The finer things in life

Leg 1: Hamilton to Te Aroha via Morrinsville

Depart Hamilton along State Highway 26 towards Morrinsville, a service town for the local farming community (30 mins)

• Stop at Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Trail. Allow 1-2 hours.
• Follow the Heritage Trail with a map from the information centre. The walk showcases 21 sites including the historic Nottingham Castle Hotel.
• Discover the creativity in the town by following the arts trail
• Visit Morrin Museum, Lorne St (open 1.30-4pm Sun, Mon, Tue), with a focus on the pioneering and farming past.

Drive on to Te Aroha (15-20 mins), an Edwardian spa town at the base of Mt Te Aroha well known for its hot pools and biking and hiking tracks

• Picnic in the lovely Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain.
• See the Mokena Geyser (the world’s only hot soda water geyser).
• Soak in mineral spa pools, with a choice of luxurious private baths or spas.
• Follow the Heritage trail around the historic buildings and monuments.
• Visit Te Aroha museum, in the historic Cadman building on the domain grounds (open seven days).
• Take one of the many excellent hiking and mountain bike tracks.
• Travel to the top of magical Mt Te Aroha the easy way with Mountain High, River Wide tours, departing from i-SITE.

Overnight in or around Te Aroha.

Leg 2: Te Aroha to Matamata

Head south to Matamata (35 mins), well known for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tours, award-winning cheese and geothermal springs.

Options include:

• Visit the Firth Tower Estate and Museum, an eccentric building set amidst lovely gardens (closed Tue, Wed).
• Go bush and see the Wairere Falls – allowing two hours to complete the first and second lookouts with wonderful views of the 153 metre-high falls as well as of the Waikato basin.
• Have lunch at Kaimai Cheese, watch the cheese making process and sample some of its fine cheeses, from bocconcini to havarti (open seven days, 8am-4pm).
• Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm for an insight into the genius of Peter Jackson and a rural experience, about 15 minutes south of town – tours depart from the local i-SITE

Stay overnight at a farm stay or accommodation in town.

Leg 3: Matamata to Cambridge via Karapiro

Head to Cambridge (40 mins). Known as “The Town of Trees” Cambridge offers visitors some old English charm with all the modern creature comforts.

Options include:

• Shopping for the antiques, art and craft – there are several outlets in and around the town centre.
• Take your pick from the fine cafes and restaurants with some street side dining in the sun.
• Follow the sporting walk of fame, as it pays tribute to the town’s many Olympians.
• Learn about the town’s history with a visit to the museum in the old courthouse building near the Waikato River (open seven days).
• Just a short drive away is Inspirit Gallery which sells fine art and sculptures, and Mystery Creek Wines with the leading Woodbox restaurant.
• Take the short drive up Maungakawa, which was once the site of a TB sanatorium and is the perfect setting for a picnic.
• Visit picturesque Lake Karapiro – home of the World Rowing Championships 2010 (15 mins from Cambridge).
• Take in the stunning views of Lake Karapiro on a relaxing cruise aboard the Karapiro Cruiser.

Stay overnight in Cambridge or drive back to Hamilton (approx 20 mins up SH1).