The Waikato Nature

Nature fiends beware: your Waikato itinerary is going to be full to bursting. Really. You might want to sleep for a week straight before you depart to stock up on energy for all that outdoorsy fun.

Nature is kind of the Waikato's thing. Well, one of its many things. But this gem of the North Island truly doesn't mess around when it comes to breath-taking landscapes and awe-inspiring natural marvels. We're talking caves, waterfalls...and Hobbit holes.

Okay, so that last one might not fall into the "nature" category, but visiting the locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit does involve taking in some pretty incredible natural scenery. You really can visit Middle-earth in New Zealand. No magic necessary.

Kick off your trip planning with our handy rundown of where to go and what to see in the Waikato as you go wild for nature.

Image: The Mighty Waikato

Underground Wonders

  • What's weird, wonderful and lives in a cave? No, we don't mean Gollum; we mean glow-worms. Thousands upon thousands of them, in Waitomo's caves. Don't miss out.
  • Even without their luminescent residents, the caves would be pretty special. The limestone rock formations lure in adventurers from far and wide.
  • Black water rafting, abseiling and zip lining are just some of the activities you can engage in underground here.
Image: The Mighty Waikato

Middle-Earth Attractions

  • Are you a Hobbit at heart? Find your spiritual home at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, the idyllic Hobbit village built for hit movie franchises The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
  • At Hairy Feet Waitomo, you can tour another location from The Hobbit: Trollshaws Forest.
  • You're already visiting Waitomo Caves for the glow-worms, the rocks and the rafting, but it's also worth knowing Andy Serkis spent a lot of time here when he was gearing up to play Gollum.
Image: The Mighty Waikato

Waterfalls

  • Walk up to the top of the thundering Wairere Falls-the North Island's tallest waterfall-and try not to feel awed by nature. Just try. We bet you can't.
  • The Marokopa Falls are known for their beauty (though the other falls on this list are hardly shabby either).
  • Wairēinga Falls (or Bridal Veil Falls) is a must are visit on the way to Raglan. The falls have two viewing platforms, both offering stunning views.

Created in partnership with The Mighty Waikato