Waikato

The Waikato is a region of the North Island of New Zealand that lies to the south of Auckland and is named for the Waikato River that traverses its length. The Waikato River has several hydroelectric dams and the man-made lakes behind them are used for a range of water sports.

Cities

 * – where Hobbiton was built for the Lord of the Rings and is now a tourist attraction
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – where Hobbiton was built for the Lord of the Rings and is now a tourist attraction
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku
 * – its museum contains one of the most famous early Māori artifacts, a large carved post known as Te Uenuku

Other destinations

 * – limestone caves populated by glowworms, a major tourist attraction

Understand
The Waikato River (Māori for flowing water) is New Zealand's longest river at including headwaters. The river's source is Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, and the river flows in a northwesterly direction through Hamilton to empty into the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato, some south of Auckland. The river between Taupo and Hamilton has been extensively developed for hydroelectric generation, with nine hydroelectric dams on the river built between 1929 and 1971, today supplying around 10% of New Zealand's electricity demand.

This area of New Zealand is partly agricultural, with dairying being the major agri-industry.

Within the region there are also areas of incredible natural value – such as the Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Pirongia, Waitomo, and more.

Go next

 * Auckland Region
 * Bay of Plenty
 * Central North Island
 * Taranaki