Waikato

Waikato is a region on the North Island of New Zealand. It includes the cities of Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tokoroa, and Taupo. At the south end of the region is Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand by surface area. Huka Falls near Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s most visited scenic reserve. A small piece of Tongariro National Park lies within the Waikato Regions, which is full of other opportunities for outdoor recreation. Popular destinations like the Waitomo Caves and the Coromandel Peninsula are within the Waikato Regions.

Huka Falls Rapids Taupo New Zealand
Huka Falls on Waikato River
Waikato Region Map
The Waikato Region of New Zealand

Tracks in Waikato

This collection of walking tracks (hiking trails) in the Waikato Region of New Zealand is listed from north to south. Each track links to its own report complete with photos, maps, directions, and all the other information needed to locate and enjoy these hikes. More coming soon!

Kakepuku TrackKakepuku Track
This 8-kilometer return trek in Kakepuku Mountain Historic Reserve near Te Awamutu ascends to a 449-meter summit with a lookout tower boasting panoramic views.
Huka Falls WalkwaySpa Thermal Park – Huka Falls Walkway
This 7.3-mile round trip walk follows the Waikato River from hot springs at Spa Thermal Park to the rapids and waterfall at Huka Falls in New Zealand’s most visited scenic reserve.
Lake RotopounamuLake Rotopounamu
This 6.4-kilometer loop around Lake Rotopounamu (a.k.a. Greenstone Lake) visits tranquil beaches on a forest-wrapped lake in Tongariro National Park.

 

More outdoor fun

Hobbiton Movie SetHobbiton Movie Set Tourist Farm
Fantasy becomes reality when you visit the filming location for Hobbiton from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. See Bag End, get a drink at Green Dragon Inn, and walk past hobbit hole after colorful hobbit hole on a tour through Hobbiton Movie Set.

 

Lodging in Waikato

There are nice places to stay throughout the Waikato Region.

Matariki Motor LodgeMatariki Motor Lodge
This motor lodge in the town of Te Awamutu is halfway between Hobbiton and Waitomo with studio and one-bedroom units with lots of conveniences for travelers.
Whakaipo LodgeWhakaipo Lodge
This lodge near Lake Taupo blends comfort with luxury and has welcoming owners who can help you take advantage of the area’s abundant outdoor opportunities.

 

View New Zealand tracks, campgrounds, and lodging in a larger map
Or explore tracks in New Zealand on the Oceania Hike Finder Map
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Latest reports in New Zealand (page 1)
New Zealand

Devils Punchbowl Falls
in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Canterbury | New Zealand | South Island | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Devils Punchbowl Falls Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Devils Punchbowl Walking Track Arthur's Pass Village Hiking Track Devils Punchbowl Waterfall New Zealand Devil's Punchbowl
Devils Punchbowl Falls is a star attraction in Arthur's Pass National Park. The dynamic waterfall plunges 131 meters into a canyon near Arthur's Pass Village. The area's Māori named the waterfall Hinekakai, taking inspiration from its beautiful threads of water. Visitors can reach the waterfall on a 2-kilometer (1.4-mile) round trip walk beginning from Arthur's Pass Village. Devils... Read more.
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OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Waterfalls · Arthur's Pass National Park
 Distance: 2 kilometers / 1.4 miles · Elevation change: 90 meters / 295 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
New Zealand

Otira Valley Track
in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Canterbury | New Zealand | South Island | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Otira Valley Track Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Arthur's Pass Village Hiking Track New Zealand
Just over the north side of Arthur's Pass and 5 kilometers from Arthur's Pass Village, you'll find Otira Valley Track, which ascends a trough-shaped valley off the west side of the pass. The track ends at Otira River Footbridge. Under normal circumstances, a bridge would be an odd place to end a hike (since a bridge lead to something on the other side). The route beyond Otira River... Read more.
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OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Creeks · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Arthur's Pass National Park
 Distance: 3.8 kilometers / 2.35 miles · Elevation change: 125 meters / 410 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
New Zealand

Bealey Chasm Walk
in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Canterbury | New Zealand | South Island | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Bealey Chasm Walk Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Bealey River Hiking Track Bealey Valley Track Footbridge Arthur's Pass Village New Zealand
North of Arthur's Pass Village, Bealey River passes through a narrow gorge, creating a mix of tumbling white water and blue pools. A footbridge on Bealey Valley Track crosses over this point on the river, called Bealey Chasm. Visit the chasm on a short walk beginning from State Highway 73. Bealey Chasm Walk starts with a short section of Arthur's Pass Walking Track and connects to Bealey... Read more.
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OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Creeks · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Arthur's Pass National Park
 Distance: 0.65 kilometers / 0.4 miles · Elevation change: 12 meters / 40 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
New Zealand

Old Coach Road Walk
in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Canterbury | New Zealand | South Island | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Old Coach Road Walk Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Greyneys Shelter Arthur's Pass Hiking Track New Zealand
This mostly unremarkable woodland walk explores the forest a few kilometers south of Arthur's Pass Village. Much of the track follows an old coach road that went to Arthur's Pass so the walk provides a history lesson on the area's earlier travelers. The easy walk is 1 to 1.4 kilometers long, starting and ending at Greynes Shelter Campground. With just 15 meters of elevation change along... Read more.
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OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Arthur's Pass National Park
 Distance: 1.4 kilometers / 0.9 miles · Elevation change: 15 meters / 50 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
New Zealand

Millennium Walk to Avalanche Creek Waterfall
in Arthur’s Pass National Park

Canterbury | New Zealand | South Island | Trails Trail Rating: ForgettableAverageGoodGreatUnforgettable
Millennium Walk Avalanche Creek Waterfall Arthur's Pass National Park Hike Avalanche Creek Falls Arthur's Pass Hiking Track New Zealand
Millennium Walk is a very short hike from the visitor center for Arthur's Pass National Park to a viewing platform alongside Avalanche Creek Waterfall. This walk is 500 meters round trip with only a few meters of elevation change, covered over stone steps at the end of the walk. If you stop by the visitor center in Arthur's Pass Village, this short walk to the waterfall is well worth your... Read more.
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OK! Add to trails I want to hike Tagged with · Arthur's Pass Village · Free Trails · New Zealand Department of Conservation · New Zealand National Parks · Waterfalls · Arthur's Pass National Park
 Distance: 0.5 kilometers / 0.3 miles · Elevation change: 7 meters / 25 feet
By: Published: Last updated: May 6, 2017
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