Waikato River

The Huka Falls hurtle at more than 220 000 litres per second, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand #NewZealand #Roadtrip #Waterfall
The Huka Falls hurtle at more than 220 000 litres per second, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand #NewZealand #Roadtrip #Waterfall
A few kilometres downstream from Lake Taupo the river changes to some rapids for a short distance. When the rapids finish there is a drop which creates a waterfall. It all ends with this scene which is stunning. Only a 30 second walk from the car park to the river this shot was taken about a 5 minute walk further downstream on the main track at sunrise.
Beautiful Huka Falls. Walk up Spa Road, take a left at the Thermal Park. About 7km from town. Stop at the thermal stream on the way.
When you will be near Taupo don’t forget to stop on the Huka Falls. Choose a trail for a walk or biking alongside the falls. It is perfect place for a picnic, so take something delicious to eat!

Plan a trip to see Waikato River

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
Auckland Central Business District
Price was ￥207,008, price is now ￥181,836 per person
￥181,836
per person
Apr 20 - Apr 24
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Osaka (KIX) to Auckland (AKL)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,897 reviews)
Professional staff members at the front desk. Will be back Thank You

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2026

Delamore Lodge

Delamore Lodge

5 out of 5
Oneroa
Save 100% on your flight
Price was ￥910,115, price is now ￥667,483 per person
￥667,483
per person
Mar 23 - Mar 26
found 20 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Tokyo (TYO) to Auckland (AKL)
10/10 Exceptional! (11 reviews)
The staff and food were amazing !

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

QT Auckland

QT Auckland

5 out of 5
Auckland Central Business District
Price was ￥216,640, price is now ￥183,601 per person
￥183,601
per person
Apr 20 - Apr 24
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Osaka (KIX) to Auckland (AKL)
9/10 Wonderful! (569 reviews)
A great stay thanks , comfy beds modern decor. Could do with a bit more light in the rooms though and why not just include breakfast rather than the $30 voucher that does not cover the whole cost of the breakfast. ?

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2026

Browse tours and tickets to explore Waikato River

Tours & day trips

See all 25 activities
Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Activity duration is 12 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 19 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥46,991 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 7 activities
Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥6,358 per adult
Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock CarvingsOpens in new tab

Attractions

See all 5 activities
Escape Room Experience Area 54

Escape Room Experience Area 54

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥2,764 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 4 activities
Taupo Private Geothermal Bike Tour

Taupo Private Geothermal Bike Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥221,134 per adult*
Taupo Private Geothermal Bike TourOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.

Hamilton Central Business District

Hamilton Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Hamilton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in the area.

Hamilton Central Business District
Hamilton Gardens showing a bridge and a pond as well as a small group of people

Hamilton Gardens

From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of color in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise.

Hamilton Gardens

Memorial Park

Explore the great outdoors at Memorial Park, a lovely green space in Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

Memorial Park

Waikato Museum of Art and History

Learn about the area’s rich Māori history, take in over 3,000 works of art and interact with the wonders of science in this ever-changing cultural center.

Waikato Museum of Art and History

ArtsPost

You can spend time exploring the galleries in ArtsPost during your travels in Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

ArtsPost

Riff Raff

You can find out about the history of Hamilton with a trip to Riff Raff. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

Riff Raff

Best Lodging Options Near Waikato River

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

3.5 out of 5
287 Victoria Street Hamilton
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street Hamilton
VR Hamilton
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

3 out of 5
86 Ulster Street Hamilton Waikato
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street Hamilton
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

4.5 out of 5
36 Liverpool Street Hamilton
Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
Atrium on Ulster

Atrium on Ulster

4 out of 5
281 - 285 ULSTER Street Hamilton
Atrium on Ulster
ibis Hamilton Tainui

ibis Hamilton Tainui

3.5 out of 5
18 Alma Street Hamilton
ibis Hamilton Tainui
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street Hamilton
Quest on London
Microtel Lodge

Microtel Lodge

2 out of 5
140 Ulster St Hamilton Waikato
Microtel Lodge
See all 1,272 properties in Waikato River
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.