Waikato is located on the north island of New Zealand, extending from the coromandel through Lake Taupo to the southern half of King country. It is named after the longest river in New Zealand – the Waikato River, stretching up to 425km long. Hamilton is Waikato’s largest city, frequented by everyone who wants to unwind and have fun. With a population of 177,000 people in Hamilton, it is home to a minimum of 80 ethnic groups. Approximately half of Waikato’s residents are under 30 years of age, making it a relatively youthful city compared to other regions in New Zealand. Waikato is known for its famous recreation, horse racing, and research institutes and is considered one of the world’s most prosperous agricultural nations.
Activities and things to do in Waikato
The Hamilton Gardens is one of the most spectacular gardens based in New Zealand. It is an award-winning attraction with unique concepts, displaying the story of themed gardens and is the most visited attraction annually.
With spectacular landscape views in Waikato, the air balloon tour is a must if you love heights and sightseeing. This occurs as the sun rises and presents breathtaking scenery of the Waikato River, Hamilton’s city, and the extensive farmlands. It is essential to book or call the hot air balloon company as spots are always limited.
Click on the link here to learn more about the hot air balloon experience.
Waikato is home to the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit movie trilogy set. So, buy a ticket and learn about the film and TV entertainment industry incorporated with the famous movie set from a professional tour guide.
If you enjoy cycling, there are several trails that will provide you with an adventurous ride along the mighty Waikato River.
Click here for an extended version of Waikato’s cycling trails and tracks.
The Waikato district has one of the most fascinating and unique underground sinkholes and cave systems. You can indulge in various adventure activities catering to all levels and all ages and get the ultimate experience in the caves. There are numerous walking tours, gentle boat rides through mazes of caves, and jet boating experiences through the underground passageways. Along these adventures, you can spot unique, interesting natural rock sculptures as you enter the darkness.
Another popular natural attraction is the Waitomo Glowworm Cave tour, which is well suited for individuals, couples, and families to enjoy. Indulge and discover the ancient world 30 million years ago as you experience the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. So, bring along your comfortable and warm jackets and learn the Maori history and myths as you discover the Waitomo Caves.
Education in Waikato
Educational facilities cover all aspects for all different levels within the Waikato area. They offer high-quality educational opportunities and include early childhood, primary, and secondary education to ongoing education for adults. These educational facilities cover the Hamilton city areas and the small rural primary and secondary schools. This displays that the educational opportunities are spread across the entire Waikato area, giving parents assurance that their children will have quality education wherever they can.
Weather in Waikato
Waikato consists of various climates as the region has numerous landscapes spread across the land. Therefore, the northern areas of the Coromandel Peninsula and the Hauraki Plains have different weather conditions from higher altitude areas. The weather in Waikato can be windy in some areas with exposed nature, whilst low elevation in more sheltered locations. Rain is spread throughout the year across the whole region, whereas sunshine is more prominent specifically to the East of Waikato than in the west.
Working industry in Waikato
Hamilton is known as the city of innovation and technology and is home to New Zealand’s famous agriculture and rural businesses across the surrounding areas of Hamilton. The district relies on the solid foundations for several urban communities and is still increasing as production increases in the primary sectors of farming. Though the Waikato region is a medium-sized economy, more tourism activities have been in place in the last ten years. Hence, tourism plays a major role due to the increasing numbers of domestic visitors choosing Waikato to explore.
Nicest suburbs in Waikato
Offering New Zealand’s most beautiful town, ‘Cambridge’ is the most expensive and robust community-spirited suburb. This suburb was awarded the 2019 Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards and is close to famous international attractions such as the Hamilton Gardens and Hobbiton. Nestled onto the banks of the Waikato River is ‘Hamilton East’. This suburb offers low crime rates and community activities for all New Zealanders. ‘Flagstaff’ is located on the outskirts of Hamilton city, where it is known for having a lovely community feel. The community is lively as it offers a more extensive range of community amenities and pleasures compared to other suburbs.
Most affordable Suburbs in Waikato
The cheapest to rent in Hamilton are in ‘Otorohanga’ and ‘Waitomo’. These two suburbs only cost approximately NZ $255 per week for an unfurnished two-bedroom rental. Another area is the ‘South Waikato District’, where an unfurnished two-bedroom rental averages NZ $285 per week.
Waikato safety
Though Hamilton is considered the safest city in New Zealand, theft and burglary rates are slowly increasing. Walking around Hamilton’s central business district at night can be scary, so always avoid dark streets and be careful. Crime rates are specifically high in ‘Melville’ as several people deal with drugs and break into residential properties in that area. Henceforth, ensure that safety is your priority if you live in Hamilton City.
