Waitomo District

The Waitomo District is a district in the west of New Zealand's North Island. It is located mostly in the Waikato region, although the eastern part is officially attributed to the Manawatu -Wanganui region. Administrative headquarters of the district is Te Kuiti.

Geography

To the north of Otorohanga District follows, in the far east bordering the Taupo Waitomo District, during the Ruapehu District and the New Plymouth District form the southern border. The entire west coast is the Tasman Sea.

The whole district is dominated by gentle hills, which is mainly down to the coast a bit more mountainous - here the Hakarimata begins Range. The hinterland rises in the east then slightly, large portions of the adjacent district are already expected to Central Volcanic Plateau.

Population

The district suffered from 1996 to 2001 a population decline of about 1.2 %. Of the nearly 10,000 inhabitants, about 4200 people live in Te Kuiti. Apart from this village not a settlement with more than 500 inhabitants exist in the district. 37 % of residents expect to the tribe of the Maori.

Economy

In the economy of the district agriculture plays an extremely important role. Here outweigh forestry and raising sheep. Not in vain Te Kuiti decorated with the title "Capital of Schafscherens ". In addition, limestone is mined in the district.

The limestone deposits are not only important for the breakdown, but assist the district to attract even more attractive as a tourist destination. They wore namely also to the emergence of the Waitomo Caves in, a collection of different caves, which are a popular destination for tourists.