Amidst the green, rolling hills of Waikato is the incredible Hobbiton movie set from Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Here’s what to expect in Hobbiton, New Zealand. Sign up to our free newsletter here for more travel inspiration. You also get your own copy of our travel … Read more
Standing like an island in the green sea of the Waikato wilderness, Sanctuary Mountain is the ultimate nature reserve for native New Zealand flora and fauna. Hiking the trails throughout this mountain haven is like stepping back in time to an era before humans ever came here. Since 1912, Maungatautari – the Maori name for … Read more
In the heart of Hamilton, New Zealand – not far from the mighty Waikato River – is a church. It has stained glass windows, lofty ceilings and an altar of stainless steel. But its ministers are irreverent, its pious parishioners are free-spirited and its deity comes in a pint glass. Welcome to Good George Brewing … Read more
Is there anything better than a good cuppa? From the humble cup of rosie to the elegant authority of a pot of perfectly steeped oolong, there’s something about tea. But when you visit a place like Zealong Estate in Waikato, New Zealand, tea takes on a whole new flavour. Tea isn’t the first thing that … Read more
As far from the Old World as you can get, the Henley Hotel in Cambridge, New Zealand mixes the charm and luxury of an English country manor with the spritely nuance of the world’s youngest nation. It’s also but a hobbit’s throw from Bag End and the Hobbiton movie set. At the end of its … Read more
Hiding deep under the rolling hills of the North Island’s Waikato region are caverns, cave systems filled with the light of a million glowworms and the roar of subterranean rivers. Thankfully there’s a way for us all to see this mysterious side to New Zealand. Christina frowns at me. I can tell I still haven’t … Read more