Waikato Region

Hidden gems in Waikato Region

Explore Waikato's diverse landscape, from the 10-meter-high Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings at Lake Taupō to the geothermal activity of Waiotapu. The Coromandel Peninsula offers the limestone arch of Cathedral Cove and geothermal springs at Hot Water Beach where visitors dig private pools at low tide. In Hamilton, a bronze statue commemorates Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, honoring creator Richard O'Brien’s connection to the city. These sites highlight the region's volcanic history, coastal formations, and contemporary cultural landmarks.

QFSE Media / CC BY-SA 3.0 nz

Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings

Sculpted by Matahi Brightwell in 1980, this giant carving is recognized as one of the most impressive contemporary Māori artworks.

Econterms / CC BY-SA 4.0

Waiotapu Geyser

Waiotapu is an active geothermal area at the southern end of the Okataina Volcanic Centre, just north of the Reporoa caldera, in New…

Mike Bordignon / CC BY 3.0

Cathedral Cove

Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve is in the southern part of Mercury Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand covering an area of 840…

Steve & Jem Copley / CC BY-SA 2.0

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is a beach on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand, just south of Mercury Bay.

Riff Raff Statue

A bronze statue in Hamilton’s Embassy Park commemorating the character Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Created by artist James Wright, it honors the show’s creator, Richard O’Brien, who lived in the city and worked at a barber shop on this site.