Waikato Peaceful pictures

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From an old gold-mining town, Thames has turned into a quaint little oasis. All is not as mellow as it seems though…

It’s all about the water at this laid-back coastal town on Mercury Bay where you can explore beautiful beaches, including one that’s naturally heated, and fascinating coves.

Experience a strange volcanic landscape where steam clouds swirl in the air and mud pools pop and boil beneath your feet.

Walk through a volcanic landscape to see large silica terraces, mud pools and the only geothermal cave in New Zealand.

The power of nature is unleashed when dam gates open and a torrent of water surges along the riverbed.

Named one of New Zealand’s most scenic bike trails, this is a fun and energetic way to explore the Paeroa area and its mining history.

Named one of New Zealand’s most scenic bike trails, this is a fun and energetic way to explore the Paeroa area and its mining history.

Named one of New Zealand’s most scenic bike trails, this is a fun and energetic way to explore the Paeroa area and its mining history.

Hamilton has the appeal of a country town and the cultural attractions of a city, and is close to many of New Zealand’s popular attractions on the North Island.

It’s all about the water at this laid-back coastal town on Mercury Bay where you can explore beautiful beaches, including one that’s naturally heated, and fascinating coves.

From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of colour in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise.

The power of nature is unleashed when dam gates open and a torrent of water surges along the riverbed.

Ride on a narrow gauge railway, check out the artistic pottery, marvel at the tunnels and bridges and take in the panoramic views of this Coromandel attraction.

Ride on a narrow gauge railway, check out the artistic pottery, marvel at the tunnels and bridges and take in the panoramic views of this Coromandel attraction.

Set in a geothermal landscape, overlooking New Zealand’s largest lake, it’s only logical that Taupo is a hot item on the North Island’s tourist trail.