Cambridge Travel Guide

Tourist 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 organize trekking tours that will take you around the local area.Just 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the town center, 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 favorite 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 60 miles (100 kilometers) of tracks take you past several lakes, and some vast expanses of countryside. The attractive town center 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 14 miles (23 kilometers) 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

5/5(1 area review)

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
The price is £100 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
£100
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (644 reviews)
"The Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments have an option of Hotel and Apartments Accommodation. It's Modern Facilities gives you all the qualities and comforts from Your Room and Spa to the Restaurant meals and the Staff and Management."

Reviewed on 9 Jun 2025

Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments
Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
3 out of 5
32 Scott St, Cambridge, Waikato
The price is £55 per night from 16 Jul to 17 Jul
£55
16 Jul - 17 Jul
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! (61 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staff, clean and tidy amenities, an enjoyable stay, would definitely return"

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (608 reviews)
"Great motel"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

No1 Motels On Victoria
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 Wi-Fi, 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 5 May 2025

Cambridge Coach House
Two Palms Cambridge, peaceful and safe and pet friendly
Two Palms Cambridge, peaceful and safe and pet friendly
Cambridge
Stay at this apartment in Cambridge. Popular attractions Te Koutu Lake and Cambridge Farmers' Market are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Lovely couple of nights
"Great spot"

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2025

Two Palms Cambridge, peaceful and safe and pet friendly
Maungakawa Hill by Tiny Away
Maungakawa Hill by Tiny Away
Cambridge, Waikato
Stay at this holiday home in Cambridge. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Te Koutu Lake and Cambridge ...
"Everything we needed, a very comfortable stay."

Reviewed on 14 Dec 2024

Maungakawa Hill by Tiny Away
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Cambridge

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 75%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great place shame we couldn't stay longer