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.
Destination Cambridge
With tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, acclaimed eateries, antique shops, fashion boutiques, homeware stores, art galleries and studios, 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.
How far to:
Hamilton: 23 kms, 26 mins
Auckland: 144 kms, 2 hours
Rotorua: 92km, 1.2 hour
Cambridge Rich Heritage
Many of Cambridge’s buildings that date back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras are protected and can be admired as you stroll around the streets. Amongst the particularly picturesque are St Andrew’s Anglican Church, constructed in 1881, and Cambridge Primary School, built in 1879.
There is also the Edwardian style Cambridge Town Hall, constructed in 1909, which overlooks Jubilee Gardens and the cenotaph where the town’s ANZAC remembrance day is held each year.
Cambridge Museum is housed in the old courthouse and has an extensive collection of artefacts and archives showcasing the history of the region.
Lake Karapiro
Renowned as a world-class rowing destination, Lake Karapiro is where to go to do a bit of rowing yourself or to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, jet ski or water ski. Park of the Waikato River, the lake was formed back in 1947 when the Karapiro Power Station and dam was constructed. At 21kms in length the lake is an impressive sight especially as you drive across the top of the dam.
Lake Karapiro is home-base for Rowing New Zealand and the adjacent Don Rowlands Events Centre is often at the heart of the action with its outdoor deck area and grandstand providing the perfect viewing spot for any event happening on the water.
Surrounding parkland includes camping facilities, picnic areas and walking trails.
Cycling in Cambridge and Surrounds
Cyclists will be drawn to the Te Awa River Ride, part of which runs through the streets of Cambridge. This scenic 65km cycling and walking trail stretches from Ngāruawāhia to Lake Karapiro.
Cambridge’s Grassroots Trust Velodrome, adjacent to St Peter’s School, is the headquarters of Cycling New Zealand, and where winners can be seen in action alongside aspiring talent. Visitors can also have a go and experience riding on the world-class velodrome track. Next to the velodrome there is the Gallagher Bike Skills Park where youngsters can test their ability on a range of track surfaces and contours as well as learn road rules.
Amongst the cycling adventures located just out of town is Te Miro Mountain Bike Park. The variety of terrain and tracks ensures the park is popular with active families as well as hard-core mountain bikers.
Walking Tracks in Cambridge
Cambridge is a great town to go strolling in. Apart from the heritage buildings and tree-lined streets, there is the ‘hidden lake’ – Lake Te Koo Utu – so-called because it’s below street level and out of sight unless you go looking. Tracks circle the lake and explore the forest-clad slopes.
A short distance from Cambridge are three walks of note. There is Maungakawa Scenic Reserve, a 10-minute drive, where the walling track is an easy 30-minute loop with stunning views out over surrounding countryside and native trees.
The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum is a similar distance, this time to the north of Cambridge. Most sections of the all-weather walking tracks around the arboretum are accessible by wheelchair and also suitable for push chairs. Now a magnificent park with collections of trees and shrubs from around the world, as well as native plantings, this was once a hard-rock quarry. It is a dramatic setting for some 70 sculptures.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Some 30 minutes from Cambridge is Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, the largest ecological ‘island’ on mainland New Zealand. Enclosed by 47kms of predator-proof fence, this is a haven for rare and endangered native species. Take a guided tour or nature walk and discover why this amazing project is so special.
Antiques & Shopping in Cambridge
Amongst the drawcards are antique stores, several of which have been in business in Cambridge for 40 years or more and are highly respected for their fine art and genuine antiques. They source yesteryear treasures locally and internationally, including furniture, art works, silverware, pewter, glass, crystal, jewellery, and more.
Some antique stores to look out for are Heritage Gallery, Alys Antiques and Fine Art, Antiques on Victoria, Colonial Heritage Antiques, and Collective on Empire.
Visitors with shopping in mind will be delighted by the variety they’ll find in Cambridge, from books, boots and gifts to homewares, high fashion, sports gear, gourmet foods, and more. Here are some to check out – The Store, O’Dell Home, Hus, Simply Divine Kitchen, Green With Envy, Wallace Cotton, Leven, Rumor, Mavis & Mick.
Cambridge also boasts a number of second-hand and charity stores offering visitors a chance to recycle, slow down fast fashion and support a good cause. They are well-stocked with the usual clothing, footwear, homewares, linen, sports gear, children’s clothing, toys, books, and furniture.
Dining out in Cambridge
Fast becoming a foodie destination, Cambridge is where to eat out and treat your taste buds to some of the best with chefs taking pleasure in offering deliciousness that showcases the fresh produce and artisan products the Waikato region is known for.
Some eateries and bars are housed in heritage buildings, the charming atmosphere adding to your dining experience, while others are in more modern settings in the new buildings that herald the expansion of this once sleepy town.
In central Cambridge celebrated bars and eateries include Alpino where the fare and atmosphere are authentically Italian. Housed in the protected building that was the town’s post office, Alpino caught the attention of Cuisine Good Food Award judges who said this is a restaurant to watch.
A church built in the late 1800s is home to the hip Good Union bar and eatery where the beverages are crafted by Hamilton-based Good George Brewery and the burgers are legendary.
Amongst the other eateries in town are Onyx, Paddock, Suburban Kitchen and out in the recently developed residential area of St Kilda the St Kilda Café & Bistro where the outdoor seating area looks out over restored wetlands and a children’s playground.
Just out of town in the surrounding countryside are further cafés to try. There’s The Bikery at Grassroots Trust Velodrome, Lilly Pad Café on Kaipaki Road – make time to pop into the adjacent Garden Art Studio – and Café Irresistiblue at Monavale Blueberries.
The Equine Stars Walk of Fame
A walking tour of town will get you acquainted with many of the winners that make Cambridge proud. The Equine Stars Walk of Fame on Victoria Street celebrates winning horses, as does the mare and foal statute in Jubilee Gardens outside the Edwardian era town hall where there is also a war memorial and clock tower.
Jet boating in Cambridge
The mighty Waikato River flows through Cambridge and one of the ways to get out on the water is in a powerful 450 hp V8 jet boat. Camjet promises adrenalin rushes taking visitors along the scenic river to the base Karapiro Dam, crossing three sets of rapids and navigating two waterfalls with some 360° spins thrown in.
Wineries & Vineyards in Waipa
The mighty maunga/mountain has views over Lake Karapiro and farming country, including the ordered rows of vines at Takapoto Estate. As well as vinting chardonnay and Bordeaux wine styles, the estate also hosts weddings and show jumping with a winter series and the Takapoto Classic held each February.
Another Waikato vineyard is Vilagrad Winery, located 20 minutes from Cambridge to the west. Vilagrad brought home a silver medal for its pinot gris in the prestigious London International Wine and Spirits competition, regarded as the Olympics of wine awards.
Top activities in Cambridge
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$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 Hire
Available from our shop at the Velodrome in Cambridge
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$55
$55
Cambridge
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.
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$25
$25
Cambridge
Grassroots Trust Velodrome
Experience riding on a velodrama with our Have A Go sessions.
An accredited coach will fit you with a bike and helmet and will expertly guide you through your session on the track. The session is one hour in duration and no matter what skill or fitness level you are, our coaches are experienced in tailoring your experience that’s safe but challenging enough just for you.
Bike, helmet and coach provided.
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$2000
$2000
Cambridge
Capture New Zealand
We specialise in exciting and inspiring New Zealand photography workshops, tours and expeditions with effective photography guidance from a New Zealand professional landscape photographer with 20 years' expertise. Wherever you are on your photographic journey we work with you to become a more skilful and confident photographer.
Upcoming New Zealand photo workshops for 2023 include: the Winter Landscape of the South Island, Southern Alps and Glaciers aerial photography by helicopter, Albatrosses and Dolphins of Kaikōura by private boat charter, and the Hidden Realm of the Fiordland National Park. More exciting photography tours for 2023 and 2024 coming soon. We welcome you to join us for your next photography adventure.
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Cambridge
Cambridge isite Visitor Information Centre
The Cambridge isite Visitor Centre is part of New Zealand's official Visitor Information Network. We invite you to visit Cambridge where you will discover our welcoming community, beautiful seasons and green spaces, boutique retail, award winning eateries, adventure, tranquil places to stay, cycling and rural activities. Explore our website and discover Cambridge for yourself. Visit us for free information and maps, and to make you bookings for Cambridge and all of New Zealand, we look forward to assisting you.
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$55
$55
Cambridge
Camjet - 60 Minuite 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 breath-taking 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.
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$3050
$3050
Cambridge
Cycle Hauraki & Waikato River Trail - Women Only Tour
Begin your tour in the beautiful town of Cambridge and ride the new Te Awa trail to Tamahere. Visits will be made to the world-renowned Hamilton Gardens, a horse stud, and the Velodrome. Day 3 - cycling from Kaiaua along the Firth of Thames past migratory birds, and on to historic Thames. Day 4 cycle across farmland to Paeroa where L&P and antique shops await. Day 5 - scenic cycle through the stunning Karangahake Gorge to Waihi Beach. Day 6 is a rest day. Day 7 includes cycling and walking in the gorge before riding across farmland to Te Aroha where you'll see the world's only natural soda water geyser. Day 8 - cycle across farmland to Matamata and along the Waikato River Trail before ending back in Cambridge for our last night.
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$12
$12
Cambridge
Alpaca Farm Tour, including Blacknose Sheep
Visit a well established working alpaca and animal farm located five minutes south of Cambridge. The property is en route to Hobbiton, Rotorua, and Waitomo tourist attractions. The 60 acre farm operates on organic principles made up of flat and rolling hills and includes extensive elevated rural views toward the Matamata area and Maungatautari Scenic Reserve.
The farm animals include: Valais blacknose sheep, large alpaca herd (both suri and huacaya breeds in all colours), coloured llamas, angora (mohair fleece) and saanen (milking) goats, donkeys including miniature, cattle including jersey galloway and dexter breeds and North American bison.
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$19970
$19970
Cambridge
2024 New Zealand Luxury Photography Escape 8 Day
In another first for New Zealand photo workshops we are pleased to announce the 8-day Luxury Photography Escape which has been designed with your absolute comfort in mind. Indulge your senses on this exciting adventure, the pinnacle of small-group photography travel currently available in New Zealand. In the style of a bespoke custom experience we have tailor-made this exclusive photography workshop for discerning travellers who seek the ultimate combination of breath-taking photography locations, world-class private lodge accommodations and exquisite fine-dining cuisine.
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$2980
$2980
Cambridge
New Zealand Photo Workshop - Albatross and Pelagic Birds of Kaikōura 3 Days
Kaikōura is often considered the best place in New Zealand to photograph a wide variety of albatross, and other pelagic bird species, in their natural habitat. This is your chance to photograph these amazing seabirds close up. On this workshop we take two private boat trips to the feeding grounds where the birds congregate, and we enjoy ample opportunities to capture in-flight and on-the-water behaviours.
This wildlife bird photography workshop is limited to just 6 participants so book your place today. We welcome you to join us on this exciting photography adventure.
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$25
$25
Cambridge
Dairy Farm Tour Cambridge
Walk through the paddocks, hear how best practices are engaged to manage quality with balanced environmental impact. Get close-up with the cows and discover concepts of animal breeding for maximum production. Visit the milking shed and learn how today’s farmer optimises herd output. Special clothing and protective footware will be provided. To see milking in progress, specific times need to be arranged (5.30am & 2.30pm). Outdoor closed shoes are a requirement. 60 minute tour. Operates on request, Monday to Sunday. Guests need to travel to the farm gate - 15 mins from Cambridge isite. $55 per person (including GST) minimum 2 people per tour. Reservations required. Phone or email Cambridge isite.
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$4160
$4160
Cambridge
Central Otago Autumn Cycling - Women Only Tour
By E-bike the group will be guided along epic cycling tracks including the Poolburn Gorge (part of the Central Otago Rail Trail), the Roxburgh Gorge (including an exciting jetboat ride along the way), and the stunning new Lake Dunstan Trail (including boat cruise from Clyde to Cromwell). Stroll along the lake front at Wanaka and get a pic of "that tree". Try curling on ice in Naseby and visit St Bathans. Enjoy refreshments at Cardrona Distillery & the iconic Cardrona Hotel. Drive across the Crown Ranges for wonderful views of the surrounding landscape. Relax in beautiful Millbrook Resort and explore the quaint town of Arrowtown. Cycle the Gibbston Valley track to vineyards for wine tasting.
Top accommodation in Cambridge
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$575
$575
Maungatautari
The Lakehouse at Takapoto Estate
The pantry and fridge are stocked with breakfast items that were produced and harvested from the Estate's own chickens, bees, Angus beef, vineyard, olive trees and market garden, making for a truly unique and memorable experience.
Whether you're looking to relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings or explore all that the region has to offer, The Lakehouse is the perfect place to stay.
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$160
$160
Cambridge
Podium Lodge
Podium Lodge has been designed specifically for athletes to support their training or performance ambitions but we welcome anyone looking to stay in a spacious and modern facility with a sporting vibe.
This 86 bed accommodation facility is situated on the northern fringe of Cambridge with access to local world class sporting and recreational facilities. 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport, minutes from Cambridge town and a gateway to numerous regional attractions. Whatever the reason for your visit, Podium Lodge is a complete accommodation experience with a team committed to ensuring your stay is a memorable one.
We are not for profit and all proceeds are returned to the community.
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$229
$229
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.
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$140
$140
Cambridge
73 Milton Accommodation
73 Milton Accommodation is very central to Cambridge Town, Lake Karapiro and our new Velodrome, so whether your visiting for one of our sporting events, exploring the Waikato, on Corporate Business or simply passing through, we look forward to making you feel most welcome and relaxed. 5 minutes from Cambridge centre, 25 minutes from Hamilton Airport, 30 minutes from Hamilton centre, 120 minutes from Auckland airport, 15 minutes to Mystery Creek, 25 minutes to Hobbiton, 10 mins to Karapiro and 15 minutes to the velodrome.
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$130
$130
Cambridge
Captains Quarters Motor Inn
Captain's Quarters Motor Inn is located on a back section and provides a quiet environment. The spacious units, quiet location and swimming pool provide opportunity for a relaxing stay.
Only a 5-minute walk to restaurants, cafés, shopping or even the greyhound/harness racing track. Accommodation includes 3 x 2-bedroom units and 4 (Super King Bed) Studio Units and 2 Twin Studio Units (Queen and Single bed). All units have cooking facilities , digital TV, 8 Sky TV channels, DVD player and free Wi-Fi.
Captains Quarters is only a short drive to Lake Karapiro, Hamilton Airport, St.Peter's School and Avantidrome, Mystery Creek and Wedding venues such as Sarnia Park, and Red Barn.
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$750
$750
Cambridge
Lakeview Lodge Karapiro
Lakeview Lodge comprises of The Huntington, The Hamptons and The Boat House, each having their own unique style & charm. Ideal for groups, the Huntington accommodates up to 12 guests, The Hamptons up to 10 and The Boat House up to 10. Bijou options are available for smaller groups of 2 - 4. Lakeview continental breakfast is included in your stay, as are many other amenities including a fully self-contained kitchen, BBQ equipment, laundry room and quality linen. Both main lodges have private outdoor deck areas with lake views and The Boat House is lake side. Catering is available. The lodge is situated close by popular visitor attractions.
