Hamilton - Waikato

Huntly is a Coal Town dating back since 1842 and with the Waikato River made the shipment of the coal much easier. There is the Mercer Art and History Museum. 12 Km's West of Huntley is Pukemiro Junction and The Pukemiro Line, Bush Tramway, which operators the first Sunday of Every Month April through to December between the hours of 10am and 3pm Website - www.bushtramwayclub.com

Located on the Banks of the Waikato River, Hamiltoin is a busling town with a central precinct with shops, cafes and restaurants to explore. The Hamilton Gardens are well worth a visit with an themed gardens from Italian to far away Asia Gardens to explore. There is the Hamilton Zoo laid out over 25 hectares http://hamiltonzoo.co.nz/

Raglan is famed for the great surfing with Manu Bay known also as the Point and is for the more advance surfer, whilst Ocean Beach offers a great place for swimming and beginners for boarding. The areahas black sand beaches and a volcanic coast.

Waitomo Caves is a must see on a visit to New Zealand, with the Aranui Cave founded in 1910 bu a local Maori man by the name of Ruruku Aranui. The tour takes 1 Hour. The longer tour is in the Ruakurio Cave discovered some 400 years ago and take 2 Hours with you being underground for 1 Hour 30 Minutes. Combination tours are available. For Adventure try the Black Water Rafting at Waitomo, which is one of the best underground experiences in New Zealand, the Black Odyssey Tour is 5 hours, the Black Avyss 5 Hours and the Black Labyrinth 3 Hours.

Otorohanga is a true Kiwiana Town and where you can see murals in the Main Street depicting all things Kiwi from Pavlova to the All Blacks Rugby Team. There is The Kiwi House where you can get to know our Iconic Flightless Bird the Kiwi. The nearest town to Waitomo offers accommodations to explore the area.

Tokoroa is a Timber Town and community offering Kiwi Hospitality and welcome. This region of Wailkato offers forests and rich farmlands. The area is a good fishing and hunting area

Putaruru is located on the Banks of the Oraka River and the region is famed for the New Zealand Bottled Water that comes from the Blue Springs of the region. You can visit this area via the Te Waihou Walk taking about 1 hour 30 minutes

Tirau is a small town with two building of a Sheep and Dog both constructed of corrugated iron. The perfect place to stop for a break and to explore the shops perhaps have a tea or coffee in one of the Cafe's.

Cambridge is a Horse Breeding Country Town of Waikato, with many heritage buildings and a beautifulo spired church. You will find local Artist and Antique Shops. The town has a great Museum in what was an old Court House. With many gardens and parks to explore you will love the country feeling of Cambridge.

Matamata is the home of Hobbiton, if you are a fan of Lord of the Rings then a visit is a must. On a visit to the Farm and Movie set you will see Bilbo Baggins House and step insider the Green Dragon Inn. You are in the Shires for sure. The Town of Matamata has a great I site with local shos and cafes.

Morrinsville is a small town and a place you are likely to pass through on the way from Te Aroha to Matamata. The old Pioneer Cottage built in 1874 is the Town's Museum and well worth a stop for an insight to the past. Here the show local life in days gone by and have a Maori Waka Canoe. The Wallace Art Gallery is stunning.