The Waikato is a region of the North Island of New Zealand that lies south of Auckland and is named for the Waikato river, that traverses its length. The Waikato river has several hydroelectric dams and the manmade lakes behind them are used for a range of water sports.
Coromandel Forest Park
Coromandel Forest Park
Coromandel Forest Park
This area is partly agricultural, with dairying being the major agri-industry. There are areas of incredible natural value - such as Coromandel Peninsula, Mt Pirongia and Waitomo.
Tairua Road
Spring of the Northland
Mt Paku
The Coromandel Peninsula is on the north-eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Fabulous golden and white sand beaches with magnificent coastal scenery, a rugged forest cloaked interior waiting to be explored, are just some of the natural attractions that have people returning to The Coromandel time after time. The Peninsula separates the Hauraki Gulf and coasts around Auckland from the Bay of Plenty. It is a popular holiday destination and can get very busy during the summer months.
Cathedral Cove Adventures
Cathedral Cove Adventures
Cathedral Cove Adventures
Cathedral Cove Adventures
Road to Tauranga
Home in Tauranga
Matamata
Hobbiton Farm
The Hobbiton Movie Set was a significant location used for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film trilogy. The underlying geology of the area is that of the Hinuera Formation, a group of alluvial silts, sands and gravels laid down in the last glacial period. Originally largely marshland, it was transformed in the 19th century by a large-scale drainage scheme and is now fertile agricultural land that is also a major racehorse breeding area.
Visitor centre
Hobbiton Movie Set
Interior of the Green Dragon inn
Peter Jackson said of the set, "It felt as if you could open the circular green door of Bag End and find Bilbo Baggins inside"
Hobbit holes overlooking the lake on the set
Hobbiton Village
