Whether you’re a repeat visitor or a first-time guest to Hamilton and Cambridge, September is the perfect month to plan a trip to the mighty Waikato, timed to also enjoy the NZMCA Hamilton Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show.
While various attractions such as the Hamilton Gardens are well regarded and recognised (globally, not just locally), along with popular spots such as Waikato Museum, Hamilton Zoo, Waikato River cruises and Lake Karapiro, there are many other delights to discover.
Alongside the region’s more obvious attributes, there are a multitude other options to explore and experience – so plan ahead, bring your bikes and walking shoes, and add some new discoveries to your must-do list. Lisa Potter shares her local recommendations to make this year’s adventure particularly memorable.
Hamilton Gardens
It’s impossible not to have Hamilton Gardens at the top of any list involving Hamilton’s best. Both a living museum of garden design and a visual wonderland; Hamilton Gardens need little introduction. The world-renowned attraction just keeps evolving and improving and repeat visitors will be aware of the captivation of new and ever-changing vistas. A storybook journey through time, culture, and imagination; spread across 45 hectares, each themed garden feels like stepping into another world. Travel through history and meander through the Egyptian Garden (complete with hieroglyphs and a tomb entrance), the Italian Renaissance Garden (where geometry meets romance and divine symmetry), or the Tudor-style knot garden (full of intricate designs, fantasy beasts and secret symbols). Step into fantasy in The Surrealist Garden with its oversized sculptures and topsy-turvy designs or embrace the Zen in the Japanese Garden of Contemplation. Te Parapara is New Zealand’s only example of a traditional Maaori garden, showcasing pre-European gardening techniques, indigenous planting practices, food production methods and the cultural significance of plants. Although the carparks open daily from 6.15am to 9pm, the Enclosed Gardens and Gallagher Visitor Centre are open daily from 10am to 5pm. In case it’s been a while since you visited, entry to the 18 Enclosed Gardens is now $20 (and it’s worth every penny).
Riverside Adventures
If you fancy an adrenaline spike (or three), connect with the Riverside Adventures team for stunning bike, kayak and walk tours. Under their guidance, you’ll discover many unexpected Waikato charms, from kayaking through Pokaiwhenua canyon guided by the light of New Zealand glow worms, to hiring a stand up paddleboard or e-biking along the Waikato River Trail (soar along the 500m boardwalk framed by wetland and native plantings and Waikato River). Whether you want to hire some equipment and set off on your own adventure, or join a guided experience, the region is your playground to enjoy.
Waitakaruru Arboretum & Sculpture Park
If you appreciate art and sculpture, the call of native birds and a tapestry of trees, then this remarkable legacy of love (created by a dedicated couple) ticks all of the boxes. Take a stroll around 17 hectares of native trees and shrubs (the result of an intensive planting programme over 30 years), including a stunning arboretum, dramatic cliffs, a pond auditorium and themed plantings, as well as sculptures and artworks from a variety of artists. Choose from a short visit or allow plenty of time to soak in the entire offering, with kilometres of meandering paths, picnic spots and interactive children’s activities along the way. The arboretum is not only a feast for the eyes but also a sanctuary for the soul – perfect for a reflective solo stroll or a memorable outing with friends and family. Located at 207 Scotsman Valley Road, there’s ample parking for RVs.
River Trails: Te Awa River Ride
Widely acknowledged for having some of the most accessible and scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand, Te Awa River Ride spans 65km from Ngāruawāhia to Lake Karapiro. From lake and river to waterfalls, along bridges and elevated boardwalks, the trails showcase parts of the Waikato that have never-before been seen and provide a world-class recreation experience. If you’re based at Mystery Creek, it’s just a short drive (or cycle) to Tamahere where you set off along new riverside boardwalks towards Cambridge. Take a break along the way at The Bikery Café (check out the velodrome while you’re there, where numerous Olympic champions train). There are many points to hop on and off Te Awa River Ride, and plenty of smooth flat stretches of concrete pathway to enjoy. One of the most popular points for starting the trail is Hamilton Gardens (just 11.6km from Mystery Creek) with ample parking at the bottom of Hamilton Gardens Road (accessed via Gate 2).
Inspirit Gallery & Sculpture Garden
Within cycling distance of Mystery Creek, if you happen to be staying there, on Pencarrow Road you’ll find the gorgeous Inspirit Gallery & Sculpture Garden, an unexpected treasure trove of high-quality original New Zealand art and design. As well as providing opportunities for emerging artists to exhibit, there’s an impressive body of work on display (and for sale) from well-established and revered artists, including jewellery, ceramics, glass and wearable art. Created in 2007 by local photographic artist Jenny Scown, Inspirit boasts a constantly evolving array of work, including a significant collection of garden and outdoor sculptures set to the backdrop of rural views over Pirongia and Maungatautari. If you’re planning to visit, note that opening hours are Wednesday-Sunday, from 11am-3pm.
The Clements Hotel
Having recently opened following years of extensive redevelopment and thoughtful historic preservation, The Clements Hotel is an astonishing transformation of the previously jaded Masonic Hotel (the first commercial building ever built in Cambridge). Now a luxurious and sophisticated hotel, restaurant and wine bar, pop in and experience the glam setting for yourself, whether for a luxurious overnight stay or to sample the epicurean adventure The Gallery menu offers. An ode to the nostalgia of stylish and decadent celebration, the wine and garden bar are the perfect spot to linger and relax.
Decadent Dining
If there’s one thing Hamilton isn’t short on, it’s good coffee spots and places to eat. Whether you’re wanting a quick snack or to linger over fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice. It pays to book ahead though as popular options like Alpino (Cambridge), Sage (Hamilton East), ISO Café Bistro (Raglan), Hayes Common (Hamilton), Punnet Eatery, and Mixture (Tamahere) are often busy, with tables in high demand. If you’re wanting a daytime caffeine boost, check out some of the local favourites which are tucked quietly away operating from trailers and containers. The best pies in town can be found at the unassuming café on wheels Jem & Co (Tamahere Drive). Made fresh on site daily, these are snapped up quicky by locals in the know, so head along early for piping fresh pastry treats. If you’ve got children or grandchildren with you, Front Paddock container café on Matangi Road serves up the best barista Raglan Roast around, plus there’s local Volare treats, organic produce to buy, a well-stocked sharing library and an awesome kids’ playground with animals to pat and feed.
