WEST AND SOUTH WEST - NORTH ISLAND
WAIKATO REGION
There is a wide range of Waikato accommodation letting you enjoy all the region has to offer. The mighty Waikato River travels through the region. At 425km from end to end, it is the country's longest river. As well as providing recreational opportunities, the river drives eight hydro dams. The Waikato region has two spectacular landscapes - one above ground, the other below. In both cases, nature has been generous.
Waikato hotel accommodation is perfectly placed to allow you to explore on the lush surface, the scenery which is green to the extreme. Fertile soils, reliable rainfall and kind temperatures have created a pastoral heaven. Waikato accommodation also makes a great base for appreciating what is below the surface. Miracles have been wrought with water and limestone. Vast cave systems, huge sink holes and underground streams provide huge scope for adventure.
Waikato was the scene of significant battles during the Maori Land Wars of the mid 19th century. Visit the monuments and museums and discover the fierce history of the region. In the city of Hamilton, the serpentine beauty of the Waikato River is maximised at every opportunity. You can discover parks, gardens and river walks where the forethought of the town planners is plain to see. Waikato hotels and Waitomo accommodation is perfect for enjoying the areas special features. The Waitomo Caves were formed over 30 million years ago, and drip by drip they're still changing. The natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glow worms has to be seen to be believed. On a Matamata sheep farm, you can visit the remnants of Hobbiton, the hobbit village created for the Lord of the Ring's movie trilogy. View the hobbit holes and find out how the set was created on a guided tour.
Te Kauwhata - Te Kauwhata is a small town in the north of the Waikato region of New Zealand, situated close to the western shore of Lake Waikare, 40km north of Hamilton. Accommodation in Te Kauwhata includes cottage and bed and breakfast accomodation.
Te Aroha - Te Aroha is a rural town in the Thames Valley region of New Zealand It is 53km northeast of Hamilton and 50km south of Thames. Accommodation in Te Aroha includes bed and breakfast accomodation, boutique hotels and affordable backpacker and holiday park accommodation in Te Aroha.
Huntly - Huntly is a town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. Huntly is situated 93km south of Auckland and 35km north of Hamilton. Accommodation in Huntly NZ includes romantic bed and breakfast, resort and hotel accommodation.
Ngaruawahia - Ngaruawahia is a town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. Ngāruawāhia is located 20km north west of Hamilton at the junction of the Waikato and Waipa Rivers. Accommodation in Ngaruawahia includes bed and breakfast accommodation.
Hamilton - Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand's fourth largest urban area, and is the country's 7th largest city. It is in the Waikato region of the North Island, approximately 130km south of Auckland. There is a wide range of Hamilton accommodation letting you go about your business and have time to explore New Zealand's the Waikato region. Set on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton accommodation makes the perfect base to see the attractions and activities in the region and even in the central North Island. Hamilton is a dynamic centre of scientific and agricultural research. Accommodation in Hamilton NZ is ideally suited to look after your requirements. Hamilton International Airport is an important gateway for visitors to the region with many domestic and trans-Tasman flights. Located only 15 minutes south of the city, the airport includes excellent duty free shopping for all departures and arrivals, rental cars and banking facilities. Hamilton accommodation options in the city are varied including motels or 4 star international hotels, farmstay accommodation, self-contained apartments and bnb accommodation. If you're heading to Waikato Stadium to watch a Test Match, or support the regions local Super 14 team, the mighty Waikato Chiefs, there are hotels near Waikato Stadium that will save you precious time and money.
Cambridge - Cambridge is a town in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. It is situated 24km south east of Hamilton, on the banks of the Waikato River. The town is known as "The Town of Trees". The town is also known for its thoroughbred horse stables, which have produced many champion horses in the sports of racing and showjumping. Accommodation in Cambridge NZ includes luxury bed and breakfast accommodation and affordable motels.
Karapiro - A quiet country town, 6km south of Cambridge in Waikato district, central North Island. Accommodation in Karapiro includes self-contained units.
Te Awamutu - Te Awamutu is located some 30km south of Hamilton on State Highway 3, one of the two main routes south from Auckland and Hamilton. Castle Rock - this area is just 20 minutes from Te Awamutu and is very popular with rock climbers, mountain bikers and other adventurers. The name literally means in English "The River's End". Accommodation in Te Awamutu includes motel and lodge accommodation. It is the hometown of the musical Finn brothers, Neil and Tim of Split Enz and Crowded House fame. Many people enjoy the easy bushwalks around Pirongia Forest Park. For adventure activities, try rock climbing and mountain biking at Wharepapa. For history buffs, there is the Te Awamutu Museum.
Te Kuiti - Te Kuiti is a small town in the south of the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand. It lies at the junction of State Highways 3 and 30 and on the North Island Main Trunk Railway, 70km south of Hamilton. The "Shearing Capital of the World" contains the world's largest shearer, 7 metres high. Accommodation in Te Kuiti includes motel and motor inn accommodation with family units. Situated at the gateway to the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves & tourist adventure activities, such as Waitomo Adventures- Abseiling, the Lost World, Black Water Rafting, Horse Treks, Billy Blacks Kiwi Culture Show, Marakopa falls, Natural Bridge, Bush Walks with several caves to visit, Sky diving & much more.
TARANAKI REGION
Taranaki is a region in the south west of New Zealand's North Island name after the region's main geographical feature, Mount Taranaki. The dramatic, snow-topped volcanic cone of Mount Taranaki is a spiritual and physical force in this region. The mountain is the source of over 50 rivers and streams, the home of many botanically unique plants, and the subject of many stories and legends. New Plymouth is the port and main city in the Taranaki region on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Visitors to New Plymouth can snowboard, ski, water ski and surf all in the same day. In contrast with its outdoorsy lifestyle, New Plymouth has an artsy side. It is home to the acclaimed Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, New Zealand's only contemporary art museum with a permanent collection. The Egmont National Park encompasses the mountain and the land around it. Hiking is the thing to do here. Lush rainforest covers the foothills of the mountain, but the landscape changes the higher you go--from tall rimu and kamahi trees at lower altitudes through dense subalpine shrubs to an alpine herb field with some plants unique to the park. There are 21 attractive golf courses in the city and region, many in park-like surroundings with ocean views. The region is also known for its creativity and ingenuity - characteristics that materialise as beautiful gardens, fascinating museums and highly acclaimed art collections. Accommodation in the Taranaki region includes hotels, motels, lodges, self-contained accommodation, apartments, bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation.
New Plymouth - New Plymouth accommodation is perfectly positioned for you to enjoy all the area has to offer. Stay in New Plymouth hotels as a perfect base for exploring the breathtaking beauty of the area. In the Maori language, Taranaki means 'Gliding Peak', a name that ties to the legend of how the mountain came to its location. The mountain and the Tasman Sea, provide a natural playground for travellers who enjoy outdoor adventures. If you're heading to New Plymouth to watch concert, or attending a festival or expo, there are a number of hotels near Yarrow Stadium that will save you precious time and money getting to the venue. Stay in New Plymouth accommodation and explore the areas attractions, including: Mount Taranaki - The park offers outstanding hiking, climbing, skiing and photography opportunities. The surf highway - The close proximity of the mountain to the sea is one of Taranaki's special features. It takes only 30 minutes to drive from mountain plateau to beach – making it possible to ski and surf in the same day. Puke Ariki - An interactive library, museum and visitor centre, Puke Ariki displays more than 6000 significant Maori taonga (treasures). The centre looks out to Len Lye's Wind Wand sculpture on the coastal walkway. Accommodation in New Plymouth includes hotels, motels, lodges, self-contained accommodation, apartments, bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation.
MANAWATU WANGANUI REGION
Wanganui Region - Wanganui accommodation allows you to explore the Wanganui River, which is this region's reason for being. Deep, beautiful and mysterious, it holds many secrets for you to discover. Main centres include Taihape, Wanganui, Palmerston North and Levin. The Wanganui region is on the lower west coast of the North Island, south of Taranaki and the Taupo and Ruapehu regions. Stay in Wanganui hotels and enjoy this area renowned for Maori culture, heritage, Wanganui National Park and river adventures. In the early 1900's, visitors called the Wanganui River the 'Rhine of New Zealand' - it is the longest navigable river in the country, with 239 rapids and stunning bush scenery. There are many ways to explore the Wanganui River - jet boat, kayak, canoe, raft, paddle steamer or on the end of a fly-fishing rod. You can also follow the trail to the mysterious 'Bridge to Nowhere', built across the Mangapurua Gorge to give access to an isolated settlement that was finally abandoned in 1942. Now only the 'Bridge to Nowhere' remains. Wanganui hotels are a perfect place for you to stop and enjoy all there is to offer in this city! Accommodation in Wanganui includes luxury hotels, affordable motels and lodges, self-contained accomodation, apartments, bed and breakfast and cottage accommadation.
Manawatu Region - Conveniently located halfway between Rotorua and Wellington, the region of Manawatu combines both the charm of rural NZ with the sophisticated provincial appeal of Palmerston North city, New Zealand's seventh largest city. There is a wide range of Manawatu accommodation that is conveniently located around the area to allow you to explore all that the region has to offer; whether it be adventure, culture, or simply relaxation that you are offer, Manawatu is sure to fill your needs.
Taihape - Taihape is a small, picturesque town near the middle of the North Island of New Zealand. It services a large rural community and lies on the main North-South route through the centre of the North Island. Taihape is the butt of many jokes owing to its rural isolation and its "one horse town: blink and you'll miss it" reputation. Taihape is also known as New Zealand's Gumboot Capital located and located on State Highway 1. The impressive sights and adventure companies advertising their activities will make anyone driving through the Rangitikei looking for the ideal place to stop and stay for a couple of nights to explore. For adventure activities including bungy jumping visit Mokai Gravity Canyon situated 20km South East of Taihape. Accommodation in Taihape includes motor lodge and cottage accommodation.
Wanganui - The town of Wanganui is located on the South Taranaki Bight, close to the mouth of the Whanganui River. It is 200km north of Wellington and 75km north west of Palmerston North, at the junction of State Highways 3 and 4. Most of the town lies on the river's northwestern bank, although some suburbs are located on the opposite side of the river. Wanganui accommodation is perfectly positioned for you to explore this provincial city. Wanganui, meaning expansive river mouth, was settled by Europeans in 1831 and was known as Petre until 1854. Today the 100 year old paddle steamer, the PS Waimarie is a reminder from that bygone riverboat era. Stay in Wanganui hotels and explore the city's historic buildings preserved from the early days of European settlement, along with beautiful parks and gardens. Accommodation in Wanganui includes luxury hotels, affordable motels and lodges, self-contained accomodation, apartments, bed and breakfast and cottage accommadation.
Palmerston North - There is a wide range of Palmerston North accommodation and it is perfect to explore all that the region has to offer. Palmerston North, affectionately referred to by locals as "Palmy", is New Zealand's seventh largest city. The city has a strongly "student-oriented" feel to it, thanks to the campuses of Massey University, the Universal College of Learning and also the International Pacific College. Also, the central location of Palmerston North means that it is a popular base for wine-buffs, with the popular wine areas of Martinborough and Hawkes Bay being within a 2-3 hours drive. Accomodation in Palmerston North is situated throughout the region, and is available at such great rates that any travellers budget will be satisfied. Accommodation in Palmerston North includes luxury hotels, affordable motels and lodges, self-contained accomodation, apartments, bed and breakfast and cottage accommadation.
Foxton Beach - Horowhenua is a special part of New Zealand. Just over an hour from Wellington and half that time to Palmerston North, but the feel of another world. From the calm quiet of bushwalks and gardens, history and culture to the exhilaration of rivers and the sea, the region offers something for everyone. For the visitor, Horowhenua offers rivers beaches and lakes, mountains, parks and golf courses. Also a chance to discover the special spirit of the people of Horowhenua, one that is determined and creative with a real Kiwi sense of humour and style. Just 5km west of Foxton is the community of Foxton Beach. Located at the mouth of the Manawatu River this small town offers an abundance of activities including fishing, sea swimming, surfing, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, kite surfing and wind surfing. The Manawatu Estuary is an extremely popular spot for bird watching, and the largest and most important in the lower North Island. In the spring international migratory birds arrive from their breeding grounds in Alaska and Siberia to spend the summer here. Accommodation in Foxton Beach includes family units and motel accomodation.
Accommodation in New Zealand includes luxury hotels to stylish country lodges, self-contained New Zealand accomodation and friendly, affordable backpackers hostels. New Zealand offers you a range of accommodation choices for every budget.
