Ngaruawahia, New Zealand

NGARUAWAHIA, a farming centre at the junction of the Waikato and Waipa rivers, is the most culturally significant spot between Auckland and Hamilton. Both rivers were important Maori canoe routes and the area has long held great significance for Maori: it is here that the King Movement has its roots. The town is home to the Maori king and was the scene of the signing of the Raupatu Land Settlement (1995), whereby the government agreed to compensate Tainui for land confiscated in the 1860s. The Maori heritage is most evident on Regatta Day (the closest Saturday to March 17) when, watched by the Maori king, a parade of great war canoes takes place along the two rivers, and hurdle races and the like are run at the Turangawaewae Marae (open only on Regatta Day) on River Road, off SH1 just north of the river bridge.