side and finished with a beautiful meal and wine in the Restaurant at night . Regards and thanks, we have been b4 and will return, Raymond and Janet Killip Cambridge ..

10. RAPAURA Watergardens

586 Tapu-Coroglen Road Rd5, Thames 3575 New Zealand +64 7-868 4821 [email protected] http://www.rapaura.com
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 281 reviews

RAPAURA Watergardens

A mature property, which has evolved over more than 45 years, Rapaura Watergardens offers something for everyone; native trees, ferns, seasonal flora, lily ponds, meandering walks over lush green lawns, bridges and streams, garden sculptures by an award winning artist and a relaxing bush walk to a cascading waterfall, ‘The Seven Stairs to Heaven’.

Reviewed By FayeF217 - Auckland, New Zealand

An exceptionally beautiful walk in bush like surroundings. The huge Lilly ponds and the waterfalls on one track were very easy to stroll along as was the second section winding around water features, sculptures and amusing sayings on signposts. The Cafe is lovely with good food. Excellent service from Sasha - thank you,so efficient and Sally was a gracious hostess, thank you both. A stand out day out with the Garden Club.

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