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.
Visit Cambridge
Where to stay in Cambridge

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

Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments
Reviewed on Jul 23, 2025

No1 Motels On Victoria
Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Cambridge Coach House
Reviewed on May 5, 2025

Travellers Hideaway – private, quiet garden, off-street parking, great location.
Reviewed on Jul 18, 2025

Modern & Cozy House in Cambridge - 5 minutes to lake Karapiro
Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025
Popular places to visit
Cambridge Raceway
You can take time to visit Cambridge Raceway during your travels to Cambridge. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.
St. Peter's School
Explore the campus of St. Peter's School during your visit to Cambridge. While you're in the area, wander around the gardens.
Cambridge i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Cambridge i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is just one of the places to see in Cambridge, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the spas in this walkable area, or simply enjoy its cafes.
Grassroots Trust Velodrome
Catch an event at Grassroots Trust Velodrome during your trip to Cambridge. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas.
Cambridge Museum
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Cambridge Museum in Cambridge. Visit the area's spas, or simply enjoy its cafes.
Cambridge Farmers' Market
You can search for that perfect souvenir at Cambridge Farmers' Market during your trip to Cambridge. Visit the spas in this walkable area, or simply enjoy its cafes.
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