... to the beautiful and magical region of the Mighty Waikato
Situated in the heart of the North Island, the Mighty Waikato region is well known for its nature-based tourism, Middle-earth movie magic, underground adventures and the iconic Waikato River.
The region offers something for every visitor, from Hamilton’s urban attractions to the stunning black sand surf beaches of Raglan and countless walking trails through the rolling hills and ancient bush-clad mountains that shape the landscape.
At the centre of the Waikato region are its towns and the main city of Hamilton, one of New Zealand’s fastest growing and most vibrant cities. All have great shops and galleries, and fantastic eateries, with top events and visitor attractions to match.
A slice of the ‘real Middle-earth’, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, can be found near Matamata at Hobbiton Movie Set, while the subterranean world of black water rafting, glow-worms and cave exploration at Waitomo Caves will be a hit with even the most seasoned traveller.
The finer things in life are also plentiful in the region, including top golf courses, scenic river cruises, boutique fashion stores and rejuvenating natural hot pools.
Visit www.waikatonz.com for more information on activities, attractions and accommodation options. And don't forget to share your Waikato adventures with us: #MightyWaikato
Magical events in the mighty Waikato
International Hobbit Day - 22 and 23 September 2025 - Hobbiton Movie Set. Our biggest party of the year returns for 2025, celebrating the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo at Hobbiton Movie Set, home of the Hobbits. More info here.
Hamilton Arts Festival - 20 February - 1 March 2026. A celebration of the arts in the most magical of settings. From music to theatre to comedy, cabaret and more, we’re bringing the magic of the arts to life within the internationally acclaimed Hamilton Gardens and local theatres. More info here.
Jim Beam Homegrown - 14 March 2026 - Kiwi music’s biggest party and New Zealand’s national day of coming together and celebrating who we are through our music! More info here.
Middle-earth Halfling Marathon - 2026 dates to be advised. Generally in March. The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon takes participants on a journey through sites and scenes from the epic trilogies including some locations only ventured to by wizards and Halflings. Participants will roam through the picturesque village of Hobbiton, through Gandalf’s Cutting, past the Sackville™ Orchard and up to Bag End before weaving down to Bagshot Row™ and past the sparkling lakefront. If time allows, a stop for a brief refreshment at The Green Dragon™ Inn before the final leg of the adventure to the finish line across from The Shire’s Rest™. More info here.
Balloons Over Waikato - 2026 dates to be concerned - generally around 18 March. New Zealand's premier hot air balloon festival, featuring a variety of events including morning ascents, a nightglow, and competitive flying. The festival attracts balloonists from around New Zealand and the world to Hamilton. Hamilton Airport is a proud legacy sponsor of this event. More info here.
ITM Taupo Super 440 - event dates to be confirmed. More info here.
Fieldays - 10-13 June 2026. Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation. Just down the road from Hamilton Airport! More info here.
Easy drive to world-famous attractions...
Hobbiton Movie Set - 45 minutes
Waitomo Glowworm Caves - 1 hour
Hamilton Gardens - 15 minutes
Hamilton Zoo - 25 minutes
Zealong Tea Estate - 30 minutes
Raglan - 45 minutes
Cambridge - 25 minutes
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari - 50 minutes
Easy access to surrounding regions
Being so centrally located, we offer easy access to surrounding regions - all of which engender their own rich stories, flavours and unforgettable experiences.
Rotorua - 1 hour, 25 minutes
Coromandel - 2 hours, 10 minutes
Bay of Plenty - 1 hour, 25 minutes
Hawkes Bay - 4 hours
Taupo - 2 hours
Gisborne - 5 hours, 30 minutes
Ruapehu - 2 hours, 30 minutes
Hamilton - Christchurch jet service with
Air New Zealand
Once you've experienced your fill of the magical sights, tastes and sounds of the Mighty Waikato and surrounding regions, you can grab a fast and comfortable trip from Hamilton Airport to Christchurch, in the stunningly beautiful South Island, via Air New Zealand's new jet service between our country's third and fourth largest cities.
The Tiaki Promise
Tiaki means to care for people, place and culture.
New Zealand is precious, and everyone who lives and travels here has a responsibility to look after it. The Tiaki Promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations.
By following the Tiaki Promise, you are making a commitment to New Zealand. To act as a guardian, protecting and preserving our home. For more information, visit here.
Nau mai, haere mai ki Aotearoa.
Welcome to New Zealand.
