The Waikato is a region on the western side of the North
Island of New Zealand stretching from Lake Taupo and Taranaki in the south,
along the banks of the Waikato River to the southern fringes of Auckland. The
city of Hamilton is its major centre and home to Waikato University. Hamilton is
famous for its themed gardens and the local zoo that has the largest free flight
aviary in the Southern Hemisphere.
The name Waikato comes from Maori, wai means water and kato meaning to flow,
therefore Waikato roughly translates to 'flowing river'. Volcanic activity
has enriched the soil, producing lush grass for raising dairy cattle,
thoroughbred horses and vast areas of exotic timber. In the locations where the
underground rocks are still hot, mineral springs often rise and are tapped for
bathing and drinking.
The mighty Waikato river is best experienced from the deck of a classic
paddle steamer with an interesting commentary about local landmarks, the history
of the region and riverbank life. There is a natural labyrinth with massive
subterranean caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, formations that
have been millions of years in the making. Visitors can glide through the
darkness on a water-borne barge and admire the beauty and deep silence of the
cave where the glow-worms overhead give the effect of an eerie underground sky.
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