Hamilton, Cambridge, Paeroa, Waitomo, Taupō, Coromandel, Ōtorohanga & Raglan
For those planning a trip, a Waikato travel guide is essential to explore all that this region has to offer. From rolling farmland and dramatic coastlines to geothermal lakes, glowworm caves and world-class adventure, the Waikato and Central North Island offer some of New Zealand’s most diverse and memorable travel experiences. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, luxury, family fun, or high-energy action — this region delivers it all.
HAMILTON & CAMBRIDGE – Scenic Flights, Orchards & Countryside Charm
Things to Do
Kiwi Balloon Company – Hamilton – Drift above the Waikato at sunrise and enjoy panoramic views of farmland, rivers and rolling hills — a magical experience for couples, families and photography lovers.
Monavale Blueberries & Irresistiblue Café – Cambridge – Savour organic blueberry treats and stunning orchard views at this beautiful rural café tucked just outside Cambridge.
Rally Drive NZ – Motorsport Thrills (Maramarua Forest) – A high-performance rally adventure where you can drive a real rally car or ride shotgun with a professional driver on a forest stage. Perfect for motorsport lovers and thrill-seekers.
Highlights
- Hamilton Gardens – World-famous themed gardens showcasing landscapes from around the world, perfect for relaxed walking and photography.
- Waikato River Walks – Scenic riverside tracks ideal for cycling, walking or enjoying Hamilton’s calm urban nature.
- Cambridge Farmers Market – Fresh local produce, artisan food and a lively Saturday morning atmosphere.
- Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari – A huge predator-free eco-sanctuary with lush native forest, birdsong and walking trails.
PAEROA & THE HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL – Cycling, Scenic Tours & Easy Adventure
Paeroa is the gateway to the Hauraki Rail Trail, a popular Grade 1 cycleway linking Karangahake Gorge, Thames and Waihī. Easy, accessible and incredibly scenic — perfect for families and casual riders.
Things to Do
Hauraki Bike Hire – Paeroa – Bike hire, e-bikes, kids’ bikes and trail support to make your cycling adventure smooth and enjoyable.
Valley Tours & Transfers – Paeroa – Providing shuttles, luggage transfers and sightseeing tours for Rail Trail riders and visitors exploring Paeroa and beyond.
Highlights
- Hauraki Rail Trail – Easy, scenic cycling through rural countryside, bush tunnels, old railway bridges and the stunning Karangahake Gorge.
- Karangahake Gorge Windows Walk – A spectacular loop through historic gold-mining tunnels with views across the gorge.
- Paeroa L&P Bottle – An iconic Kiwi photo spot celebrating New Zealand’s famous fizzy drink.
WAITOMO, ŌTOROHANGA & SURROUNDS – Glowworms, Glamping & Rural Luxury
Famous for its glowworm caves, Waitomo and the surrounding Ōtorohanga district also offer peaceful countryside escapes, unique outdoor experiences, and some of the region’s most memorable places to stay — from glamping under the stars to secluded riverside retreats.
Places to Stay
Ripples Retreat – Piopio / Ōtorohanga District – A standout rural escape offering hand-built riverside cabins set among rolling farmland and native bush. Guests can soak in outdoor baths, enjoy direct river access for swimming or kayaking, and experience exceptional stargazing in a truly peaceful setting. Ideal for slow travel, nature-based wellbeing, couples, and small groups booking both cabins together.
Perfect for:
- Summer slow travel and longer stays
- Riverside swimming, kayaking & outdoor bathing
- Couples and friends travelling together
- Groups booking both cabins for a private retreat
- Nature lovers seeking peace after Waitomo cave tours
Ōtorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park – Affordable cabins, motels and camping sites near Kiwi House and a convenient gateway to Waitomo attractions, offering year-round heated saltwater swimming pool & spa pools
Orchard Valley Glamping – Waitomo – A romantic glamping escape set in a private valley. Enjoy luxury glamping tents, outdoor baths beneath the stars and total tranquillity.
Waitomo Village Chalets – Self-contained chalets located close to the major cave tours.
Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park – A family-friendly base with cabins, powered sites and excellent facilities.
Highlights
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves – Explore underground rivers and limestone chambers illuminated by thousands of glowworms.
- Ruakuri Cave – A dramatic cave system with spiralling walkways, waterfalls and impressive limestone formations.
- Aranui Cave – A quieter cave known for delicate stalactites and natural acoustics.
- Ōtorohanga Kiwi House – Get close to kiwi and other native wildlife with daily feeding talks.
- Marokopa Falls & Mangapōhue Natural Bridge – Two spectacular natural landmarks a short drive west of Waitomo.
TAUPŌ & TŪRANGI – Adventure Capital of the Central North Island
Taupō is a playground of geothermal landscapes, adrenaline activities and lakeside relaxation.
Top Adventures in Taupō
- Taupō Parasailing – Thrilling parasailing experiences over the picturesque Lake Taupō, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Taupō Tandem Skydiving – Soar above Lake Taupo and Mt Ruapehu with Taupo Tandem Skydiving—the ultimate adventure for thrill-seekers in New Zealand! Experience breathtaking views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush as you leap into the skies.
- Taupō’s Floatplane Scenic Flights – Enjoy a unique Taupo activity with a flightseeing experience over Tongariro National Park, the Bay of Plenty and, of course, Great Lake Taupo!
- Mind Junction Activity Park – A Taupo favourite for all ages—explore the Giant Maze, marvel at the LEGO Display, play Mini Golf, and take off in the Flight Simulator!
- Rent N Roll Caravan Hire – Located in the heart of Taupo, Rent n Roll Caravan Hire helps create unforgettable holidays with a smooth, comfortable rental experience.
Where to Stay in Taupō
The Point Villas – Exclusive Luxury – Two exceptional private villas set in native bush, each with private pool, spacious interiors, full kitchens, landscaped grounds and high-end amenities for luxury retreats.
Tongariro Lodge – Tūrangi – A world-renowned fishing lodge offering riverfront accommodation, gourmet dining, guided outdoor adventures and easy access to Tongariro National Park.
Accent on Taupō Motor Lodge – Two Mile Bay – Comfortable lakeside accommodation with spacious units, spa baths, and direct access to the Two Mile Bay walkway. Ideal for couples, families and relaxed stays.
Absolute Lake View Motel – Taupō CBD – Central motel opposite Lake Taupō offering clean, modern rooms, indoor heated pool and unbeatable walk-to-town convenience.
Anchorage Resort Motel – Lakeside – Family-friendly lakeside resort featuring a heated pool, spa, playground and spacious suites. A great base for summer holidays and group stays.
The Cottage Taupō – Relax in style at this modern Taupo cottage, set on a tranquil hillside with sweeping views of the Waikato River and surrounding farmland.
The Retreat – Lakeside Chalets – Tranquil forest-fringed chalets overlooking Lake Taupō, offering privacy, nature views and peaceful escapes just minutes from town.
Sacred Waters – Luxury Apartments – Premium lakefront apartments featuring geothermal hot tubs, spacious living areas and high-end comfort — ideal for luxury travellers.
The Flying Trout Boutique Lodge – Elegant, secluded lodge with panoramic lake and mountain views, offering boutique suites and personalised hospitality.
Highlights
- Huka Falls – One of NZ’s most visited natural attractions — turquoise water thundering through a narrow volcanic channel.
- Lake Taupō Waterfront – Perfect for swimming, picnics, lakeside dining and family-friendly activities.
- Tongariro National Park – An adventure base for hiking, skiing, fly-fishing and exploring volcanic landscapes.
- Aratiatia Rapids – Watch powerful water surges released through the Aratiatia Dam — a dramatic sight.
RAGLAN – Surf, Black-Sand Beaches & Wild Coastal Treks
Raglan is a laid-back coastal town famous for its black-sand beaches, world-class surf breaks and rugged west-coast beauty. Explore dramatic cliffs, scenic walking trails, peaceful harbours, creative local cafes and unforgettable sunsets over the Tasman Sea.
Where to Stay
Raglan Holiday Park – Beachfront cabins and campsites within walking distance of Raglan town and harbour.
Wild Coast Ruapuke Horse Treks – Scenic horse rides along rugged coastal beaches and farmland — a must-do on the west coast.
COROMANDEL – Beaches, Coves & Marine Adventures
The Coromandel is a summer favourite, offering pristine beaches, native forests and crystal-clear waters.
THINGS TO DO – COROMANDEL
Cathedral Cove Dive & Snorkel – Hahei – Explore Hahei’s marine reserve with guided snorkelling and dive trips showcasing reefs, underwater arches, vibrant fish life and the iconic Cathedral Cove coastline.
Coromandel Ocean Adventures – Tairua & Pauanui – Scenic boat tours featuring wildlife encounters, sea caves, offshore islands and stunning coastal landscapes with experienced local skippers.
Coromandel Fishing Charters – Te Kouma – A top fishing experience targeting snapper, kingfish and more in the rich Hauraki Gulf waters. Great for families, groups and anglers of all skill levels.
PLACES TO STAY – COROMANDEL
Hosts on the Coast – Coromandel Holiday Homes – A curated collection of holiday homes across the Coromandel, offering beachfront escapes, family-friendly houses and luxury stays for every style of traveller.
Coromandel Court Motel – Coromandel Town – Clean, central and comfortable motel units within walking distance to shops, cafés and the charming historic township.
Mercury Bay Holiday Park – Whitianga – Spacious cabins, powered sites and family-friendly facilities just minutes from the beach, wharf and local attractions.
Crows Nest Apartments – Whitianga – Modern beachfront apartments on Buffalo Beach with full kitchens, ocean views and plenty of space for families or groups.
Peninsula Motel – Whitianga – A quiet, well-presented motel close to the marina and town centre, ideal for couples and travellers exploring Mercury Bay.
Pauanui Pines Motor Lodge – Pauanui – Set among lovely landscaped grounds, this lodge offers comfortable units, a swimming pool and relaxed resort-style facilities near the beach.
Ocean Breeze Resort – Pauanui Beach – Luxury apartments at the edge of Pauanui Beach featuring contemporary design, private balconies and upscale comfort.
Orokawa Bay Retreat – Waihī – A secluded, boutique retreat overlooking native bush and coastline — perfect for couples seeking privacy, peace and breathtaking views.
Coromandel Highlights
- Cathedral Cove – A world-famous beach with a natural rock arch, crystal-clear water and white sand.
- Hot Water Beach – Dig your own natural hot pool in the sand at low tide — a classic Coromandel experience.
- Whitianga Wharf & Beachfront – Great for swimming, boating, dining and family activities.
- New Chums Beach – A pristine, untouched beach known for its isolation and natural beauty.
- Pauanui Summit Track – A rewarding climb with panoramic coastal views over the Coromandel.
Transport around Waikato
Scenic Motorcycle Touring with Bularangi
Discover NZ’s landscapes on an open-road Harley adventure: guided tours and motorcycle rentals through coastlines, forests and alpine passes.
Door-to-door taxi and transfer service available in multiple regions across New Zealand.
Reliable, cost-effective airport transfers serving all major NZ airports.
