From world-leading attractions and unforgettable experiences to breathtaking landscapes, great food and unexpected gems, Waikato is a destination that rewards curiosity.
Stretching from the mighty Waikato River to rolling farmland, lush gardens and vibrant towns, this is a region packed with reasons to slow down, explore and discover something new. If you’re planning an upcoming road trip, allow a few extra days, as there are unexpected delights tucked away throughout the region just waiting to be discovered. With so many to choose from, we’ve put together a brief Top 10 of some of our recommended favourites that we’ve recently enjoyed visiting.
Te Awa River Ride
If exploring on two wheels is your idea of the perfect day out, the Te Awa River Ride should be high on your list. This spectacular shared pathway starts in Ngāruawāhia, travels through Hamilton and Cambridge, and finishes at Lake Karāpiro, winding alongside the water, across striking bridges and through peaceful riverside landscapes. Whether you tackle the full route or simply enjoy a leisurely section, it’s a wonderful way to experience the region at a slower pace.
Hobbiton
It’s impossible to list the best of Waikato without one of the most vibrant jewels in its crown – the global phenomenon that is Hobbiton Movie Set. There’s good reason visitors from around the globe flock to the hills of Matamata. If you think this is merely a (most impressive) ode to moviemaking, there’s so much more to Hobbiton than you’ll ever understand until you actually set foot in this magical world. From the incredibly detailed 44 hobbit homes in Bagshot Row and experiencing The Green Dragon Inn, to fun facts shared by genuinely engaging tour guides, it’s an experience unlike any other. Arrive early and fuel yourself for adventures ahead at The Shire’s Rest where most tours depart from (try the lamb and rosemary pie). My advice: visit and form your own opinion. Simply exceptional.
Zealong Tea Estate
This magnificent Waikato icon is a glorious experience year-round, from the serene setting of thousands of camellia tea plants to the luxurious flagship Zealong boutique, a Tea Walk lined with hand-crafted copper statues, and lavish tea rooms serving elegant signature high tea and lunch. As New Zealand’s only tea estate as well as being certified organic, this thoughtfully crafted property pays respect and homage to the long history of tea, whilst also forging a fresh new direction. Treat your palate to the Zealong tea ceremony and learn more about different varieties of tea, before exploring the array of flavours in the boutique.
Takapoto Estate
What began as a restoration project has evolved into something extraordinary at Takapoto Estate; a 600-acre sanctuary stretching along the shores of Lake Karāpiro.
More than 800,000 native trees have been planted across the property, creating a thriving habitat connecting with nearby Maungatautari, while vineyards, a market garden, a herd of pedigree Angus bulls, boutique accommodation and world-class equestrian facilities add to its extraordinary appeal.
Visitors can explore the estate on guided walking or (BYO) e-bike eco-tours, discovering native bush, birdlife, waterways and the working landscape before finishing with a wine tasting at The Cabana (held every Saturday), discovering boutique wines including the flagship Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay, Rosé and Red Blend, as well as Forager’s Gin, crafted from botanicals foraged from Takapoto Estate’s native bush. It’s a remarkable example of how a working Waikato property can become a destination in its own right.
The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum
Art and nature come together in total harmony. Set within 17 hectares of landscaped gardens and established woodland, visitors can follow an easy walking trail dotted with more than 100 sculptures by leading New Zealand artists. With every turn revealing a new artwork framed by trees, ponds and rolling countryside, it’s a peaceful and inspiring experience that rewards unhurried exploration.
As you wander around, take a moment to appreciate that this majestic offering represents the transformation of a former hard rock quarry and is the lifetime legacy of dedicated couple John and Dorothy Wakeling.
Treat yourself to a night at Ruru Retreat, a cosy cottage tucked away in the heart of the arboretum where you can truly immerse yourself in these remarkable surroundings.
Sanctuary Mountain
Explore the world’s largest fenced (47km) eco-sanctuary at Sanctuary Mountain, Maungatautari. This protected ancient forest is home to over 730 native species including some of New Zealand’s most unique and endangered wildlife such as kiwi and kākāpō. Step through the pest-proof gate into another world where New Zealand forest towers majestically above well-maintained walking tracks and the air is filled with birdsong. Enjoy a variety of hikes and bush walks at your own leisure or take a guided eco or cultural tour to discover just why this place is so special. Night-time guided tours are also available, as well as an exciting new cultural tour – The Moa Hunter, an immersive cultural journey led by a mana whenua guide, exploring Māori bush lore, discovering traditional survival skills, and connecting with the natural world. Note that this is located about an hour from Hamilton (but worth the trip), with an entry fee for the Southern enclosure and self-guided entry starting from $34.
The Clements Hotel
Boutique luxury has arrived and in quite the style. The beautifully restored Clements Hotel combines heritage elegance with contemporary comfort, offering stylish accommodation that perfectly complements a Waikato getaway.
Even if you’re travelling by motorhome, it’s worth stopping in to admire one of the region’s most thoughtfully restored historic buildings. The Clements has also created a new dining and drinking destination with The Gallery serving sophisticated seasonal cuisine inspired by Cambridge’s regional produce, while the all-day Café & Wine Bar shifts effortlessly from morning coffee to evening aperitivo.
But the real surprise lies beneath your feet: 1866, the hotel’s atmospheric underground speakeasy, tucked inside its original 150-year-old basement. With craft cocktails, live music and a distinctly prohibition-era feel, it’s the sort of place you might not expect to find in the heart of Cambridge – and all the more fun for discovering it.
Vilagrad Winery
There’s an effortless ease to Vilagrad Winery that makes you want to settle in and stay. Part of the Waikato landscape since Croatian immigrant Ivan Milicich Snr planted his first vines in 1906 and established the winery in 1922, five generations later, his descendants continue that tradition, with the Nooyen family – Nelda, Pieter and their sons – at the heart of a place that has evolved into so much more than a winery.
Vines, historic buildings, Mediterranean-style courtyards, great food, award-winning wine and a wonderfully relaxed sense of hospitality come together almost seamlessly. It’s the kind of place where lunch can easily stretch into an afternoon, and where the Nooyens’ knack for creating a welcoming space makes enjoying the good things in life feel completely natural.
Te Ara Wai Journeys
See the region from a different perspective. Based in the Waipā district, Te Ara Wai Journeys offers a chance to slow down and experience culturally significant sites in places like Kakepuku, Karāpiro, Pirongia and Cambridge. Discover stories, culture and connection, and be guided by local knowledge and Māori perspectives. These immersive experiences offer more than sightseeing – they reveal the history, people and significance woven into the river and the landscape around it.
The Floral Shed
Right: The Floral Shed was the vision of Nita Carter
A stunning foliage garden which has been tirelessly created by the sole dedication and vision of Nita Carter. Open only on set weekends, it’s also available to book for a group visit. More than just a garden; it’s an inspirational and creative venue, a place of learning, a lifestyle sanctuary, and a botanical hub for foliage and florals.
Offering a reconnection with nature, it’s also a peaceful environment for in which to relax and just appreciate the serenity of your surroundings. Every seed here has been mindfully sown to inspire that return to nature and Nita is wonderfully generous around sharing her plant knowledge and expertise. Plan your dates around one of the popular floral workshops or garden shop days, our put your own group together for a more bespoke experience.
