Nestled into the heart of the Waikato region in New Zealand/Aotearoa’s North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui, you’ll find the charming city of Hamilton that makes for the perfect home base for you to settle in between adventures. From every corner of bushland, coastline and sights to be seen in between, this slice of Kiwi paradise is calling your name. So, grab your Thrifty rental car keys, start that engine, and get going to explore the incredible Waikato region. 

Lose Yourself in Nature 

Less than an hour’s drive southeast of Hamilton city is a nature park unlike any you’ve experienced before. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a fascinating experimentation of nurturing native flora and fauna through environmental intervention. With a 47 kilometre pest-proof fence that surrounds this ecological park in Pukeatua, predators are kept at bay so that the beloved endangered icons of New Zealand’s landscape have the chance to thrive in their natural habitats. This environmental feat is not just interesting to learn about—which you can do on any of the guided tours offered at Sanctuary Mountain—but also to experience first-hand as you wander through this protected landscape. Have you ever seen a curious Kākāpō bird in the flesh? What about a rare Hihi/Stitchbird in the wild? Sanctuary Mountain provides not just a home to these exquisite and endangered creatures, but also an open-air gallery for you to observe and learn about the colourful history of New Zealand’s wildlife, right there in front of your eyes. 

Be Awed by Hidden Gems 

Only an hour’s drive south of central Hamilton lies a network of underground caves that are sure to enlighten your senses. While the caves are tangles of dark tunnels, you won’t need to worry about bringing a torch on this adventure because nature itself will light your way. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are an amazing ancient phenomenon that still awes visitors to this day. Known as Mother Nature’s very own light display, you’ll be tricked into believing that you’re passing under a night sky with twinkling stars shining above you—the only thing is, you’re underground! Jump aboard a boat ride at the Glowworm Caves and be led by an expert guide on a tour of this natural wonder and you’ll learn all about these galaxies of tiny underground lights that are unique to this area of New Zealand.  

Embrace the Adventure on the River  

Home to New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato region makes for a thrill-filled area to explore above and by the water. There are all kinds of water activities that are sure to float your boat, and many of them aren’t too far at all from your home base of Hamilton city. For the ultimate Waikato River adventure, head out to the town of Taupō, less than a two hour’s drive from Hamilton, and you’ll discover the incredible Lake Taupō that the great river runs into. Lake Taupō is brimming with all kinds of water-based activities that will have you smiling from ear to ear. A favourite among both locals and visitors alike is exploring this picturesque landscape above the water in a canoe or kayak. The banks around the lake are filled with fascinating histories and incredible flora to discover, and there’s no more exciting way to do so than with an oar in your hand and the fresh lake breeze in your hair. 

Indulge in a Coastal Escape 

The Waikato region isn’t all nature parks and lakes. One of the best pockets of adventure in this area is found in the laid back surf town of Raglan and its incredible surf breaks. Less than an hour’s drive west of Hamilton city, Raglan sits on the coastline of Waikato and boasts some of the longest left-hand breaks in the world, as well as a fascinating black sand coastline. Perfect as a seaside escape, or just to watch the surfers dance their magic along the white-lined waves, Raglan is the kind of relaxed town that is sure to make you want to stay forever. Manu Bay is the beach to check out when you’re in town and in the mood for a good surf. Don’t sweat it if you’ve never been atop a board before—Raglan’s surf breaks are for all willing to try their hand at the mighty waves. Head down to Ngarunui Beach and learn how to surf at the Raglan Surf School, or chill out on the sand and watch the waves roll in as you soak up some rays. 

From the underground caves to the highest mountain, the Waikato region is packed with exciting activities that are guaranteed to take you on an adventure of a lifetime.