Summer is probably the best time to head on over to the Waikato - and judging by recent weeks, we are in for a hot summer!

Coming from Wellington, I never really knew what it meant to be in a still and hot climate until moving to Hamilton. It's one of the hottest places I've lived in, but I'm not sure if that is to do with my limited ability to tolerate hot weather.

But never fear, just go and cool off at Raglan, It's only a 30 minute drive from Hamilton, and home to what I would call New Zealand's best beach, and fish and chip shop.

Many people will not travel far on their holiday break. Why would they, when you're just a hop, skip and a jump away from the Coromandel - home of Waihi, Whitianga, Whangamata.

Whangamata is a hot spot for New Years Eve, and then there's the popular Coro Gold music festival in Whitianga which never ceases to amaze people.

Hamilton has often been dubbed the "city of the future", and while some may think otherwise, there's good reason to this.

First of all, Hamilton is home to one of New Zealand's biggest universities, Waikato University. They've won awards for their contribution to a more innovative New Zealand.

Waikato also has the biggest dairy sector in New Zealand, which we all know plays are big part in maintaining a healthy economy.

The region is also home to many sporting achievements. Olympic gold medal rowers train at Lake Karapiro.

Our Super Rugby team, the Chiefs, won the super test this year, and how about the Magic? Winning the ANZ championship netball certainly did us proud.

Waikato rugby also took home another favourite, the Ranfurly Shield.

But sport is not all the mighty Waikato has to offer.

If you're a Tolkein fan, why not pop on over to Matamata, aka Hobbiton, where you can go on tours of the Hobbit set.

And there's the cultural background - home of one of the biggest Maori tribes, Waikato-Tainui.

Drive through Ngaruawahia or Huntly for a glimpse of the Turangawaewae or Waahi Marae.

Take a stroll to see the glow worms in the Maungatautari ecological reserves.

The cafes in Hamilton are always buzzing - I've had some of the best hot chocolates and lattes here!

So - while people may have their certain reservations about the mighty Waikato, or at least Hamilton, it certainly is a great place to be. So much to do and see, I highly recommend a visit this summer.

By Sophia Duckor-Jones - Newstalk ZB's Waikato reporter

Photo: NZ Herald

What do you love about Waikato? Email your stories and photos to [email protected]