The Waikato region is famous for Middle-earth movie magic, underground wonders, legendary surf beaches and the iconic Waikato River.

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If your clients are Tolkien fans, they can head to Matamata and visit Hobbiton Movie Set, the amazing Hobbit-sized village created for the movies. If surfing is more their style, then Raglan is the perfect spot, with one of the longest left hand breaks in the world.

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For a magical underground experience, suggest your clients visit Waitomo Caves, where the natural beauty of stalactites and stalagmites lit by the blue light of glow-worms will take their breath away. And for those seeking more of an adrenaline rush, black water rafting and abseiling are not to be missed.

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Things to do in Waikato

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• Middle-earth movie magic – Quietly hidden behind green rolling hills Hobbiton™ Movie Set is the permanent set created for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Take a tour and sample the exclusive brews at The Green Dragon.

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• Underground activities – Millions of years in the making, the Waitomo Caves are a world-famous underground playground of glow-worms, black water rafting and abseiling.

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• Surfing – With a long left-hand break and consistently good surf, Raglan is the place to go. The black-sand beaches are revered by sunseekers and the harbour is loved by those keen to cruise, kayak, kite-surf or stand-up paddleboard.

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• Award-winning gardens – The Hamilton Gardens are made up of 54 hectares of beautifully landscaped themed green spaces, each telling its own story and offering an insight into a different civilisation. Guided tours, mobility scooters and bike hire make exploration of Hamilton Gardens easy. 

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