Cambridge

Travel Guide

Cambridge
Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life
Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life

A visit to this tree-lined North Island town with its peaceful parks, boutique stores, cafés and scenic lakes is a pleasant day trip from Hamilton.

Cambridge is a pretty town that has a calming effect on its visitors. Walk or cycle along the banks of the Waikato River, or try your hand at trout fishing in Lake Karapiro. Afterwards, browse the galleries and boutique stores along Victoria Street. There are more thrilling activities too, if you are afraid you may get bored.

Just like its namesake in the United Kingdom, Cambridge has an elegant, distinctly English feel. Its tree-lined streets, Tudor-style houses and numerous well-tended parks and greens pay tribute to New Zealand’s colonial roots.

At the many local horse farms dozens of champion thoroughbreds have been raised. While most of the horse riding here is for serious equestrians only, you can still organise trekking tours that will take you around the local area.

Just 8 kilometres (5 miles) from the town centre, is the man-made Lake Karapiro. Formed when a dam was constructed for a power plant in 1947, the body of water is now a favourite recreational area for Cambridge residents. Rent a kayak and explore its boundaries, or if you visit in summer you can jump in for a refreshing dip.

The central walkways along the Waikato River make for a pleasant stroll. If you feel like something a bit more exciting, jump aboard the Camjet, a V8-powered speedboat that takes you on a thrilling ride up the river towards the Karapiro Dam.

If you’re a keen cyclist, make sure to explore the Waikato River trails. Over 100 kilometres (60 miles) of tracks take you past several lakes, and some vast expanses of countryside.

The attractive town centre of Cambridge is almost entirely made up of locally owned boutique stores, so if you’re looking for presents or souvenirs this is a great place to shop. You won’t go hungry either, with more than 20 cafés and restaurants serving up a wide range of local and international delights.

Cambridge is located 23 kilometres (14 miles) southeast of Hamilton and is easy to reach by car, with ample parking, and bus.

Where to stay in Cambridge

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Leamington

If you're spending some time in Leamington, Waikato River and Jubilee Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Leamington
Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments

Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments

5 out of 5
34E Lake Street, Cambridge, Waikato
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (650 reviews)
Great hotel close to Hobbiton
"Just a short distance from Hobbiton is this hidden gem-a comfy small hotel,great service with the best value cooked breakfast Situated near a lake on the edge of the shopping centre in Cambridge"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments
No1 Motels On Victoria

No1 Motels On Victoria

3 out of 5
89 Victoria Street, Cambridge
Stay at this 3-star motel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (610 reviews)
"Convenient motel handy to town facilities"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

No1 Motels On Victoria
Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park

Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park

3 out of 5
32 Scott St, Cambridge, Waikato
The price is P3,874 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
P3,874
P4,455 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Cambridge. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jubilee Gardens and Cambridge Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staff, clean and tidy amenities, an enjoyable stay, would definitely return"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cambridge Coach House

Cambridge Coach House

4 out of 5
3796 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu Highway, Cambridge
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly cottage in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cambridge Farmers' ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
"The cottages all have a lovely landscaped garden each with walks through them. It was really beautiful and on obviously cared for with love."

Reviewed on May 5, 2025

Cambridge Coach House
Avon Apartments

Avon Apartments

2.5 out of 5
14 Avon St, Hamilton, Waikato
Stay at this apartment in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions FMG Stadium Waikato and Founders Theatre are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (132 reviews)
"Clean and comfortable. Lacking in utensils for cooking."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

Avon Apartments
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street, Cnr London and Victoria Streets, Hamilton
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (394 reviews)
Good space
"Plenty of room, older building but comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Quest on London
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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