Getting to the Waikato

The Waikato is a predominantly pastoral region located south of Auckland, on the North Island's west coast. It is a 1 hour and 40 minute drive from Auckland to the main city of Hamilton.

BY ROAD:

AUCKLAND TO HAMILTON: Follow the Southern Motorway south of Auckland city for approximately 45kms. Continue on Great South Road / State Highway 1 for around 80kms, passing through Huntly and Ngaruawahia.

Driving Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

AUCKLAND TO WAITOMO: Follow the Southern Motorway and State Highway 1 to Hamilton. From Hamilton take State Highway 3 30kms south to Te Awamutu. At Te Awamutu continue on State Highway 3 south, through Kihikihi and Otorohanga. 7kms south of Otorohanga turn onto Waitomo Caves Road and follow for 7kms into Waitomo Caves Village.

Driving Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

TAUPO TO HAMILTON: From Taupo head north on Tongariro Street. Continue north on State Highway 1/State Highway 5. Just after Wairakei turn left onto State Highway 1 and continue on through Tokoroa, Putaruru and Cambridge. From Cambridge continue 20kms on State Highway 1 to Hamilton.

Driving Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

TAUPO TO WAITOMO: Head north on Tongariro Street to State Highway 1/State Highway 5. At Poihipi Road turn left and follow for 25kms. Turn right at Tihoi Road and follow State Highway 32 to Whakamaru Road. Turn left and continue on to State Highway 30. Turn left and follow State Highway 30 through Pureroa Forest Park to Te Kuiti. At Te Kuiti turn right onto State Highway 3 and follow for 10kms to Waitomo Caves Road. Follow Waitomo Caves Road for 7kms into Waitomo Caves Village.

Driving Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

BY AIR:

Hamilton Airport is the major airport in the Waikato. Hamilton Airport is located 15 minutes drive south of Hamilton city centre. Air New Zealand operates domestic services to most major New Zealand cities. There are also international flights to Australia, operated by Freedom Air.

BY TRAIN:

The Overlander Train runs through Hamilton, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti en route to Wellington.

Off peak (May to October) the Overlander operates Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the peak season (November to April) the Overlander operates everyday.