Things to do in Waikato

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Shakespeare Lookout showing a beach and a bay or harbor
Cathedral Cove Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sunset
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout showing a beach, a sunset and a bay or harbor
New Zealand
Craters of the Moon which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and mountains


Most popular activities in Waikato

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Water activities

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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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What to do in Waikato


Discover the most popular places to visit in Waikato

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Waikato

Waikato showing rugged coastline and a bay or harbor

Hamilton Central

If you're spending some time in Hamilton Central, Hamilton Centre Place and SkyCity Hamilton are top sights worth seeing.

Hamilton Central
Taupo featuring a lake or waterhole

Taupō Central

While visiting Taupō Central, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupō and Taupō Museum and Art Gallery.

Taupō Central
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Nukuhau

If you're spending some time in Nukuhau, Lake Taupō and Waikato River are top sights worth seeing.

Nukuhau
Some may have seen this in photos before, but no photo does it justice; or shows you the awesomeness quite like when you are standing directly on the side of the boat and within metres of this brilliant carving. 

I took a small boat that served treats, pizza and wine. Although travelling alone I was able to meet people on this trip very easily. I went on the Ernest Kemp Steamboat. Such character and lovely staff.

Acacia Bay

Lake views and restaurants are notable features of Acacia Bay. You might consider a stop by Lake Taupō while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Acacia Bay
Looking out across Lake Taupo at the Central North Island volcanoes, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. The town of Taupo is very nice, with plenty of cheap hostels, around $25-35 per night

Hilltop

If you're spending some time in Hilltop, Taupō Hot Springs and Lake Taupō are top sights worth seeing.

Hilltop
Hamilton Gardens which includes heritage elements and wildflowers

Hamilton East

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Hamilton East, you might make a stop by sights like Hamilton Gardens and Waikato River.

Hamilton East

Popular day trips from Waikato