Waikato & Tongariro
Introduction on Waikato & Tongariro
Waikato & Tongariro covers the centre of the northern island of New Zealand. Many differences in nature are present in this area. From remote bays to popular surf Beaches; from Waitomo’s Caves to the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park; from dense forests to thermal places with mud pools and geysers. This area is an excellent Outdoor activity area; Caving, white water rafting, Fishing, Surfing, tramping (not to be forgotten) and many more. Cultural activities are present as well. From experiencing the Maori Culture to a museum about trout in the area.
Visiting Waikato & Tongariro
When you travel trough this part of New Zealand a visit to Tongariro National Park has to be made. This national park offers beautiful scenery in the through volcanic and thermal activity characterized landscape. Many Outdoor activities can be undertaken in this beautiful national park.
Another hot spot to go to is Taupo. This city lies on the shore of Lake Taupo. This place is very popular amongst tourists, because it’s beautiful scenery and because of its central location. This town offers almost all the Outdoor activities you can hope for; mountainbiking, Fishing, tramping, sky diving (Taupo is famous for this), aerial sight seeing and so on.
Waitomo Caves are an absolute highlight as well. You are able to walk trough them, you can also spot glowworms. If this does not sound adventurous enough, do not worry. You can raft, abseil or do other extreme(r) activities in the caves.
If you would like to undertake some cultural activities besides the Outdoor activities you can undertake here: no worry, there is much cultural to do as well. From sheep farms, to trout Fishing information centers; from Maori meeting houses to galleries. A nice urban settlement in this area is Hamilton; this is a real student city. It has a vibrant and lively character.
Economy of Waikato & Tongariro
The eastern part of this region is sometimes referred to as the rural hart of New Zealand. It is renowned for its greenery and agricultural produce. Besides that many thoroughbred horses are held in this area; the volcanic activity has enriched the soil which his very well suitable to raise these horses. Many sheep can be found in this area as well. Furthermore the film industry is a source of income in this region. Aside these economic driving forces there are some towns in this area mainly occupied with farming related business. Finally the tourism industry is a major source of income; it tends to become more and more important, partly because lots of people from Auckland buy holiday homes in the northern part of Waikato & Tongariro.
History of Waikato & Tongariro
The Maori inhabited this area way before the European settlers arrived in the 19h century. Still many sacred places of the Maori can be found. Tongairo National Park is due to the Maori the first national park in New Zealand. It dates from 1887. The Maori saw the only way to protect the area by giving it as a “present” to the Europeans, under the condition that it would become a protected area. In the northern part of Waikato & Tongariro the gold rush of the 19th century is still prevalent. Another remarkable point of the History in this area is that the volcanoes' bursts caused some disasters. Examples of that are buried villages. Nowadays these villages are visited by many tourists.
Climate of Waikato & Tongariro
Summer: Average 22 degrees Celsius.
Winter: Average 13 degrees Celsius.
Year round: Average 2000 sun hours and 1500 mm annual rainfall.