A region where culture, nature and adventure come together. From the vibrant heart of Hamilton and the magic of Middle-earth to the rugged west coast and the world’s longest left-hand surf break, the Waikato offers something unforgettable for every traveller this summer.

There’s a rhythm to a Waikato summer that can’t be rushed. It’s in the hush of dawn mist rising over the mighty Waikato River, in the laughter drifting across backyard barbecues, and in the glow of golden Raglan evenings where time seems to stretch and slow. Here, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling. A collective exhale. A reminder to gather.

The Waikato has always been a place of connection to the land, to each other, and to what truly matters. From lush pastures to the creative energy filling towns and coastlines, this is a region that lives large in its quiet moments. A place tended with care by makers, growers and storytellers who keep our rural roots alive.

Come summer, locals and visitors alike converge on the heart of it all. Riverside picnics at Hamilton Gardens, family berry-picking sessions across the region’s farms or slow afternoons tracing Raglan’s coastal rhythm. It’s where generations return, stories are retold and simple pleasures are rediscovered.

Here, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a feeling. A collective exhale. A reminder to gather.

Wander through the dappled forest of Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, where birdsong fills the air; taste your way through farmers’ markets, food trucks and summer festivals celebrating our diverse flavours and communities. Seek stillness beside a hidden waterfall or a quiet stretch of river where time softens. And when the sun sinks low, gather again around tables, fires and music.

Whether you’re drawn to its creativity, its cuisine or its calm, every Waikato path, from city to surf, leads to the same place: together. 

Where to…

Eat

Begin your day at Punnet Eatery in Tamahere, where sun-warmed berries and garden-fresh plates meet relaxed country charm. In Hamilton East, discover flavour and flair — from the artisanal bustle of Made Market to the riverside hum of Hayes Common, where locals linger over long lunches. Out west, Raglan Fish serves its famous tacos by the wharf — best enjoyed with salt air, live music and a golden horizon.

Play

Follow the Te Awa River Ride, a gentle journey linking river, gardens and townships. Pause at Hamilton Gardens for a picnic among summer blooms, or detour to Cambridge for boutique browsing, art galleries and antique treasures. Cool off at Lake Karāpiro, where kayakers and swimmers share the sunshine, or retreat to Te Aroha Mineral Spas for a restorative soak beneath the mountain. However you wander, take time to slow down and let the Waikato’s rhythm guide you.

Stay

Unwind at Hidden Lake Hotel or Clements Hotel in Cambridge – boutique sanctuaries blending local charm with contemporary comfort. In Hamilton, city explorers will find riverside ease at the Novotel or ibis Tainui, while those chasing the coast can settle into a Raglan Bach where sea breeze meets soulful sunsets. Wherever you rest your head, you’ll find that every stay in the Waikato carries the same spirit – of warmth, welcome and gathering.