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Waikato Valley

New Zealand's longest river winds through this peaceful and fertile farming valley only an hour from Auckland ...

The Waikato is New Zealand's longest river and the surrounding region has many attractions for the visitor.  The river itself winds gracefully through some of the best dairy (=milking cows) land in New Zealand.  Ngaruawahia is famous as the home of the Maori Kings and Queens and there are many historic sites of great battles and important Maori events and places in the area.  The city of Hamilton has an excellent museum and university along with top shopping and  dining options.  You can take a cruise on the river on the MV Waipa Delta.   Further south are Otorohanga with its huge Kiwi house and native bird aviary, Te Awamutu, famous for its rose gardens, and the underground wonderland of Waitomo Caves (see separate section).  To the west is New Zealand's best surf beach, Raglan. 

Mercer cheese factory, between Auckland and Hamilton
Mercer cheese factory, between Auckland and Hamilton

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