The Waikato region is one of the world's greenest and richest agricultural producers. Activity from a chain of now extinct volcanoes has enriched the soil, and there are a number of hot mineral springs throughout the area.

Hamilton, on the Waikato river, is a farming, industrial and financial centre. There are abundant parks and walkways along the river. Cambridge, 25 km south of Hamilton, has the appearance of an English town with aged trees and churches and a village green.

Waitomo Caves

There are hundreds of limestone caves in this district; a labyrinth of mostly uncharted systems. Many caves are filled with water to some level, and indeed Waitomo literally means ' the place where water disappears into a hole in the ground'. Several of the caves have been developed for access and guided tours. Activities range from simple guided walks to abseiling, boat trips and floating on inner tubes through spectacular formations and glow-worm caves.

Taranaki is dominated by Mount Egmont/Taranki and is an intensive dairying region. Along the wild coastline there are surfing and fishing beaches, which are linked to a series of walkways along many rivers and parklands.

New Plymouth is the only city in the region, springing into existence with the discovery of cast fields of natural gas both on and off shore. New Plymouth's Pukekura Park offers a spectacular view of Mount Egmont/Taranaki. It is one of the country's finest gardens, with an illuminated fountain and a floodlit waterfall.

Egmont National Park preserves a remnant of the dense bush which once covered most of Taranaki. Centred on the 2518m high Mount Egmont/Taranaki, the park offers skiing in the winter and walking opportunities in the summer.

Many rivers flow in this region, the best known being the Whanganui River which flows down from the mountains, through the dense forest of the Whanganui National Park to the city of Wanganui. There are many parks and gardens, museums and galleries in Wanganui, one of New Zealand's oldest cities. The country's only paddlesteamer operates on the Whanagnui River and has an historical commentary.

Fact Summary

Climate. Summer: 18 deg CC. Winter: 13 deg CC.

New Plymouth is situated between Wellington and Auckland. Both city's are 4.5 hours drive away.

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