21 Best Things to Do In Cambridge NZ

Known for its studs and thoroughbred horses, Cambridge is a picturesque town on the North Island of New Zealand, a stone’s throw away from Hamilton. On her doorstep, you will find world-famous activities such as Hobbiton and the Waitomo Caves. However, Cambridge itself boasts great walking, cycling, dining, and other activities making Cambridge a worthwhile stop on your trip.

If you’re not a big horse fan, you might have only ever driven past Cambridge on your way up to Auckland (or from it). And if you are a tourist, you might have not browsed this section of your Lonely Planet. In either case, you might be surprised by all the fun and fabulous things you can do in and around Cambridge. For your convenience, we have compiled a list of the 21 Best Things to Do in Cambridge NZ.

1. Heritage Walks

Cambridge is one of the few towns in New Zealand that was established in the 1860s that preserved the buildings of that time, making it feel like you stepped into a time capsule. The town might be old but the technology is not! You can download the Discovery Heritage Trail App on your phone for self-guided tours through Cambridge. A real must-do for history lovers!

2. Adventure Boat Tour

If just reading about heritage walks makes you sleepy, maybe the CAMJET boat tours are more up your alley. This 450hp V8 jet boat with its 360º spins will surely satisfy any adrenalin junkie while still enjoying the beautiful scenery the ‘Mighty Waikato’ has to offer.

The jet boat drivers all have extensive knowledge of the area and will tell you all about the historical facts of the monuments you pass. With adrenalin and eco-tours available in the varying duration of 15-60 minutes there is a suitable option for nearly anyone. We say nearly as if you have any medical issues it might be a good idea to consult your doctor before booking a trip.

The jet boats are the perfect way to visit the Karapiro Dam and as a result, see amazing native bush and wildlife.

3. Kayak Tours

It is no secret that one of the main attractions of Cambridge is the water that surrounds it and runs through it. What better way to experience it than an intimate kayak tour? Or Standup Paddleboard if you’d like. The Boatshed was started in 2000 by Richard Clark on the edge of Lake Karapiro. Ever since he has been offering epic glowworm half-day kayak trips, Waterfall adventures, and rental options.

The reviews make it abundantly clear that the glowworm trip is nothing short of magical. People seem to especially enjoy roasting marshmallows on the fire with glow worms beside and the stars above. They even provide cheese, crackers, and wine to top it all off.

4. Maungakawa Scenic Reserve

Once a TB Sanatorium for returned servicemen, The Maungakawa Scenic Reserve is now home to replenishing native forest that attracts an abundance of native birds. There are still some scattered exotic trees to be enjoyed as well. All in all, a paradise for native bird and bush lovers.

There is a 30-minute loop walk and beautiful picnic spots in the neighbouring Gudex Memorial Park, making it a perfect outing for young families. For those looking for a bit more of a wander, we’d recommend the longer tramping trail at Te Tapui Scenic Reserve discussed in point 6.

5. Te Miro Mountain Bike Park

If you are going to drive out to Maungawaka Scenic Reserve, you might want to consider stopping at Te Miro MTB park. You could opt for a ride in the park before heading to the reserve to enjoy a well-deserved picnic.

Te Miro offers loops for riders of all levels. Beginners can stick to the loop that runs around the lake and start, conveniently, from the main car park. Intermediate riders can enjoy loops such as “Gobblers Knob” and “Big Red”. For experienced and expert riders there are plenty of options too. What about “Soiled Chamois” or “Dirtbag”? For all trails, you can check out the map here.

6. Te Tapui Scenic Reserve

This activity technically falls outside the boundaries of Cambridge but a worthwhile visit while you are down there nonetheless. Taking the 1b and turning right on Scotsman Valley Rd it will take you about 40 minutes to reach the entrance of the reserve.

Once you have parked your car, the Tapui Loop Track is waiting for you. A 3-hour return trip that is advised to walk anti-clockwise. This means you will take on the steeper (but shorter) side first to descend on the longer but more mellow return. Your efforts will be well worth it though! At the summit, you will be rewarded with great views across to the Kaimai Ranges and Firth of Thames.

7. Lake Karapiro

This man-made water reservoir is a highlight for many people when visiting Cambridge. While many water-based attractions are most enjoyable during the warmer months, the view at the lake is most spectacular in Autumn time when the leaves turn all shades of red, brown, and yellow. We would highly recommend packing a picnic on a sunny day.

Still, most people come to the lake for one thing only -To drive across it on top of the narrow, one-lane dam. With the high water on the one side and the extreme drop into the dam on the other, you can’t help but marvel at this engineering masterpiece.

While you are at the lake, make sure you also stop for our next, best thing to do…

8. Arapuni Swing Bridge

One of our favourite hidden gems on this list. The bridge was built in the 1920s to allow workers who lived in Arapuni access to the power station which back then wasn’t more than a construction site. With a whopping 152.4 meters, this is one of the longest suspension footbridges in the country.

An interesting fact… The bridge is 8 meters higher when measured from the left side when looking downriver. Something else you might find hard to believe is that the bridge was designed in England and probably shipped prefabricated! It took about a year to build. All-in-all a must-do while visiting Cambridge.

9. Sanctuary Mountain

With its 47 kilometre fence, Sanctuary Mountain is the largest mainland fenced sanctuary in New Zealand. While it is a short drive out of Cambridge (30 minutes) it is 100% worth it as it is also home to many of New Zealand’s most endangered species.

Step through the pest-proof fence and into a forest alive with native wildlife including many of New Zealand’s rarest endangered plants, insects, tuatara and birds like the takahe, kiwi and kaka. You can either enjoy the sanctuary by yourself or opt for a guided tour, viewing tower visit or wetland experience. Click here for opening times and directions.

10. Blueberry Picking

If you visit Cambridge during summer you will have the opportunity to pick your own fresh blueberries. At Blueberry Country, New Zealand’s largest blueberry orchard, they invite you to come and pick your own during the harvesting season. Usually, they will try and open the first week of December for the public. This is a fun activity where the whole family can get involved, followed by a nice hot (or cold) drink in the orchard cafe after your hard work.

11. Lake Te Koo utu

Tucked away in the heart of Cambridge, this is a perfect spot to take a stroll after having eaten just a little too much at one of the great cafes the town has to offer. The lake is a popular spot with the locals and offers an easy 1-kilometre loop around the lake. With its flat paths, this loop is perfect for pushchairs, and kiddie pushbikes.

Several lookout points, water features, and gardens planted around the lake give visitors plenty to look at. There is also a children’s playground and onsite BBQ facilities making this park the perfect spot for a day outing with the family.

12. Farmer’s Market

If you are new to New Zealand or just visiting, you might have not heard the news yet but Farmer’s Markets or hot, very hot. You can’t visit any town or city without at least stumbling on one or two during your stay. The only key is to know when and where.

Since 2010, this year-round outdoor market takes place in a beautiful setting underneath the trees at Victoria Square in the centre of Cambridge. The market is held at every second Saturday of the month. So if you are planning your trip and you enjoy good food and fun, make sure to visit Cambridge when the market is on.

There are a wide variety of stallholders like Gutsy Kombucha, Goodbugs, Lillies by Blewden, Manuka Brothers Coffee, Rivendell Gardens, and many more. For a full list of stallholders and more information about the market, click here.

13. Te Awa, the Great New Zealand River Ride

Did you know that Cambridge is the self-proclaimed most cycling-friendly town in New Zealand? With the Velodrome (more about that at number 19), many cycle-friendly paths, and with the great New Zealand rive ride on its doorstep, we can see why.

The nice thing about this river ride is that it has the longest concrete trail of New Zealand, making it accessible for almost anyone. And at 3 meters wide, you don’t have to worry about run-ins with people coming from the opposite direction.

The path winds between the various towns in the region; Ngaruawahia, Hamilton, Tamahere, Cambridge and through to Lake Karapiro. Because the river ride is relatively long, 65 km one way, you can take it on as a multi-day ride, do a different section each day, or just start from Cambridge and turn around when you have still got some legs (and bum) left.

No matter which option you go for, expect to be amazed. From lakes and rivers to stunning waterfalls. The trail will take you across bridges, and elevated boardwalks. It will show you parts of the Waikato that you have never seen before. For more information you can visit the Te Awa website.

14. Cambridge Museum

Great for a rainy day, the Cambridge Museum is housed in the old Courthouse and displays a treasure trove of artefacts, photographs, and taonga (in Maori culture, an object or natural resource which is highly prized).

The focus of the museum is to bond people with place, doing this by showcasing an extensive collection of artefacts and archives relating to the history of Cambridge, its districts and people.

The museum is open on weekdays from 10am to 4pm, and on Public Holidays and Weekends from 10am to 2pm. Entry to the Cambridge Museum is free but a donation is always appreciated so they can ensure this information is available to generations after us as well.

15. Waitomo Caves

A bit of a pull but great for a day trip! The Waitomo Caves is one of the biggest tourist attractions in New Zealand and for good reason. The extensive underground network of caves is home to tens of thousands of glowworms, that when visiting make you believe you have landed on a different planet.

There are a host of different providers that run organised tours in the cave. Each provider will offer options to suit your needs. Some will offer a dry cave tour, climbing and descending into darkness or a Stream Caves tour where you cruise through natural underground passages.

If you are a thrill seeker like us then definitely visit the Blackwater Rafting Waitomo website and book their 4-hour blackwater adventure tour where you get to do it all. But expect to get wet! This tour ticks all the boxes -Abseiling, black water rafting, caving, rock climbing, and of course the famous residents, the glow worms.

16. Trash ‘N’ Treasure Market

Instigated by the Lions Club, this market has been up and running for over 25 years. Historically the market was spread throughout the Town Centre of Cambridge — offering residents and visitors to the town a variety of products at bargain prices.

Now the market is held on every second Sunday of the month from 9 AM to 1 PM in Memorial Park. And it is no longer just locals only either. Stall holders come from all over the North Island selling a wide variety of goods from handmade items, produce, plants, pre-loved products and collectibles.

17. Te Waihou Walkway and Blue Spring

This Famous Blue Spring supplies around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water and is one of the purest water sources in the world. Travelling alongside the Waihou River, the track winds through wetlands, across rolling pastures and past small waterfalls to the turquoise water of the spring.

Even though it might be temping, please do not put your feet, hands, or any other part of your body in the water. Firstly you will find it to be too chilly anways as It maintains a constant 11°C in every season. And secondly, by all adhering to this we can make sure the spring stays as pure as it is.

An interesting fact about the Blue Spring is that it flows at a rate of 42 cubic metres per minute (42000 liters per minute). This means The Blue Spring could fill a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool in just over 12 minutes.

18. Hobbiton

This list wouldn’t be complete without the attraction that put New Zealand on the map of all LOTR fans, Hobbiton. It is actually situated on a family run farm about 30 minutes away from Cambridge.

When Sir Peter Robert Jackson, the New Zealand film director who directed and produced the Tolkien movies, spotted this land during an earial search in 1998 he knew this was it. Negotiations began with the landowners and the rest is history.

37 hobbit holes were created as well as gardens and hedges, a mill and double arch bridge, and many other features to bring this set to life. However, when now visiting Hobbiton, these are not what you see. The original set was not built to last, having been constructed from untreated timber, ply and polystyrene. In 2010, the set was rebuilt in a more permanent fashion.

To ensure everyone gets a complete ‘Hobbit’ experience, the only way to access the Hobbiton Movie Set is with a fully guided walking tour. There are several Hobbiton Tours available here.

19. Avantidrome (the velodrome)

Have you ever seen a fully enclosed, wooden, 250m indoor cycling track? This is your chance! Home of New Zealand Cycling, The Velodrom only has the best of the best. The wood used for the track in the velodrome is Siberian Spruce. A slow growing timber, the grain of the wood is very close which means it won’t splinter.

Impressive as the building might be, it might be more fun if you visit while there is an event happening. You can check their website to see what’s happening at the Velodrome. Definitely a recommendation on a rainy day.

20. Art

No matter if you are an exerpt, newbie art lover, or just trying to escape the rain, Cambridge has something on offer for everyone when it comes to art.

An absolute hidden gem is The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum. A beautiful space that brings together nature and art, providing an Art-in-Nature experience with over 100 sculptures and installations within one of New Zealand’s largest outdoor galleries. Its 2km trail winds amongst a landscape of ponds, cliffs, rocks, flowering shrubs and trees.

If the weather isn’t suitable for outdoor enjoyment, consider visiting any of the five art galleries that call Cambridge home. You can find more information on all of them here.

21. Cafes & Shops

If none of the above float your boat there is still plenty for you to discover in Cambridge. With it’s quaint city center it sets the perfect scene for shopping your heart out. And what comes after shopping? A well deserved coffee, lunch, or maybe even a cocktail?

For the best pizza, maybe on the entire North Island, you have to try Alpino Cucina e Vino (Cuisine & Wine). Other great places are Onyx and Alpha Street Kitchen & Bar. If you are looking for a cafe, make sure you stop by Lily Pad Cafe which doesn’t only serve great food and coffee but also has the best garden setting in town.

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