Kayaker on Waikato River
The Waikato region is geographically large, taking its name from the largest of New Zealands rivers, the Waikato, which begins its life in the Centre of the North Island at Lake Taupo and exits to the sea at Port Waikato, South of Auckland. In its journey, it passes through some of the most fertile and productive land in New Zealand. It is largely based upon the traditional area occupied by Tainui Iwi, and was the site of the first new Zealand Wars, as European settlers and armed forces, seeking more productive land for settlement, entered and occupied the Tainui rohe without agreement. When they resisted, Tainui had most of their land confiscated by Government decree. It is now the home of the Maori Kingitanga Movement the seat of the Maori King or Queen.
The main centre of commerce is Hamilton (pop. 160,000), one hour South of Auckland, which serves a large agricultural hinterland and boasts the largest Agricultural Trade Show in the Southern hemisphere (Fieldays). Further South is the charming town of Cambridge, which together with Matamata is a centre for horse-breeding. The Waikato Region is largely flat, save for the impressive mountain Pirongia to the West and the Kaimai Range to the East, both offering excellent hiking and bush walks. Further South and West is the Waitomo region a massive limestone range that runs down the West Coast and boasts some of New Zealand's most accessible and impressive caves and potholes.
Beyond this, out on the West Coast from Hamilton are the beautiful harbours, Kawhia and Raglan the latter ranking with some of the great surfing breaks in the world. These two harbour towns are home to the Waikato's alternative cultures, artist's and artisan's, and alternative therapy practitioners.
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