Mighty River Domain,Lake Karapiro

Rowers from the under 21 Squad and Cambridge High

Hours of operation

8.30am to 5.00pm - Afterhours service onsite also

Months of operation

All Year

Phone number

The Mighty River Domain has a World Class Event Centre, accommodation, affordable outdoor recreation activities and is a perfect location for aquatic or landbased events.

The Mighty River Domain at Lake Karapiro is situated six kilometres south of Cambridge in the Waipa District. Our 18 hectare domain is open for public access all year round. With a range of facilities, it's the perfect location for aquatic and land-based events. Our world-class Sir Don Rowlands Centre can be hired for family, community, national and international events. We also offer affordable outdoor recreation activities and accommodation including camping, cabins and lodges. There are several walking tracks nearby including the internationally significant Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve which features a 16 metre high forest canopy viewing tower, a 600 year old rata and flourishing native species.

Pricing

$14 - 28 (Adult)

Proximity to Airport:

26.5 kms from Hamilton Airport

Proximity to Town:

6 kms from cambridge

Proximity To Coach Terminal:

6kms from Cambridge

Parking:

Plenty of parking on site for events and parking on own campsite in camping ground

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Camjet (2011) Ltd

Camjet - 60 Minute Ecological Tour (Slower Speed)

Camjet is certainly an amazing jet boat New Zealand experience along the mighty Waikato River. Therefore, you can enjoy the stunning and breathtaking scenery as you travel via jet boat from Cambridge to the base of the Karapiro hydro power station. Learn about the history of the region as your tour guide or his manager has a diploma in environmental management. Therefore, his knowledge for the flora and fauna in the area is second to none. Bird species you may encounter during the Ecological Jet Boat New Zealand River Cruise may include: fantail, kingfisher, tui, harrier hawk, New Zealand falcon, heron, shag, mallard. Also, you will see many fish species also, koi, rainbow trout, brown trout, mullet and many more.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Hobbiton Movie Set Signature Tour

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Enjoy a fully guided walking tour showcasing the intricate details, pointing out the most famous locations. Journey past the colourful Hobbit Hole doors including the iconic Bag End, before arriving at Bagshot Row for a glimpse of the interior of a humble Hobbit’s home. End your day with an exclusively brewed beverage at the Green Dragon Inn to conclude your Middle-earth adventure.

Takapoto Estate

Takapoto Wine Tastings at the Cabana

The tastings. To make the most of the journey, we recommend one flight per table so the room can explore together. Every tasting is redeemable with a three-bottle purchase. Groups of more than ten, please call ahead. Classic includes: Crossing Point Rosé, Takapoto Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Crossing Point Chardonnay and Crossing Point The Red 'The Blend' Pinot Noir. Five pours · Waikato & the wider range Premium includes: Takapoto Estate Reserve Chardonnay, "Gibbston" Pinot Noir, "Bannockburn" Pinot Noir, Forager's Gin and Estate botanicals. Four pours · Central Otago & the gin Ultimate includes: The Classic flight, in full and The Premium flight, in full. All nine pours, taken slowly.

Michael Jeans

CAMJET Cambridge Jet Boat Tours

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 you and your whole family, anyone who likes adventure, fun, speed or scenery. Speeding up the Mighty Waikato 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 and we can have a quiet cruise up our beautiful river.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari

Sanctuary Mountain Rongoā rākau – an introduction to Māori herbal medicine

Explore the forest together and identify plants and trees used in traditional Māori healing and wellbeing, learning about the properties of local plants. They will introduce you to the tikanga associated with harvesting, preparing and using plants for rongoā from their own experiences. These tours are generally with small groups and offer the opportunity to ask questions.

Te Papa Museum

Rūaumoko: Restless Land

Exhibition on now until Monday, January 26, 2026. Rūaumoko: Restless Land is our new and exciting interactive touring exhibition from Te Papa. Experience elements from Te Papa’s Te Taiao Nature zone that combines cutting-edge science with mātauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) to explore the powerful, natural forces that continuously shape Aotearoa. Te Papa and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake have teamed up to promote natural hazard awareness and preparedness through this exhibition. It introduces Rūaumoko to illustrate the forces of nature and presents a wero (challenge) for visitors to learn about natural hazards and ways to be prepared in our communities and at home.

All things to do

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