Get Lost in the Mighty Waikato
Get Lost…… on purpose
Lose the noise. Lose the pace. Lose yourself in moments that feel expansive, grounding and real.
Where space does the talking.
This is where horizons widen and the mind quiets. Where salt air, birdsong and ancient landscapes recalibrate your sense of time.
Where energy gathers…..
Waikato is where energy gathers – where culture, creativity and celebration create reasons to travel now.
Slow Pleasures. Refined moments
Balance the wide open with the deeply personal. Waikato indulgence is thoughtful and quietly special.
Easy to reach. Hard to forget
Places to Stay
Find the perfect place to stay, from boutique lodges and beachfront resorts to cosy farmstays and modern city hotels.
Places to Eat
Enjoy fresh seafood, local produce and great dining across the region.
Events
Discover festivals, sports, music and cultural events year-round.
Getting to the Waikato
Getting to the Waikato is easy with a range of transport options.
Nearby activities
top pick
Free
Hamilton
SkyCity Hamilton
SkyCity Hamilton is situated inside the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise a superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River.
With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger - voted the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse - the first Good George bar in the CBD, there is something for everyone at SkyCity Hamilton!
Enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the Main Gaming Floor with over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games (R20 to enter the casino) or strike up a little competition on level two with Hamilton's only bowling alley, Bowl and Social, a world-class venue offering non-stop fun and state of the art technology!
top pick
from
$15
$15
Te Awamutu
Sanctuary Mountain Explorer Pass
Step through the pest-proof gate into another world, where an ancient forest tower majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Explore the Sanctuary at your own pace or with an experienced guide who will help you spot the wildlife, including kākā, takahē, tuatara, kiwi, tīeke and more. Relax in the clearing or take an optional walk up the 16-metre observation tower, offering a unique perspective from within the forest canopy. Sanctuary Mountain is located in the heart of the Waikato, and as a not-for-profit, every visit helps make our conservation efforts possible. So come and share the mauri and mana of Maungatautari. You will come away enriched and enlightened by this spectacular environment.
top pick
from
$20
$20
Hamilton
Hamilton Gardens
From ancient Egypt to a 21-century Concept Garden. 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. Unlike any botanical garden, our unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on TripAdvisor. Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens with one of our tours. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a returning visitor, 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.
top pick
from
$40
$40
Raglan
Raglan Boat Charters - Sunset Cruise
Raglan Boat Charters is located at the Raglan Wharf on Whaingaroa Harbour, the West Coast of New Zealand's North Island, 40 kms from Hamilton and approx 150kms from Auckland, Tauranga and Rotorua. About our Cruises: Departing Raglan Wharf aboard the Wahinemoe to explore the charm of Whaingaroa Harbour – cruise past large conservation reserves, farmland and fishing villages. You will see marine wildlife and ancient limestone rock formations, and listen to fascinating tales about the history and culture of this very special area. Your friendly skipper and crew will take great care of you and make sure you have a magical experience. The sunset cruise is the best and its extremely rare on the west coast to find such an excellent viewpoint.
top pick
from
$25
$25
Hamilton
Zealong Tea Estate - High Tea
Visit the Zealong Tea Room and indulge in our Signature High Tea, curated with a selection of hand-crafted gourmet sweets and savouries, or choose from our seasonal lunch set menu. Enhance your experience with the perfect pairing of Zealong tea to - whether you prefer a refreshing green, a floral oolong, or a bold black, all our teas are 100% organically grown on-site and proudly made in New Zealand. All served with breathtaking views of the Estate’s rolling tea terraces and landscaped gardens. Make your visit even more memorable with a traditional tea tasting ceremony or a guided tour of our certified organic tea plantation.
top pick
from
$39
$39
Cambridge
Riverside Adventures Bike Hire and Shuttle Service
You don't need to worry about transport or gear while you're here.
Whether you're on one of our tours or doing your own thing, our shuttle service is available to pick up and drop off any adventurers at any river trail or alternate point in our surrounding areas.
If you're after gear hire, we have you covered too! We've got regular bikes, e-bikes and accessories to really make a day of it.
Shuttle service- Te Awa River Ride- Hauraki Rail Trail- The Timber Trail
Bike & e-Bike HireAvailable from our shop at the Velodrome in Cambridge
top pick
from
$350
$350
Cambridge
The Clements Hotel
The sensitively restored and renovated building is being transformed into a boutique hotel featuring 29 guest rooms and complemented by extensive Food & Beverage (F&B) operations. Steeped in history, this property is iconic and promises to become a popular weekend dining destination with locals; opening soon, the plush basement bar will have a prohibition era vibe with an extensive cocktail list and the restaurant serves contemporary cuisine, inspired by the local Cambridge food scene, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Original features within the hotel include a magnificent sweeping staircase, stunning stained-glass, parquet flooring, high ceilings, and luxurious furnishings creating a refined and relaxed atmosphere.
top pick
from
$150
$150
Hamilton
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
Located in the heart of the city amidst shopping, entertainment and the CBD, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is within a short walking distance to Waikato Stadium, Claudelands Event Centre, Seddon Park cricket grounds and only 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport. Relax in one of 51 guestrooms all with complimentary WIFI, cool off in the pool, enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant and wander along the river boardwalks not far from here, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is the ultimate location for the corporate traveller to large sporting or tour groups looking for that iconic touch.
top pick
from
$400
$400
Hamilton
Te Karaka Lodge
Te Karaka Station & Lodge is a boutique retreat set in the middle of a picturesque working beef and sheep farm in the Waikato. With ten premium guest rooms, each thoughtfully designed to offer stunning rural views and modern comforts, the Lodge provides an intimate and exclusive escape. Guests can indulge in delicious culinary experiences and unwind taking in the stunning views. We offer a range of different activities such as walking trails and private farm tours around the station, as well as an outdoor swimming spa and spa treatments. For those looking to explore the area, there are scenic bush walks, the West Coast beach at Port Waikato, art workshops and glow worm caves to name a few. There is something for everyone at Te Karaka.
top pick
from
$259
$259
Cambridge
Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments
Hidden Lake Hotel is a boutique slice of contemporary New Zealand immersed in treed north island nature typical to the region. It’s difficult to believe you are so close to Hamilton Airport and all that the Waikato has to offer. Contemporary styling is a feature of rooms and apartments with superior appointments and technical luxuries. Everything is well thought out and delivered with on-trend hospitality. Expect a high level of service without fuss. Down to earth as is the New Zealand way. Enjoy the designer interiors and scenic outlooks while being pampered with share plates, local wines and spa treatments.
top pick
from
$3
$3
Gordonton
Woodlands Estate - Homestead, Gardens, Venue, Cafe
Welcoming Guests Through Our Doors Since 1872.
Woodlands Estate was established as a 98,000-acre estate purchased from The Crown by The Piako Swamp Company for 2/6 (25 cents) an acre. The Homestead, restored to its former glory, was initially built as a Manager's residence between 1875 and 1881. It is primarily made of Kauri and still features some original weatherboards and roof iron.
Woodlands Estate is looked after by a not-for-profit trust, with the gardens being well-maintained by the Waikato District Council.
The overall historic and aesthetic value of the homestead and gardens has been maintained thanks to generous donations and voluntary time. The Trust extends its gratitude for the generous support of the community over the years.