From Te Aroha to Cambridge: 2-3 days road trip

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.

Just 10 minutes’ drive from Matamata, the Wairere Falls is the highest waterfall in the North Island and a popular walking track in the Waikato. The return hike to the viewing platform at the base of the Wairere falls takes about an hour and a half. It is an attractive walk along a well maintained track. Small wooden bridges take you across the stream at several points, affording lovely views of little cascades and providing opportunities to cool tired feet in the refreshing water. The sight from the viewing platform is spectacular – water plunges 153 metres over the falls, before forming little streamlets that flow through moss covered rocks and ferns. From here, the more intrepid can trek a further 30 - 45 minutes to another lookout at the top of the falls, from where there is a breath-taking view back over the valley and the Waikato plains beyond. It is about two hours from the base of the falls to this further lookout, so getting there and returning to your car will make this a rewarding full day hike. Please Note: Many of the walking trails in the Waikato region do not allow dogs. Hamilton & Waikato Tourism recommend checking with the Department of Conservation before taking your dog on any of the trails in the region.

The Firth Tower was built in 1882 by Josiah Clifton Firth to provide a lookout over the country side. It was also used as the estate office and sleeping quarters for single men. The tower stands on rising ground commanding an extensive view of the surrounding country. The Firth Tower Historical Reserve is administered by the Matamata-Piako District Council and museum exhibits and displays are the work of the Matamata Historical Society. The Heritage Centre houses the archives of the Matamata area.

Located in the Old Courthouse in Victoria Street, the Cambridge Museum aims to preserve Cambridge's rich historical legacy for future generations. In the late 19th century, Cambridge residents started collecting items of local interest relating to historical research, pre-European settlement, and the development of Cambridge. The Museum now has a fine collection of artefacts and archival material including biographies, historical information on local businesses, clubs, people and societies, buildings information, land and property records, military records (particularly the 3rd Waikato Militia and WWI Cambridge soldiers), school records, family histories and a wealth of photographs, postcards and ephemera.

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

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.

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.

Riders can take in the full beauty of the Waikato River with a two-hour cycle journey from Hamilton Gardens all the way to Ngāruawāhia and between Cambridge and Lake Karapiro. The track is primarily wide, smooth and largely flat making Te Awa suitable for cyclists of all fitness and experience levels. The full trail stretches along the Waikato River, from Ngaruawahia in the north to Karapiro in the south. Bike and settle hire is available from River Riders or Riverside Adventures who service the entire trail. Please note: some sections are on the road, see the Te Awa website for more details and maps: www.te-awa.org.nz Highlights - River views and a mix of rural and urban landscapes- Wide track suitable for social riding- Stunning views of Lake Karapiro and a 400m boardwalk around the edge of the lake- Perry Bridge - an iconic 120m cycle/walk suspension bridge at Horotiu Te Awa Walkway The Te Awa River Ride also includes shared cycle/walkway sections. To view a map of the Te Awa walkway click here