The Waikato… A Region To Explore
21/10/2025The Waikato region has genuinely become a destination for all groups of travellers…families, groups, couples and the lone traveller alike.
Why? Because of the extensive variety of what there is to do in the region? Yes! Because of it’s proximity to bigger travel hubs? Yes! Auckland and Tauranga to name two. And, most recently, it’s link with the ‘outside world’ with direct flights from Australia reinstated after too long an absence by the friendly people at Jetstar Airways!
The Waikato has some of the most diverse attractions in the country and we shine the light on the main ones in this issue along with regional destinations within The mighty Waikato region; plus, to make your stay that little bit longer, a focus on the places to stay.
No longer is The Waikato an area on the map for you to drive through to get to another destination. Believe me, I know the heart and soul of this region…even though I only moved here eight years ago!
Hamilton Gardens: is a must-see attraction all year-round, displaying 45 hectares of gardens and parklands for visitors ready to Uncover the delights of 18 beautiful and inspiring Enclosed Gardens, each with stories spanning 4,000 years.
Discover a hidden gem right in the heart of the Waikato, from ancient Egypt to a 21st century Concept Garden. Unlike any botanical garden, this unique attraction is rated among the top three things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on TripAdvisor.
Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens by taking one of their tours. Whether you’re a first-time curious newcomer, avid garden explorer, returning visitor or a seasoned enthusiast you will love taking a journey with their friendly and knowledgeable guides. This immersive journey unveils fascinating tales, discovering the cultural significance woven into every petal and pathway, or opt for an Audio Guide to enjoy a narrated journey through the ages and across the continents, exploring at your own pace over a few hours, half a day or a full day.
Use the Hamilton Gardens map. The map is the perfect guide to help you explore and navigate the wonders of all 18 Enclosed Gardens, the Outer Gardens, the Hamilton Gardens Cafe, Playground and the other key points of interest.
Admission: to the Enclosed Gardens requires a paid entry fee for visitors who live outside of Hamilton, with children under 16 years of age free.
Travel Times: One hour and 25 minutes from Auckland Airport, Rotorua and Tauranga. One hour from Waitomo Caves. 45 minutes from from Hobbiton™ Movie Set. 15 minutes from Hamilton Airport and five minutes from central Hamilton.
Hamilton Zoo: Step into the Hamilton Zoo is the destination for a memorable day out. At Hamilton Zoo, every moment is an opportunity for education, inspiration and action.
As the North Island’s largest zoo, located just moments from Hamilton’s city centre, this 25-hectare haven is home to over 450 exotic and native animals. From majestic tigers and inquisitive chimpanzees to native birds and reptiles, visitors are invited to connect with the wonders of nature. The purpose is to educate and ignite understanding, and whether you’re curious, passionate or just looking for something fun to do, your visit matters.
Featuring the largest free-flight aviary in New Zealand dedicated to native birds and plants, there’s always something new to explore. Connect with the animals up close and learn more about their counterparts in the wild and how you can make a difference to their survival.
Step into the wild with Hamilton Zoo’s Animal Encounters. These are immersive experiences that bring you face to face with some incredible animals. Led by expert keepers, these encounters promise not only a closer look but also a chance to truly dive deeper into the lives of some of Hamilton Zoo’s most captivating residents. Additionally, these unforgettable experiences contribute directly to vital conservation efforts, with 80% of your purchase supporting the species at Hamilton Zoo and their counterparts in the wild.
Hamilton Zoo plays an important role in connecting people with nature and conservation, providing fun experiences that inform and educate visitors, and participate in breeding programmes for endangered species, as well as undertaking conservation and research projects and rehabilitation for precious native animals. Admission: Adult, Child and Group Rates as well as Animal Encounter tickets are available along with a Family Day Pass (2 adults/4 children).
Travel Times: 25 kilometres from Hamilton Airport. Seven kilometres from central Hamilton, Eight kilometres from Hamilton Bus Terminal:
Waikato Museum: On the banks of the Waikato River, in the heart of the Hamilton cultural precinct, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery provides a rich experience of the arts and culture of Hamilton and the Waikato region.
Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit and experience visual stories and guided activities that bring art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire visitors.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery offers a wide range of exhibitions, special events and even a kids’ zone, Exscite (nominal admission cost). It is an interactive centre for discovery with a hands-on space where children can play and learn through tactile and immersive surroundings. You’ll find something to inspire the whole family here at the Waikato’s largest regional museum and art gallery.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery preserves and cares for more than 30,000 objects. Discover some of the incredible treasures, which are held in their visual arts, social history, tangata whenua and science collections.
Admission: Open from 10am to 5pm every day (except 25 December) entry is free.
Travel Times: 30 minutes drive from Hamilton Airport. Located in Central Hamilton City.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari: Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve is the largest ecological ‘island’ on mainland New Zealand. A haven for native wildlife and plants such as kiwi, kokako, tuatara and more, Maungatautari also provides great walking and hiking tracks.
The Southern Enclosure: offers five walks varying from 30 minutes to two hours and provides some of the best bird watching opportunities on the mountain. The walks feature a bird feeding area where visitors can watch the kaka and other birds as they come to feed, view weta boxes and climb the Canopy Tower which takes visitors 16 metres up into the treetops of the forest canopy.
Guided Walks: Day and after-dark night walks are also on offer by appointment. Learn all about the Sanctuary Mountain project and the history of Maungatautari with a guided tour of the Southern Enclosure. Guided tours provide the opportunity to learn about indigenous plants, the numerous bird species that call the mountain home, plus much more. A guided nighttime walk will open up a completely different world of this ancient forest. Tours allow visitors to see curtains of glowworms, native crayfish, weta and listen for the call of the Kiwi.
The Northern Enclosure: is a smaller section but is of great significance as this area is where the conservation work started. Walks in the Northern Enclosure take around 30 minutes to one hour, showcasing some of the different fauna growing on the mountain and picturesque forest streams. There is also the Te Ara Tirohia Loop Track (meaning the viewing platform), which is 1.1kms long.
Walk over the Mountain: this is recommended for experienced trampers and will take most of the day (5-6 hours). For those suitably equipped this trek provides great views from Pukeatua Peak. If you are not familiar with the mountain it is advised that you seek advice before attempting this trek.
Admission: Open daily.
Travel Times: 26 kilometres from Cambridge.
www.waikatonz.com/walking-and-hiking-trails/sanctuary-mountain-maungatautari
www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/visit/walking-and-hiking-trails/over-the-mountain
Zealong Tea Estate: Widely regarded as a Waikato icon, Zealong Tea Estate is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand, producing 100% organic award-winning tea and a world-leading destination for tea, art and They offer serene views, a variety of function venues, Camellia Restaurant and tearoom, along with Zealong Guest House accommodation, gift shop, public activities and tours. Experience a multi-talented team dedicated to creating an extraordinary guest experience every day in an unrivalled setting.
At the Zealong Tea Room, indulge in their Signature High Tea, curated with a selection of handcrafted gourmet sweets and savouries. Enhance your experience with the perfect pairing of Zealong tea to a refreshing green, a floral oolong or a bold black. Make your visit even more memorable with a traditional tea tasting ceremony or a guided tour of their certified organic tea plantation.
Admission: Prices vary. Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Camellia Restaurant opening hours for lunch: Friday to Sunday, 11:30am – 2:30pm. For dinner: Friday/ Saturday, 6pm – 10pm.
Travel Times: One hour 15 minutes from Auckland Airport. 25 minutes from Hamilton Airport. 15 mins from Hamilton City.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours: Welcome to The Shire™, home of the Hobbiton™ Movie Set where The Lord of the Rings movie trilogies and The Hobbit were When location scouts found the Alexanders’ spectacular 1,250 acre sheep and beef farm just outside of Matamata, it was clear this would be the perfect setting for Sir Peter Jackson’s adaptation of these classic works by J.R.R. Tolkien.
For your own Middle-earth adventure, daily tours are available to visit the original Hobbiton™ Movie Set from. Your guided tour starts with a drive through the picturesque sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole™ doors that scatter the hillsides, including the iconic Bag End, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, before arriving at Bagshot Row™ for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home.
Continue along the pathways past The Millhouse, across the double-arch stone bridge and into the world-famous Green Dragon™ Inn, where you will enjoy a complimentary, exclusive beverage Hobbit™ Southfarthing™ range to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.
Tours to choose from include: a Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour, Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour + Lunch Combo, an Evening Banquet Tour, a Second Breakfast Tour, a Behind the Scenes Tour or take a Private Tour.
Admission: Tour prices start from NZ$120.00 (Adult)
Travel Times: 16 kilometres from Matamata. 42 kilometres from Hamilton Airport. 168 kilometres from Auckland Airport. 42 kilometres from Hamilton. 87 kilometres from Rotorua.
Te Aroha Mineral Spas: Soak in the natural, silky mineral water that has made Te Aroha famous for over 100 years. Relax and unwind in private wooden tubs, treat yourself to a beauty or massage treatment at the recently opened Domain House
Relax and unwind in their private wooden tubs filled with natural mineral water, which flows from the Mokena Geyser. Each mineral spa is in a private room with changing area and en-suite for ultimate relaxation. For your comfort you can adjust the temperature of the spa.
Treat someone special to a Birthday Package or Romance Package with all the added extras including a candlelit room and take home gift. The facility is set at the base of Mt. Te Aroha in the beautiful Edwardian style Te Aroha Domain. For your safety remember to always bring a friend, there is a minimum of two adults per spa.
Experienced spa therapists offer a wide range of luxurious, massage and beauty treatments. Please note if you’re booking a spa and treatment they highly recommend booking the spa before the treatment. They also recommend leaving 30 minutes between the end of your spa and beginning of your treatment time.
Admission: Spa packages start from NZ$24.00 (Adult)
Travel Times: Two minute walk from central Te Aroha. One hour from Hamilton Airport. Two hours from Auckland Airport.
Te Awa River Ride: The scenic route weaves through rural and urban landscapes, taking in waterfalls and historic Maori sites as well as trendy shops and cafés.
Bike riders can take in the full beauty of the Waikato River with a two-hour cycle journey from Hamilton Gardens all the way to Ngāruawāhia and between Cambridge and Lake Karapiro. The track is primarily wide, smooth and largely flat making Te Awa suitable for cyclists of all fitness and experience levels. The full trail stretches along the Waikato River, from Ngaruawahia in the north to Karapiro in the south.
Highlights:
- River views and a mix of rural and urban landscapes
- Wide track suitable for social riding
- Stunning views of Lake Karapiro and a 400 metre boardwalk around the edge of the lake
- Perry Bridge – an iconic 120 metre cycle/walk suspension bridge at Horotiu
Bike and shuttle hire is available from River Riders or Riverside Adventures who service the entire trail.
Admission: Open all year and suitable for most riders (Free).
Travel Times: 65 kilometres ride between Ngāruawāhia and Karapiro,
20 kilometres south of the Mighty River Domain at Lake Karapiro.
MADE Market: A market, eatery and lifestyle destination in the heart of Hamilton East, Hamilton’s newest urban precinct is home to a diverse hub of bustling retailers, foodies, creators and artisan vendors housed in refurbished buildings, which provide an opportunity to host some of Waikato’s most creative makers and MADE is an exciting new development featuring a seven-day indoor market of fresh local produce and handmade goods, alongside a vibrant quarter of boutique retail, including a specialty liquor store and tasting room, as well as a variety of eateries, restaurants and bars. MADE is a unique destination for both the local community and visitors to enjoy.
Eat & Drinks: such as coffee, brunch, dinner, dessert, drinks or dine-in/ take-out are split into four different areas: MADE Mezzanine (2 outlets), MADE Mess Hall (8 outlets), MADE Market (7 outlets) and MADE Sheds (2 outlets).
Shop & Do: such as Health, Beauty, Shopping, Entertainment and Activities are split into four different areas: MADE Mezzanine (5 outlets), MADE Mess Hall (2 outlets), MADE Market (4 outlets) and MADE Sheds (2 outlets).
The Larder is a retail space nestled within MADE Market, and represents a collective of New Zealand artisan businesses. This community of merchants offers a variety of pantry goods, fresh produce, beverages and other household items. The Larder provides smaller-scale or start-up businesses a cost-effective opportunity to showcase themselves through a permanent retail space. The Larder is staffed by the community of merchants, providing customers the opportunity to interact with the maker directly and sample their goods.
Admission: Open 7 Days
- MADE Market: Mon – Sat 7:00am – 5:00pm. Sun 7:00am – 4:00pm. All vendors open by 10:00am
- MADE Mezzanine: Mon – Sat 9:30am – 5:00pm. Sun 10:00am – 4:00pm
- MADE Mess Hall: 11:00am – until late
- MADE Sheds: Opening hours differ for individual operators
Travel Times: Getting to MADE is simple – on foot, bicycle, car or public transport. Conveniently located in the heart of Hamilton East with bus stops and ample customer car parking right on its doorstep.
Camjet – Cambridge Jet Boat Tours: The 45 minute Extreme Jet Boat Tour is a breathtaking adrenaline rush to the base of the Karapiro Dam and back to Cambridge, which includes three sets of rapids, two waterfalls and 360 degree spins.
This is a unique opportunity to visit the Karapiro Dam and see some of the amazing native bush and bird life in the Cambridge River Gorge. Ideal for your whole family or anyone who likes adventure, fun, speed or scenery. Speeding up the mighty Waikato River in a 450 hp V8 Jet Boat is going to get the heart pumping, adrenaline flowing and the faces smiling. If you are a thrill seeking adrenaline junkie then this is for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a game of golf, followed by a browse round a picturesque town and a latte, or a visit to the close by Hobbiton™ Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings, then give the team at Camjet Cambridge Jet Boat Tours a call as they have a quiet cruise up the beautiful Waikato River.
Admission: Open six days a week Monday to Saturday 8 am to 6 pm, first tour 9 am and last tour 4 pm.
Travel Times: Five minute walk from Cambridge town centre. 19.6 kilometres (20 minute) drive from Hamilton Airport. 131 kilometres (95 minutes) drive from Auckland International Airport.
www.waikatonz.com/experiences/camjet-cambridge-jet-boat-tours
Cambridge: Often called the town of trees and champions, Cambridge is admired for its leafy streets, heritage buildings, antique shops, eateries and its winners – not only the gold medal cyclists that train at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome and the rowers at Lake Karapiro, but also the successful race horses bred at nearby thoroughbred stud farms.
There’s a lot to like about the Waikato town of Cambridge. Add to the mix that this is also the town of spirited champions, both equine and human, and it’s surrounded by beautiful countryside, and you have the Cambridge that is so irresistible visitors wish they had planned to stay longer and many return…again and again.
Top 10 highlights when visiting Cambridge:
- Cambridge Township
- Lake Karapiro
- Te Awa River Ride
- Lake Te Koo Utu
- Grassroots Trust Velodrome
- Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
- Gourmet Delights
- Galleries and Shopping
- Cambridge Farmers Market
- Cam Jet BoatTours
www.waikatonz.com/places-to-go/cambridge
Raglan: Located on the rugged western coastline of the Waikato, Raglan is known for its beautiful scenery and the laid-back vibe that is thanks, in part, to the residents who are mostly into sustainable lifestyles, many of them creative painters, potters, poets and the like.
With its black sand, fine surfing, tranquil harbour and laidback vibe, Raglan is a unique and relatively unknown slice of Kiwi heaven. With world-class surf breaks and some of the most consistent surfing conditions in New Zealand, Raglan is a surfing hot spot.
Top 10 highlights when visiting Raglan:
- Surfing
- Kayaking & Paddle boarding
- Bridal Veil Falls
- Raglan Boat Charters
- Fish and Chips
- Arts and Crafts
- Karioi and Te Toto Gorge
- Cycle Trails
- Gourmet Delights
- Sunsets and Beaches
Top Accommodation Options:
1 – Hidden Lake Hotel, Cambridge:
Bordering Lakewood Cambridge, Hidden Lake Hotel blends modernity with heritage architecture to reveal a new style of Waikato accommodation, dining and bar.
Hidden Lake is a luxury hotel with a broad palette of natural, sustainable and design aesthetics. Comfort is defined in its leisurely manner. Rooms and apartments reflect the woodland setting with floor to ceiling windows and splashes of colour. Features and facilities show creative flair and a commitment to sustainability. Organic produce is a passion. The expansive barn-like shops, cafes and heritage spaces of Lakewood characterise this astonishing and unique destination, with pathways leading into the Waikato right outside the door.
Guest Rooms and Apartments: Lake View or Village View (studio room or apartment) Hidden Lake Hotel has been designed for comfort and built to take advantage of its countryside setting. You’ll find luxury fittings, generous desk spaces and lumbar support chairs. There are walk-in showers with some stand-alone baths. Electrical outlets are conveniently placed with two USB charging stations. King size beds are standard with two queen size beds for singles. Apartments are fully self-contained and in-room mini-bars introduce local ingredients.
Facilities: Spa overlooking the domain reserve, D’Arcy’s Garden Restaurant, Club Lounge and Bar, Fitness Gym with 24 hour access, complimentary car parking
Travel Times: Four minute walk to Cambridge CBD. Eighteen minutes to Hamilton Airport. One hour 45 minutes to Auckland International Airport.
www.waikatonz.com/accommodation/hidden-lake-hotel-and-apartments/
2 – Novotel Hamilton Tainui: is perfectly located in the heart of Hamilton’s dynamic CBD, with only a short distance to Hamilton’s attractions and entertainment, easy access to the airport and the best of the city at your doorstep.
Make yourself at home in 4.5-star comfort at Novotel Hamilton Tainui hotel located in the city centre on the banks of the Waikato River. Start your day fresh with breakfast from the buffet in the light-filled stylish restaurant or on the terrace adjacent to the Waikato River. Contemporary decor and natural light will make your room a haven whether you’re visiting for business or leisure.
Guest Rooms and Suites: The hotel provides 217 well-equipped Superior Rooms in a one king size bed or two double bed configuration.
Facilities: Featuring adequate onsite parking, gym, sauna, restaurant and bar, as well as extensive conference facilities for up to 300 delegates.
Travel Times: Hamilton CBD location.
20 minutes from Hamilton Airport. One hour 45 minutes from Auckland Airport.
