Welcome to Waikato
The Waikato region is steeped in natural beauty and colonial history, which has had a lasting impact on New Zealand's economy and cultural identity.
The fertile, grassy plains of Waikato, and the adjoining region to its south, Taranaki, were the subject of the New Zealand Wars, a series of prolonged battles between local Maori and early Europeans.
After the 1840s the number of British migrants swelled, and although all other natural resources were plentiful, demand for land was high and fiercely defended by local Maori. What had been ongoing conflict erupted into full-scale war in the 1860s, effectively forming one of the most definitive periods of New Zealand's early colonial history.
Maori casualties were high, and European land occupation gave rise to a uniquely British colonial settlement structure. Although Waikato's main centre, Hamilton, is New Zealand's fifth largest city, the wider region is populated by substantial smaller centres.
Towns such as Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Morrinsville and Huntly were founded as hubs for large-scale dairy production in this fertile and promising region. They quickly became affluent, self-sufficient towns, and played a huge part in the beginnings of New Zealand's agricultural industries.
Dairy exports still form a major part of New Zealand's economy, and Waikato is still a top location with reliable rainfall, fertile soils and a temperate climate. Visitors can experience lush surroundings, friendly historic townships, scenic waterways and some equally beautiful coastal retreats including Raglan and the Coromandel Peninsula, two of New Zealand's most treasured summer getaway destinations.
Waikato is also lucky enough to be home to two of the country's most popular tourist destinations-the magical underground wonderland of Waitomo and the crystal-clear, glistening Lake Taupo.
Waitomo
An hour and a half's drive west from Rotorua will take you to Waitomo, one of Waikato's crown jewels. A small town set around stunning natural glow-worm caves, Waitomo is a magical world underground. The moment you enter this subterranean wonder you will discover an ancient labyrinth of limestone caves and grottos, seeing stalactites, stalagmites and eerie blackwater rivers created thousands of years ago. Take a raft trip and look above you to see a galaxy of tiny living lights as you glide across the still water.
Taupo
In the south of the lakes district is Taupo, the North Island's centerpiece and one of New Zealand's favourite holiday destinations. As the largest lake in the country covering over 600 square kilometers, Taupo is a haven for watersports enthusiasts and anglers, or those after the more relaxing holiday. The town is home to 20,000 New Zealanders and has everything you need to let you make the most of this stunning and unique region.
View of Lake Taupo in Autumn