Waikato

Raglan’s town centre revolves around the main road of Bow Street, where the majority of shops and eateries are spread evenly across both sides of the road, but it’s the beaches the region is best known for.

The city of Hamilton is small enough to negotiate with relative ease and large enough to satisfy those looking for a vibrant café scene and great shopping.

While the majority of travellers pass through without stopping, the Cambridge region is a destination in itself and well worth an extended stopover.

Each time I visit Raglan it comes up with more riches. In summer it's awash with pleasure seekers, surfers and sunlovers and the little seaside Waikato town has responded to the influx with some innovative ideas.

Have you ever been for a walk in native bush and wished you had someone knowledgeable to help identify plants and find out more about their qualities? Vivienne Haldane and her family were guided through the Pouakani Trust's magnificent forest near Mangakino and here's what they found.

Liz Light took the road less travelled from Otorohanga to Raglan. These are some of the highlights.

Paula stopped in the Waikato region for a taste of what is said to be the ‘world’s purest tea’ and found her inner Zen.

Cameron Officer takes a long weekend break with a difference. The Hobbit Trilogy tour offers a unique blend of activities in a condensed corner of the world. Much like the Mighty Jackpot we sampled the tour in, a lot can certainly fit into a little.