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 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

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 ¥19,209 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
¥19,209
¥22,090 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
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
The price is ¥8,640 per night from Aug 9 to Aug 10
¥8,640
¥9,936 total
Aug 9 - Aug 10
includes taxes & fees
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 ¥9,591 per night from Jul 30 to Jul 31
¥9,591
¥11,091 total
Jul 30 - Jul 31
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
Travellers Hideaway – private, quiet garden, off-street parking, great location.

Travellers Hideaway – private, quiet garden, off-street parking, great location.

Cambridge
Stay at this cabin in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Cambridge Raceway and Te Koutu Lake are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Well Recommended
"It was central in the heart of the North Island. They were great hosts."

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Travellers Hideaway – private, quiet garden, off-street parking, great location.
Modern & Cozy House in Cambridge - 5 minutes to lake Karapiro

Modern & Cozy House in Cambridge - 5 minutes to lake Karapiro

Cambridge
Stay at this vacation home in Cambridge. Enjoy a garden, tennis courts, and patios. Popular attractions Jubilee Gardens and Cambridge Museum are located ...
Lovely home
"Well equiped home, nice and warm in mid winter. Spacious bedrooms. Kitchen had everything we needed.Loved our stay in Cambridge!"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Modern & Cozy House in Cambridge - 5 minutes to lake Karapiro
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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