The Waikato Region is a land of contrasts. The mighty Waikato River flows through the centre of the region - this river is the longest in New Zealand. 
The towns of Cambridge, Ngaruawhia, Huntly and the city of Hamilton are built on its banks. Extending approximately 30km from either bank is a large fertile basin which is intensively farmed with Diary Cattle and Racehorses.
To the west an area of steeper hill country forms a barrier between the Waikato Basin and the wild West Coast. The sparsely populated, almost wilderness harbours of Raglan, Aotea and Kawhia lie here.
This area of New Zealand is one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world.
Hamilton is the largest city in the region and is also the largest inland city in New Zealand. Overall Hamilton is the 4th largest city in the country with a population of approximately 106,000 people and is only 127km south of Auckland.
While agriculture is the dominant industry in Hamilton, other sectors of industry are catching up and providing more diverse business opportunities.
Beneath the rolling green hills of the Waikato are the Waitomo Caves offering visitors all kinds of exciting underground caving adventures. Another area of interest to the the traveller is the small town of Raglan, which has a world class surf break and is noted for its unusually long rides and is part of Surfings world circuit.
