Winter’s only just kicking in now and cabin fever is already rearing its claustrophobic head. The best cure is to get outside. Pick one of those bracing cold days with no rain, wrap up warm with good, walking shoes and hit the parks. There’s plenty of not-so-wild walks to enjoy with children in the Waikato Region. The Top Five walks to bust those winter blues and enjoy a few hours out with family and friends are:
Hamilton Gardens - with its walkways, series of exotic and incredible themed gardens make for a fun filled day at the park. The comfortable café offers all kinds of food and drinks to warm away any chills before you go and explore the world class Italian, Indian, Japanese, Kitchen herb, Contemporary, and fantasy gardens with much, much more to indulge in. https://hamiltongardens.co.nz/
Waitomo Caves - explore the delight of glow worms in the caves at Waitomo. Take the children for a fascinating experience. There’s a boat ride too that really gets you amongst it and well worth gliding along under those glowing worms. The good news is that if it rains outside you are sheltered inside the caves! https://www.waitomo.com/
Walking Tacks - or take a bike ride on the hundreds of kilometres of cycling and walking tracks throughout the Waikato region. You’ll get to enjoy different parts of the area and indulge in the beautiful native bush and scenery along the way. Plenty of local cafes for a hot coffee or lunch to break up the day too. https://www.waikatonz.com/experiences/walking-hiking-trails/top-11-waikato-walking-trails/
Cambridge Gardens - with a walk around Te Koutu Lake domain in the heart of the town. Plenty of well-formed pathways around the upper road and down into the park and through the bush itself. Watch the ducks and enjoy a relaxing time at one of the nearby cafes in the area. Or set off on a Saturday or Sunday mornings when local farmers and craft markets are in full swing. Check local media for details) https://www.waikatonz.com/experiences/walking-hiking-trails/lake-te-koutu/
Maungakawa Mountain - and take a walk through the reserve with its well laid out paths and good timber bridges and steps up and down the hill side. In 1858 Daniel Thornton purchased 10,000 acres and after his death his wife Sophia built a magnificent home which became a sanitorium in 1903 and a place for convalescing soldiers from both World Wars until the home was subsequently destroyed. Plaques on the original house site provide some insight and information about the history or the area. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/waikato/places/maungakawa-scenic-reserve/
Compiled and written by local Author Nicky Webber https://www.facebook.com/nickywebbernz
Entry to Hamilton’s amazing themed gardens from around the world. A MUST VISIT destination.
Kissing a Scarecrow statue at one of many themed landscapes at Hamilton Gardens
Walkway at Maungakawa Forest Reserve just outside Cambridge
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