Waikato plays host to wide variety of events. Some are large scale annual features like the Great Race, the Huntly Half Marathon and the Hamilton 400 V8 street race.
Local events
- For information on upcoming events in the Waikato district view our events calendar.
Motorsport
Racing is in the blood in the North Waikato. Our world class racing facilites at Hampton Downs, Huntly Speedway and Meremere have a constant line up of quality race meetings.
Surf, sun and sand
Raglan and its famous left-hand break is host to a number of international and local surfing competitions at the Waikato District Council managed Manu Bay Reserve. Sunset beach at Port Waikato is another great surfing venue.
- View past Raglan surf compettions and find out about new ones here.
Lakes, rivers, bush, mountains
There are many beautiful walkways and places of interest in the Waikato district.
Pipiwharauroa Trail
At 430 metres above sea level the views are stunning form this trail that winds its way over the site of the Te Uku Wind Farm. Find out more here.
Lake Hakanoa Walkway and the Green Cathedral
Lake Hakanoa is famous for it's beautiful scenery. Take a walk around the lake - Huntly's most sought-after attraction. The entrance to the walkway is at the end of Park Avenue in Huntly Domain.
The track is pram and wheelchair friendly. Here you will discover the Green Cathedral an idyllic spot often chosen for weddings. The Green Cathedral has seating for 180 guests and the car park can accomodate 40 cars. 3.6 km walkway.
Ngaruawahia's Kiingitanga Heritage Trail
Ngaruawahia is the home of the first and the current Maaori king and has a long history of Maaori settlement. This history is celebrated in a heritage trail immediately adjacent to SH1. Discover The Point, the meeting of the two rivers, Waipa and Waikato and view the gun turret from the british gun boat, Pioneer. 1500 metre circuit.
Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve
This remnant of forest features more thabn 300 native species. Access off Gordonton-Whitikahu Road (next to the quarry). 1.5 hour circuit.
Hakarimata Rail Trail
Acess is sign-posted from Waingaro- Ngaruawahia Road. Flat walk along an old railway line through bush and farmland to a picnic area and toilets. A further five minute walk takes you to Cascade Stream and a small waterfall. 1 hour return.
Bridal Veil / Wairenga Falls
This stunning waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the North Island. Two viewing platforms plus wheelchair access. Turn off to Te Mata from SH 23. 1 hour return to base of falls.
Te Toto Gorge
Take a picnic and enjoy breath taking views of the west coast. To get there, drive the coastal Whaanga Road to Te Toto Gorge car park. 1 hour 20 minutes return.
For more Waikato walks visit www.doc.govt.nz