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Waikato

Waikato

The Top 20 Attractions in Waikato

There are plenty of places to see and visit in Waikato. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Waikato is a region where 20

hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.

Last updated: November 13, 2025

Emerald Lakes

Highlight • Lake

The ascent or descent on this scree is quite slippery

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Red Crater

Highlight • Volcano

The view at the Red Crater alone is enough to make the Alpine Crossing or one of the multi-day hikes worthwhile. However, it should be taken to bring along warm …

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Blue Lake

Highlight • Lake

Beautiful, the view of the lakes when you come from the Red Crater! The Emerald Lakes and the Blue Lake are very cold and very acidic because of the volcanic …

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Cathedral Cove Arch

Highlight • Natural Monument

Update December 2024:
Cathedral Cove is accessible on foot again! A new section of trail has been built.

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South Crater, Tongariro National Park

Highlight • Volcano

Beautiful plateau overlooked by Mount Ngauruhoe

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Champagne Pool (Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland)

Highlight • Natural Monument

Champagne Pool is a prominent geothermal feature within the Waiotapu geothermal area in the North Island of New Zealand. The name Champagne Pool is derived from the abundant efflux of …

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Matatoki Cheese Barn

Highlight • Cafe

Located between the mouth of the Waihou River and the locality of Puriri The "Matatoki Cheese Barn" is a barn transformed into a very welcoming place, where you will be …

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Bag End (Bilbo's House)

Highlight • Monument

Bag End was a smial (Hobbit-hole) situated at the end of Bagshot Row in Hobbiton. It was the home of Bilbo Baggins, afterwards of Frodo Baggins, and later of Samwise Gamgee and his wife Rosie Cotton.

lotr.wikia.com/wiki/Bag_End

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Pinnacles Summit

Highlight • Summit

Perfect spot for sunrise or sunset

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Devil's Staircase

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

Great view and great views

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Huka Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Amazing spectacle, a waterfall with a lot of power.
The height difference is only 11 meters, but over 220,000 liters of water are pushed through a narrowing every second.

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Most popular attractions in Waikato

Natural Monuments

Lakes

Waterfalls

Mountain Peaks

Caves

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Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:

Hūnua Ranges Regional Park Mount Pirongia Forest Park Tongariro National Park Hunua Ranges Coromandel Range

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

Otago West Coast (New Zealand)Canterbury Southland Auckland Tasman Manawatu-Wanganui Wellington Northland Marlborough Bay of Plenty Taranaki Hawke's Bay Nelson Gisborne

The Top 20 Attractions in Waikato

Emerald Lakes

Red Crater

Blue Lake

Cathedral Cove Arch

South Crater, Tongariro National Park

Champagne Pool (Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland)

Matatoki Cheese Barn

Bag End (Bilbo's House)

Pinnacles Summit

Devil's Staircase

Huka Falls

Other adventures in Waikato

Most popular routes in Waikato

Most popular attractions in Waikato

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

Didn’t find what you were looking for?

Explore more

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