{"id":947,"date":"2018-05-23T02:17:34","date_gmt":"2018-05-23T02:17:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.confer.nz\/pam2019\/?page_id=947"},"modified":"2018-08-10T03:21:01","modified_gmt":"2018-08-10T03:21:01","slug":"region-activities","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.confer.nz\/pam2019\/region-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"Region & Activities"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\t\tHamilton & Waikato Region
\n\t<\/h1>\n

From long stretching beaches and a thriving metropolitan city to underground wonders and Middle-earth movie magic, the Hamilton & Waikato region\u2019s diversity provides endless options for any business event.
\nSituated in the heart of the North Island, the Hamilton & Waikato region offers something for everyone. Rich in natural wonders, the area encompasses New Zealand\u2019s fourth largest city, the country\u2019s longest river, Hobbiton Movie Set, and the world famous Waitomo Caves.<\/p>\n

The region\u2019s diverse natural landscape offers a variety of activity options \u2013 surrounded by ancient mountains, long stretching plains give way to unmatched subterranean cave systems and black sand beaches of the rugged west coast. Great walking, hiking, and cycling trails lead to awe-inspiring views and beautiful waterfall finds, while native forests and rolling green hills are also prevalent throughout the region.<\/p>\n

Home to the Maori King, the cultural significance of the region is evident in the many taonga (treasures) of the Tainui tribe which adorn the local museums. Along with this proud Maori heritage, the region is also one of the country\u2019s and world\u2019s richest agricultural areas and is well-known as a centre for innovation and creativity across a wide range of industry and business sectors.<\/p>\n

The Hamilton & Waikato region is conveniently situated in close proximity to other activity hotspots and provides the perfect base from which to explore the central North Island. Several highways pass through the region including State Highway 1 taking in Hamilton City, Cambridge and Tirau, connecting to Auckland in the north and Taupo in the south. State Highway 3 takes in Waitomo along with neighbouring towns, Otorohanga and Te Kuiti. Air services operate through Hamilton International Airport, providing regular domestic flights to destinations throughout New Zealand.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tRegional Attractions
\n\t<\/h1>\n

\t\t\t\t\"Waikato<\/p>\n

Waikato Museum<\/h4>\n

Waikato Museum’s exhibitions, events and programmes tell our stories from a regional and global perspective, and include visual art, social history, tangata whenua and science\u00a0from touring exhibitions, and the museum\u2019s own collections.<\/p>\n

On the banks of the Waikato River, in the heart of Hamilton’s south-end cultural precinct, Waikato Museum’s 13 galleries feature\u00a0more than 25 new exhibitions and 100 public events annually. Through this interactive programme we aim to engage and inspire our local and international visitors.<\/p>\n

Highlights include the majestic war waka Te Winika, For Us They Fell, the Waikato WW1 story, \u00a0the fun hands-on science galleries for children; and our galleries which exhibit a rich blend of artworks.<\/p>\n

Waikato Museum website<\/a><\/p>\n

Waitomo Glowworm Caves<\/h4>\n

World-renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in the New Zealand vacation wish-list.<\/p>\n

The glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. T housands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves’ historical and geological significance.<\/p>\n

Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveller. Enjoy the world famous boat ride under thousands of magical glowworms and become a part of over 120 years of cultural and natural history.<\/p>\n

Waitomo website<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\"Waitomo
\n\t\t\t\t\"Hamilton<\/p>\n

Hamilton Gardens<\/h4>\n

Hamilton Gardens is\u00a0an award-winning destination\u00a0located halfway between Auckland and Rotorua, Auckland and Waitomo, and 45 minutes from Hobbiton.<\/p>\n

Hamilton Gardens is committed to a range of sustainable management practices including:<\/p>\n