Waikato Day Tripper

A travel blog about slow travel in New Zealand. In particular, soulful travel in the green heartland of New Zealand’s North Island. Written by a local.
Kia ora and welcome, friend. You’ve come a long way to get here. Take your time and connect with the real New Zealand.

stay in touch

Sign up for my newsletter

About me

Hi, I’m Alice. I’m the writer of this blog about slow travel in the Waikato region of the North Island of New Zealand.

There are so many great places to explore here. Lakes, rivers, eco-sanctuaries, gardens, caves, waterfalls and more. I’m sure you’ll find plenty to inspire you.

The Waikato has been my home for nearly 20 years, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.

I especially love the kind of journey that lets me venture out for the day and sleep in a comfortable bed at night.

I enjoy day trips, easy bike rides, walking in nature, thermal pools, gardens and local food. And playing music with my friends on the river bank on a summer afternoon.

Start reading here…

Return to Hobbiton

In which two old hobbits discover whether Hobbiton is worth visiting.

Trees with dark brown branches and dark green leaves in foreground on left, trees with lighter green leaves on right. In centre of photo in the distance is a waterfall, with cloudy white water falling from the top to the bottom of the image.

Welcome to jet lag

Jet lag is pretty much guaranteed when you arrive in New Zealand. Here’s how to stop it ruining the beginning of your holiday.

Grey-turquoise statues of Alice in Wonderland in centre holding tea cup with March Hare with big ears at left and Mad Hatter wearing top hat holding tea cup at right. Tea pots and tea cups at their feet. In background brown and green hedge.

Gardens of surprise

What’s to see at Hamilton Gardens? Check out some of my favourite places.

Latest posts on the Waikato Day Tripper