Port Waikato is a beautiful sleepy beachy holiday town on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Dotted with batches and holiday homes Port Waikato features a long sweeping surf beach, acres of sand dunes and calm estuary waters surrounding the wide river mouth.

Port Waikato is the place where New Zealand’s longest River - the mighty Waikato - finally enters the Tasman sea. The Waikato River is perhaps best known for creating the majestic Huka Falls near its source at Lake Taupo.

Originally a fishing port and shipping yard its peaceful location, long sweeping beaches and sand dunes have seen Port Waikato become the popular holiday destination it is today.

Featuring the characteristic black sand of the west coast, the Port Waikato beach runs from the popular surfing and swimming spot of Sunset Beach to the sand spit at the mighty rivers mouth. There are acres of sand dunes to explore and great fishing to be had from the beaches and river banks.

Just inland from the coast the river mouth forms sweeping tidal estuaries. These calm waters and sand flats offer fun for young families looking for a safe place for littlies to splash and play, paddling in your canoe, waterski or just potter about in your dingy with a fishing rod.

The coast line has much to offer too. Explore the rocks for fossils or take a walk to the seal colony.

For the adventurous a day trip underground to the Nikau Glowworm Caves is a must.

But perhaps Port Waikato’s best feature is its proximity to both Auckland and Hamilton. Only one hour from the Auckland International Airport, Port Waikato is practically on your doorstep.

So escape the rat race, get some sand between your toes and discover all the delights that are Port Waikato.