Hidden Gems of the Waikato, brought to you by Ventura Inn and Suites
Kenneth Mitchell, owner of Hamilton’s Ventura Inn & Suites, says visitors usually come to the Waikato for four reasons: Hobbiton, Waitomo, Hamilton Gardens and the Te Awa Trail.
“But the Waikato has hidden gems,” says Kenneth, “like a fantastic collection of walking trails, ranging in difficulty and challenge.”
Here are four of Kenneth’s personal recommendations for walks in the Waikato, ranging from most to least challenging:
1.Hakarimata Summit Track
Near Ngaruawahia
A 335m ascent of 1,349 well-constructed and maintained steps takes you to the summit of the Hakarimata Range, where the track meets the Hakarimata Walkway and the Summit Tower, at 374m above sea level.
The Tower provides views towards the coast, across the Waikato Basin and to Mount Ruapehu on a clear day.
2.Wairere Falls
15 minutes’ drive from Matamata
A well-formed track weaves its way through moss-covered rocks, tree roots, over the river and up the base of a cliff, where sets of steps lead to the top of the gorge.
It then leads to a lookout platform at the base of the falls. The falls drop 153m over the escarpment, which is part of the Okauia fault line.
The track continues to the top of the hill, then branches to the falls lookout, with a magnificent view looking back over the valley and the Waikato Plains.
3. Waikato River Trails
30 minutes’ drive from Hamilton
The Waikato River Trails provide walkers and cyclists with 100kms of pathway beside New Zealand's longest river.
The pathway winds past five lakes, four hydro dams and through some of the most scenic parts of the Waikato.
4. Taitua Arboretum
10km west of Hamilton
The arboretum has a collection of mature trees, covering 20 hectares of open pasture, lakes and woodland gardens which are linked by a network of meandering walking paths. With great views and wonderful bird life, the arboretum is ideal for a family outing or Sunday stroll.
“The Hidden Gems of the Waikato provide our visitors with a wonderful chance to get away from the hubbub of city life and experience the freedom of the country,” says Kenneth Mitchell.
Ventura Inn & Suites is located on Clarence Street, in the heart of Hamilton City.
Contact Ventura Inn & Suites:
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
23 Clarence St, Hamilton
Ph: +64 7 838 0110
Email: reservations@venturainns.co.nz
Website: http://www.venturainns.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VenturaHamilton/
Contact MediaPA:
Phone: 0274 587 724
Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz
Website: www.mediapa.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA
Twitter: twitter.com/NZ_MediaPA
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/NZMediaPA