Transport
Airport: There are several airports in the Waikato region, the largest of which is Hamilton International Airport which serves both domestic and international flights. There are direct flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and regular flights to other destinations throughout the North Island. As of 1 September 2009, Pacific Blue now offers three international flights a week, to and from Brisbane and Sydney. There are other airports at Taupo, Matarangi, Pauanui, Raglan, Thames, Tokoroa, Whitianga.
Roads: Hamilton is about 130km (80 miles) south of Auckland. It sits at a major road and rail nexus in the centre of the Waikato basin. Cars are the transport medium of choice in this flat, sprawling city and throughout the entire region. New Zealand's main road artery, State Highway 1, runs through several of Hamilton's suburbs and connects with State Highway 3 within the city boundaries. Taupo is served by State Highways SH 1 and SH 5, and the Thermal Explorer Highway touring route. All three highways run concurrently for 11 km from Wairakei in the north, along Tongariro Street and Lake Terrace, to southern Taupo.
Buses: An extensive bus network provides coverage of Hamilton City. Many routes extend radially from the central business district, while two ring routes encompass the central business district and the outer suburbs. A lot of the smaller areas have buses but you will need to check locally. Taupo also has great bus links.
Ferries: Check out www.hamiltoninfo.co.nz for local boat hireage and any other Waikato information.
Train: Hamilton is the railway junction of the East Coast Main Trunk line with the North Island. Rail passengers are served by a large station located at Frankton Junction, but rail passenger services are currently (2009) limited to The Overlander, a (mostly) daily service which operates between Auckland and Wellington, and is aimed primarily at tourists. Hamilton's rail network serves as a major hub for the distribution of dairy products to the ports of Auckland and Tauranga. This hub is located at Crawford St. Hamilton also has an underground station in the central city located in a tunnel which runs from the Claudelands Rail Bridge through to Ward Park and is currently disused.
Cycling: Hamilton has extensive cycleways that link the city centre with the outlying suburbs. These cycleways consist of a mixture of dedicated cycle lanes and mixed use cycle/walk ways. Most small towns are great to cycle around and you can check out cycle tours online. Taupo has fantastic cycling and if you are into mountain biking Lake Taupo has over 80km of purpose-cut mountain biking tracks.
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