The Waikato area of New Zealand’s North Island is full of awesome sights to see and activities to do. Several main towns are dotted throughout the region as well as smaller settlements. Here’s a post to give you ideas of where you can go in the Waikato and what to do when you get there.
What to do in Cambridge
Cambridge is a beautiful historic town amid rural surrounds. The town is full of cafes, boutique shops and a central park where you can relax or picnic.
There’s a lot to choose from in Cambridge.
Sanctuary Mountain is an ancient, predator-free forest right here in the Waikato. The Visitor Centre is located on the Southern side of the mountain, just 30 minutes drive from Cambridge. At 3,363 hectares, Sanctuary Mountain is by far the largest pest-proof fenced project in the world. Be amazed at the ancient trees towering majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and bathe in the diversity of sights and sounds within the sanctuary. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.
The Sculpture Park might be of interest or the Cambridge Raceway, the ‘Trash ‘N’ Treasure Market’ at Memorial Park or head to Matamata to get on one of the legendary Hobbiton Tours.
The Farmers Market is held on Saturdays on the grassy Victoria Square from 8-12pm.
Cycle the countryside. If necessary, hire bikes from the local i-site in town opposite Victoria Square.
Mountain biking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, skiing, jet skiing and jet boating are all other active options close to town or at nearby Lake Karapiro.
If a slower pace is what you’re after, perhaps Cambridge Golf Course or Cambridge Mini Golf could fit the bill?
What to do in Coromandel
The Coromandel is a popular holiday destination of outstanding variety and beauty.
The forested ranges of The Pinnacles form the spine of The Coromandel Peninsula. You can explore these ranges on foot along the spectacular Pinnacles Track. It’s a popular day or overnight adventure and climbing to the summit first thing in the morning to catch the sun rising over 360-degree views of The Coromandel and beyond is breathtaking on a clear day. It takes roughly 3 hours to summit but is rocky and uphill most of the way.
Near Cathedral Cove lies a myriad of secluded sea caves, cliffs, blowholes, and coves. Take a boat cruise or snorkelling tour with Sea Cave Adventures or Cave Cruzer and explore the Orua Sea Cave which is a huge cavern with a small hole that lets through rays of sunlight. The morning sun reflecting off the water above and below in the cave is magical.
Nestled amongst regenerating native forest near Coromandel Town is Driving Creek Railway, a narrow-gorge mountain trail lined with unique and colourful pottery. Enjoy a scenic one-hour train ride up the hillside, where colossal views stretch out over the Hauraki Gulf and Islands.
Home to the richest gold mine in New Zealand, Waihi is steeped in hundreds of years of gold mining history. Discover the Gold Discovery Centre or journey deep into the gold mine itself on a Waihi Gold Mine Tour.
The stunning Coromandel Coastal walk takes 7 hours (return) and lets you soak in the beauty and solitude of the remote upper Coromandel Peninsula. Stony Bay and Fletchers Bay mark the start and endpoints of the track.
What to do in Hamilton
The city of Hamilton is nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River and is known for its award-winning gardens, eateries and colourful street art.
The Hamilton Gardens is a must see! This botanic masterpiece combines plants and architecture to create a visual feast for the eyes as you amble around this expansive landscaped zone which includes 20 themed areas. Entry is free and you can easily walk or picnic your way through a day here.
There’s also a host of riverside walks and rides to explore. Perhaps join a plethora of joggers and walkers at Hamilton/Rotoroa Lake Domain. There’s an epic lakeside playground that’ll have kids occupied for hours while the adults cafe the time away next door or wander the lake perimeter. Prams and dogs welcomed.
Not far away, New Zealand’s only tea planation, Zealong, where you can tour or try out the delectable tea and cake options.
If you have time and cultural inclination, stop in at The Waikato Museum. It’s full of great displays and hosts international exhibits like Wildlife Photographer of the Year and makes for a great way to spend a few hours indoors learning about the art and history of the area.
If you enjoy nightlife and festivals, Hamilton’s biggest night out is The ZURU Nightglow held at The Claudelands Oval during the summer months.
There are five hours of live entertainment on the main stage, carnival rides and games, food trucks and the glorious orchestrated hot air balloon glow finishing with the SkyCity Hamilton Fireworks Extravaganza. Tickets to this annual event are free but have to be booked.
If Lord of the Rings is your thing, check out Hobbiton in Matamata, not far from Hamilton. It’s a fully operational farm where you’ll find 44 permanently reconstructed Hobbit Holes from the filming of The Hobbit trilogy. The Green Dragon™ Inn is now open too where you can finish your movie set experience with a refreshing beverage.
What to do in Horotiu
Horotiu is a small rural town based just off State Highway 1, 8 km north of Hamilton and about 9km south of Ngaruawahia.
The town is also connected to Hamilton by the Te Awa River Ride which is a 65km boardwalk for walking, running and cycling and starts from Ngaruawahia and runs to Lake Karapiro following New Zealand’s longest river, the mighty Waikato.
It is one of most accessible and scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand.
What to do in Huntly
Huntly has a great small town lifestyle. The Waikato Expressway runs through Huntly, connecting it to Hamilton, 32 kilometres to the south, and Auckland, which is just over an hour’s drive away.
Huntly is located next to the Waikato River and has several lakes and parks with picturesque walkways, surrounded by rich farmland.
Strong on sport, the area is also rich in history, particularly Maori and its coal mining industry. The Huntly Power Station is a distinctive landmark alongside the Waikato River, visible from many parts of the town.
Visit Lake Hakanoa at the Huntly Domain for a picnic, walk or bike one of several trails in the area.
Vehicle enthusiasts might like to check out the Huntly Speedway for premier dirt racing for a range of classes.
What to do in Ngaruawahia
The town is at the base of the stunning Hakarimata Ranges, where the Waikato and Waipa rivers meet. Maori and European settlers used these rivers as vital transport and trading routes in the past.
Ngaruawahia is also home to Turangawaewae Marae, a nationally significant marae which is the headquarters for the Maori King Movement (Te Kingitanga). The marae is open to the public only one day a year during the annual March regatta, where traditional war canoes (waka) parade on the Waikato River.
The town has a strong sense of community, based around a range of sporting and other activities and is connected to Hamilton by the Te Awa River Ride. Bikes can be hired to ride this fully accessible concreted trail.
Ngaruawahia has monthly Sunday markets you can head to at 18 Herschel Street.
If walking and views are your thing, try the Hakarimata Summit Track.
What to do in Otorohanga
‘Kiwiana’ is a celebration of New Zealand’s popular culture – its icons, heroes and traditions – everything from theKiwi, Buzzy Bee, Paua and Pavlova, to Sir Edmund Hillary, Colin Meads and the All Blacks, from Sheep and No.8 Wire to the Haka and Hokey Pokey ice-cream.
This town is full of quirky and informative tributes to’ Kiwiana’. There are murals, corrugated-iron sculptures and a whole arcade of Kiwiana Displays in the Ed Hillary Walkway in the centre of town.
Otorohanga is close to lots of visitor attractions. For example, the Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park where you can see a large collection of NZ native birds and reptiles.
Less than an hour away is Kawhia Harbour on the West Coast.
And Otorohanga is a gateway to Waitomo’s world famous caving attractions. It’s just 15 minutes from Waitomo Caves Village, the fabulous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Blackwater Rafting and other caving and abseiling adventures.
The friendly staff at the Kawhia Museum and Information Centre will advise you about the location of the Te Puia Natural Hot Springs on Ocean Beach, where heated water bubbles up through the sand from a geothermal spring. They’ll even rent you a small shovel to dig your own spa pool if you’re game! For about 2 hours before and after low tide you can dig in the sand on a small section of Ocean Beach where there is geothermal activity.
To find the hot springs walk for a few minutes over the sand dunes from the car park at the end of the road to Ocean Beach. You may see small raised areas of sand or steam rising, smell the sulphurous odour or see steam rising. Dig in the sand and warm water will fill the hole you’ve excavated so you can relax and soak!
To do the Otorohanga area justice you’ll need to spend at least a long weekend. It’s a 2 hour drive from Auckland and 45 minutes from Hamilton.
What to do in Paeroa
Paeroa is situated on State Highway 2 in between the Coromandel, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, and has a few great things to do!
Explore the nearby Karangahake Gorge and its myriad walking trails or learn more about New Zealand farms at the Bullswool Farm Heritage Park.
Paeroa is the origin of New Zealand’s very own soft drink, Lemon & Paeroa, otherwise known as L&P. The town commemorates this with a giant L&P sode bottle sculpture which just begs to be taken a photo of.
Paeroa also lies in the middle of one of New Zealand’s Great Bike Rides, the Hauraki Rail Trail. Take a day ride or complete the entire 160km of trail between Thames and Matamata with side trips to Waihi and Kaiaua. One of the highlights of the trail is riding through the historic Karangahake Gorge and around the mining relics of Waihi.
Go to the unmissable Karangahake Gorge. It’s just 7km from Paeroa south on State Highway 2 and is one of the most scenic stretches of river in the North Island and rich in gold mining relics. Explore gold mining tunnels while capturing tremendous views on the Windows Walkway, or walk to Owharoa Falls on the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway. Check out 16 Awesome Hikes in The Coromandel.
If staying in town is more your thing, wander the antique and second hand shops the town has to offer.
What to do in Pirongia
Pirongia is a small town in the Waipa District of the Waikato region of New Zealand’s North Island. It’s on the banks of the Waipā River, close to the foot of the 962 metre Mount Pirongia, which lies in Pirongia Forest Park to the west of the town.
Mount Pirongia Tracks are advanced and technical but also scenic. Check out nearby tracks in this brochure. The Kaniwhaniwha Caves are an option in this area too.
The Pirongia Heritage and Information Centre has displays and items of historical interest and is located on Franklin Street in the centre of the village.
What to do in Pokeno
Pōkeno is a fast-growing town located 53km southeast of Auckland and 72km north of Hamilton and has seen significant growth since just five hundred people called it home back in 2005.
Pōkeno hosts a variety of successful businesses and industrial ventures.
Known for its phenomenal ice creams, bacon and sausages that have seen people stop during their travels between Hamilton and Auckland, Pōkeno has even been referred to as the ice cream capital of New Zealand!
Stop here for coffee, burgers, pies, fish & chips, smoothies or grab an ice cream on your way through. You can even try a twelve scooper!
What to do in Port Waikato
Port Waikato is all about sun, surf and sand. It is a seaside town 28 kms west of Tuakau and 88km south of Auckland, whose population increases significantly during the summer season as visitors flock there.
Port Waikato lies on the southern side of the Waikato River where the river meets the Tasman Sea and boasts a store that started in 1893, a cafe, fire station, library, surf lifesaving club, yachting club, fishing club and holiday camp.
Try out the Port Waikato Dunes Walk. At about 6km return on soft sand, it’ll keep you active for a few hours but be sure to take water on a hot day. You can walk further out to the point if you like too.
As Port Waikato is a west coast beach, watch out for rips and only swim between the flags when the beach is patrolled by life guards.
What to do in Raglan
Raglan is a tidal coastal town to the west of Hamilton and has three surf beaches and a beautiful natural harbour. It’s well known for its left-hand point break, arts and crafts, fashion, cafes and restaurants.
As well as being a popular place to live, the town’s attractions and activities draw people to Raglan from New Zealand and beyond, especially in the summer months.
Raglan is a must-visit destination for any serious surfer as it’s home to several epic surf spots, including Manu Bay, Whale Bay, and Indicators. Raglan offers waves suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike and Raglan Surf School offers lessons, coaching, and equipment rentals to help you make the most of your time in the water.
If a walk takes your fancy, head to Bridal Veil Falls or Wainui Reserve, which gives access to Ngarunui Beach, which you can walk right along, except during spring tides. Karioi Summit Walks are another option if you don’t mind a drive further south along the coast.
If geology is more your interest, head to the Pancake Rocks. Good ways to do this are via kayak or paddleboard and an hour to do it should do.
Staying at the local backpackers can get you cheap kayak hire by the hour or Raglan Kayak & Paddleboard can sort you out with equipment hire or fully guided tours. If you’re going solo, check out the local tides and conditions.
What to do in Taupiri
Taupiri is a small north Waikato settlement on the eastern bank of the Waikato River, north of the town of Ngaruawahia and 8.5km south of Huntly. Its closest cities are Hamilton, 25km south and Auckland, 100km north.
Taupiri is located at the foot of Taupiri Mountain which is sacred to Waikato-Tainui and their tribal identity. The mountain is the final resting place for the Maori Royal Family and many other prominent Maori have been laid to rest there. Taupiri Mountain has been a sacred (tapu) burial ground for the Waikato Tainui iwi since the death of Chief Te Putu, who built Taupiri pa on the summit of a spur of Mt Taupiri in the 1600s.
What to do in Taupo
Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand. Nestled on a volcanic base, the area has geothermal attractions on offer, like Craters of the Moon, as well as other fantastic stops like Huka Falls, Huka Honey Hive and many others like fishing, boating and more.
On the edge of Lake Taupo there’s a 71km Great Lake Trail – a walking and biking track that can be done in one or two days based out of Kinloch. There’s also the Pureora Forest Park Timber Trails, Huka Falls trails or the Waikato River Walking Track if you’re after something shorter.
Rated as the best one-day hike in New Zealand, The Tongariro Crossing is not far from Taupo and shuttles there are on offer. This 19.4km day hike treks across a volcanic alpine landscape of dramatic contrasts – steaming vents, glacial valleys, ancient lava flows, alpine vegetation and vivid crater lakes, all with stunning views. It’s one of NZ’s Great Walks and is like no other. I suggest that you go well prepared and take walking poles.
What to do in Te Kauwhata
Te Kauwhata is a village of over 1,500 residents and is surrounded by dairy farms, drystock holdings and horticulture.
Te Kauwhata grew around a railway station built in the late 1870s snd was the first home of the New Zealand wine industry.
Just south of Te Kauwhata, is the site of one of the fiercest battles of the New Zealand land wars, fought at Rangiriri on 20 November 1863. Maori built a strong pa there, and when the British forces attacked many men lost their lives. Part of the site is now a historic reserve you can visit.
Te Kauwhata’s natural features include Lake Waikare and the Whangamarino wetlands. This significant environmental feature is the second largest peat bog and swamp in the North Island. Established as a Ramsar site in 1989, this wetlands area has been developed and is managed by the Department of Conservation. There’s a National Wetland Trail you can drive.
What to do in Tirau
Following State Highway 1, you can’t miss Tirau since it stands out for it’s artful side! Large buildings have been constructed from corrugated iron to resemble a dog, sheep and ram. These and other quirky sculptures make for a unique rest stop.
Stop for a pie at The Baker. Open Wed-Sun 6am-2pm on 35 Main Road. You won’t be sorry for trying anything here.
Stop for a picnic at Tirau’s awesome playground. There are swings, a seesaw and a big climbing structure with a tube slide and balancing bridges. There is a great grassy area, a free BBQ and a big old oak tree for shade.
The Tirau Summer Pools are the best place to be in summer! Located at Goodwin Street reserve, adjacent to the Tirau Playcentre and Primary School. There are shaded spectator bleachers, grassed areas, changing rooms and two swimming pools of different depths to suit kids of all ages.
The Waihou River and Putaruru Blue Springs are as incredible – a brilliantly blue, freshwater wonderland. Allow 2-3 hours for the whole track or park at the carpark on Leslie Road and take a short stroll to the main viewing point to admire this pristine spot.
Look out for the recognisable blue cupboard set up just behind the Tirau Memorial Hall on Station Street. It’s free for people to access to leave or take a book to read.
What to do in Tuakau
Tuakau was established in 1840, close to the banks of the Waikato River. The town has a higher than average growth rate with rural outlooks and a great outdoor environment.
If you head down to the Waikato River you can launch a boat and go fishing, picnic at Les Batkin Reserve or check out the famous white arches bridge that spans this section of the river.
Just up the road near the cemetery is the Alexandra Redoubt where you can take a 20 min bush walk that looks down on to the Waikato or wander among the remains of the historic site.
The high street of the town offers and range of cafes and boasts the historic Tuakau Hotel.
A short drive away on McMillan Rd lies the car park and track start to the Mt. William Summit. The reserve hosts a wide variety of native trees and from the Mount William summit trig there are expansive views to the West Coast and Firth of Thames.
What to do in Waihi
Situated between the Coromandel Peninsula and the Bay of Plenty, Waihi is the perfect pitstop for a North Island road trip.
The area is steeped in gold mining history and has breathtaking landscapes. The historic town is packed with heritage buildings and the Waihi coast boasts several sweeping beaches.
A must-see in Waihi is the Martha Mine Pit which is encircled by the Martha Mine Walkway. From this easy trail you can gaze deep into the chasm and read interpretation panels along the way to learn about local mining history. Access this walk opposite the Waihi Visitor Centre on Seddon Street.
Back in 1896, the Waikino Victoria Battery could be heard for miles as it crushed more than 800 tonnes of gold-bearing stone per day. Today, you can walk around the remaining foundations from Waikino Bridge on State Highway 2 or jump on the Goldfields Railway for a guided tour departing from Waihi and the Waikino Station.
If it’s beach time you want, find 9km of golden sand at Waihi Beach off SH2. While not the safest for swimming, it’s one of the safest surf beaches in New Zealand and you can find lessons on offer. The sunrise here is also amazing.
What to do in Whangamata
Whangamata is famous for its unique combination of beach and rainforest, a safe boating harbour for water skiing and kayaking and a recently opened marina.
Family swimming and picnics on the beaches, harbours and estuaries is popular
The Pacific provides boating, fishing, snorkelling and diving options.
Or head to the bush clad hills offering tramps, historical gold mine sites and mountain biking. Try the 3.5hr return Parakiwai Valley walk which follows the old lower tramway track through a 20m tunnel and offers a number of old gold mining relics and a waterfall at the end. Lots of other walks branch off from the main one.
Whangamata also has some of the best surfing breaks in New Zealand. Surfing is the unique point of difference from other Coromandel beaches and is a significant economic contributor.
Whangamata is also home of the annual Beach Hop – a five day celebration of ’50s and ’60s culture and lifestyle with hot rod cars, clothing, music and events of that era.
What to do in Whitianga
Whitianga is Mercury Bay’s main town. Located on the East Coast of the Coromandel, it is home of the world renowned Cathedral Cove, home to a beautiful limestone rock arch that separates two white sand beaches not far from Hahei.
There’s also kayaking and fishing in and around the Mercury Islands and scenic boat trips in the marine reserve.
You can soak up the underground thermal minerals at The Lost Spring or opt for the free natural experience at Hot Water Beach, where you can take or hire spades from the local cafes to dig your own hot pools at the beach. To find the hot water area, head towards the rocks at the southern end of the beach two hours either side of low tide, as that’s when the tide is low enough to expose the area of sand with the hot water underneath.
For surfers, Hot Water Beach has good beach breaks in moderate easterly swells, however the presence of strong undertows means this beach is often dangerous for swimming.
There’s a lot to choose from in the Waikato and you won’t be sorry if you pass through and catch even a glimpse of just a few of these spots.
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