Nestled in lush countryside, the Waikato region is located in the central North Island of New Zealand.  It is easily accessed from Auckland or Rotorua, and is a "hidden gem" set in rolling countryside between the West Coast and the Coromandel and Kaimai mountain ranges. 

From the greener than green pastures of Cambridge and Matamata (Middle Earth) it stretches to the wild West Coast surf beaches of Raglan.

Hamilton, the Waikato's main city, is 129 kilometres south of Auckland, a journey which takes about one and a half hours by car using state highway 1.

The roads are excellent all the way, with good passing lanes and small towns in which to take a break on your journey.

Coming from Rotorua in the south, Hamilton is just over an hour's car journey on state Highways 1 and 5.

Microtel Backpacker Hostel accommodation is located on the main road into Hamilton travelling from Auckland.