Things to do in North Waikato

History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts will love North Waikato, New Zealand, where historical landmarks and old battlegrounds are major draw cards and there are remarkable stories at every turn. There are stunning beaches, bush-covered mountains, quirky shops, quaint churches, untouched limestone formations and artisan food producers offering tasty treats when you’re finished sightseeing.

Zealong Tea Estate

Zealong high tea, Gordonton, NZ, Tea Estate, Waikato

Zealong Tea Estate

Nestled among the rolling green fields of the Waikato region is the Zealong Tea Estate, New Zealand’s only tea plantation.
If you’re a tea lover, you’ll love the Discover Tea experience the plantation offers. Learn how tea is made and all about its history during the 90-minute tour, and be treated to a traditional tea ceremony.

Visitors can also enjoy lunch or high tea at the Camellia Tea House with stunning views overlooking the tea estate.

Hampton Downs

Hear the roar of car engines and you’ll know you’ve arrived at Hampton Downs. Just 45 minutes’ drive north of Hamilton, this world-class motorsport venue has three tracks that regularly rev into action; the schedule here is packed with exciting events popular with locals and visitors - offering everything from now-famous go-karts, V8 supercar racing to the on-track muscle car U-drive experiences and everything in between.

Screeching tyres, the smell of oil and cheering crowds make this place a thrilling paradise for the petrol heads among us. With the Meremere Dragway just minutes up the road, and the popular Huntly Speedway also in the North Waikato, there is something for all the motor-sport enthusiasts.

Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park

Located in the picturesque North Waikato region, Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park offers a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. With a diverse range of gentle and challenging tracks, riders can navigate rugged terrain, ride down ridges, and conquer muddy trails. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a first-timer looking to try something new, Thundercross Valley Dirt Bike Park guarantees an exhilarating and unforgettable day immersed in nature.

Say cheese

For cheese lovers, Mercer is a must-stop along the Hamilton-Auckland journey. A visit to its cheese shop is one of the best things to do in North Waikato if you’re looking for culinary experiences. People in the know make regular stops here, drawn by the award-winning goodies made by Dutch immigrant Albert Alferink at Mercer Cheese.

Local favourites include Gouda, Edam, herb and goat cheese, and the renowned walnut soft cheese. Albert perfected cheese-making in the 1980s and the mouth-watering flavours of his products make Mercer Cheese a must-visit attraction.

Hākarimata Ranges Walks

Hakarimata Summit Stairs Walk, Waikato, NZ

Hakarimata Summit View

The Hākarimata Scenic Reserve, near Ngāruawāhia, 10km northwest of Hamilton in the North Waikato region, is a great place to see New Zealand’s majestic kauri trees and find stunning views of the region. Nestled in the Hākarimata Ranges, the reserve boasts some of the best Waikato walks.

Wander along the Hākarimata Kauri Loop Track to a grove filled with the majestic native trees, accompanied by tui and kereru that chirp merrily overhead; take on the Hākarimata summit track, a three-hour walk to the top of the ranges or opt for the waterworks track, a 60-minute, 1km return walk to an old dam, built in 1922.

Also worth a look is the 30-minute Hākarimata Rail Trail, an easy 1.5km walking and cycling track suitable for buggies and wheelchairs that follows the route of the former Ngāruawāhia/Glen Massey railway.

For more information on Hākarimata Walks click here.

Cornerstone Alpaca Farm

Cornerstone Alpaca Stud

Experience the kiwi alpaca lifestyle at Cornerstone Alpaca Stud in North Waikato. Conveniently located just an hour’s drive from Auckland and a short 10-minute journey from Hamilton, this scenic alpaca farm welcomes visitors to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience. Take part in a 90-minute Alpaca Farm Tour, where you can interact with friendly alpacas, feed them, and capture beautiful photos or opt for a shorter Alpaca Feeding trail. Then enjoy a bite from their on-site café.

Nikau Caves

Take a tour through the 1km-long Nikau Caves and you’ll have mostly glowworms for company.

Nikau Caves

The Nikau Caves, on a private farm in the heart of North Waikato, New Zealand, is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and glowworms that twinkle like stars in the night sky.

Nikau Cave has been open to visitors for 14 years and offers a 90-minute guided tour where you learn all about the background behind Nikau Cave’s delicate formations as you walk through streams and clamber over boulders. The soft adventure tour also incorporates a 10m crawl through one section of the cave. Visitors can also enjoy a hot drink and a snack or meal at the adjacent café, which overlooks rocky limestone outcrops.

Woodlands Historic Homestead

Immerse yourself in history and timeless charm at Woodlands Historic Homestead and Gardens in Gordonton. Explore the historic homestead and stroll through the exquisite Victorian-themed gardens, which have a 5-star Garden of National Significance rating. Take a self-guided tour of Woodlands Estate, where you’ll discover captivating stories and memories from the heart of Gordonton’s rich history. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire impressive trees such as New Zealand’s largest Eucalyptus, the finest Liriodendron in the Waikato, an American Ash, and a Juniperus Chinensis.

Pokeno

Situated only 50km southeast of Auckland city, in the northern Waikato region, the town of Pokeno is renowned for its bacon and huge ice creams. Pokeno is reputed to have the biggest ice creams in New Zealand – 15 scoops treats are up for grabs for those who think they can manage them, although sharing with a friend is a good option.

Nearby Pokeno Bacon sells handmade pork goods using only local pigs. The popular store specialises in a range of traditional products from handmade hams and bacon to tasty sausages. The Pokeno Country Market held each Sunday is also a popular North Waikato event.