Hamilton

The best way to see the city's picture-postcard riverside is from the deck of a classic paddle steamer. As glorious gardens and pathways glide by, you'll hear a tale of Hamilton's fascinating history as one of the North Island's major trading posts.

Hamilton Zoo.

Waikato Museum of Contemporary Art and History.

Hamilton Gardens .

Te Awamutu

Te Awamutu is a quintessential New Zealand community that specialises in dairy, beef and horticulture farming. The area surrounding Te Awamutu played a significant part in the land wars of the mid 19th century.

Check out the magnificent rose gardens in Gorst Ave.
The Te Awamutu museum gives an insight into local Maori culture.

Te Kuiti

This friendly country town is surrounded by beautiful private gardens and has the Mangaokewa Scenic Reserve for a spot of fishing or swimming. Every year Te Kuiti hosts the New Zealand Sheep Shearing Championship.

There is plenty of motel accommodation here, and the town is ideally located for day excursions to Waitomo.
The Maori meeting house Tokanganui-a-Noho is beautifully carved and can be visited by arrangement.

Tokoroa

Tokoroa is the hub of New Zealand's forestry, timber and paper industries. The huge mill is 10km south of the town. Tokoroa is a magnet for mountain bikers because of its amazing bike trails.

A popular hunting region - local game includes deer, possums, rabbits, pigs, goats, ferrets and stoats.
Every year Tokoroa hosts the Golden Axe Carnival, a wood chopping competition, as part of the local A & P show.