Welcome to the
Mighty Waikato
A geographically and culturally diverse region, the Waikato has a range of activities and attractions to suit all ages and tastes – from our vibrant city hub of Hamilton to the rugged west coast, underground wonders and middle-earth movie magic.
Walking & Hiking Trails in the Waikato
From casual strolls along the river to overnight bush excursions and winding mountain tracks, the Waikato region has a variety of great walking trails to suit everyone. Meander alongside the Waikato River or get the pulse racing climbing to an inspirational mountain top view.
Find out more
Cycle Trails in the Waikato
A trip to the Waikato region isn’t complete without a few days spent exploring by bike.
Find out more
Get Lost in the Mighty Waikato
Aucklanders Sonja and Mike's 'quick getaway' has become an unexpected adventure. Their social media feeds are filled with stunning Waikato landscapes and undeniably joyful expressions. Are they lost? Or have they simply discovered the region's hidden treasures?
Find your own way to ‘Get Lost’ in the Waikato
Direct flights from Australia to Hamilton are officially here!
Now, it’s easier than ever for your family and friends across the ditch to visit the mighty Waikato. Whether it’s to reconnect with loved ones or explore Hamilton & Waikato’s stunning landscapes and thrilling activities, the journey just got shorter!
Visit Hamilton
Experience the real Middle-earth
If the Shire is at the heart of Middle-earth, then the Waikato is at the heart of the Shire. When scouting around for settings for his epic three movie adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Kiwi director Peter Jackson found just what he was looking for in the green rolling paddocks, rugged limestone outcrops and underground caverns of the Waikato region.
Find out more
Walking & Hiking Trails in the Waikato
From casual strolls along the river to overnight bush excursions and winding mountain tracks, the Waikato region has a variety of great walking trails to suit everyone. Meander alongside the Waikato River or get the pulse racing climbing to an inspirational mountain top view.
Find out more
Cycle Trails in the Waikato
A trip to the Waikato region isn’t complete without a few days spent exploring by bike.
Find out more
Get Lost in the Mighty Waikato
Aucklanders Sonja and Mike's 'quick getaway' has become an unexpected adventure. Their social media feeds are filled with stunning Waikato landscapes and undeniably joyful expressions. Are they lost? Or have they simply discovered the region's hidden treasures?
Find your own way to ‘Get Lost’ in the Waikato
Direct flights from Australia to Hamilton are officially here!
Now, it’s easier than ever for your family and friends across the ditch to visit the mighty Waikato. Whether it’s to reconnect with loved ones or explore Hamilton & Waikato’s stunning landscapes and thrilling activities, the journey just got shorter!
Visit Hamilton
See & do in the Waikato
top pick

from
$495
$495
Hamilton
Helicorp
Helicorp is 100% New Zealand owned and operated with professional and experienced pilots offering luxury helicopter flights throughout New Zealand with a particular focus on the stunning and varied North Island.
We offer a wide range of helicopter services: charter flights, aerial photography and filming, heli-fishing, heli-golf, heli-skiing – all your helicopter transportation needs.
We utilise modern “executive class” aircraft providing safe, efficient and enjoyable flights to your required destination.
Heliport & Aircraft Management; Helicopter management, hangarage, and pilot services for private owners.
top pick

from
$37
$37
Gordonton
Cornerstone Alpaca Tours
Yoour one stop Alpaca Farm Cafe, Shop & Venue. A fun thing to do in Hamilton and a great tourist attraction. Experience the kiwi alpaca lifestyle. We enjoy welcoming visitors to our beautiful Waikato farm in the picturesque Gordonton Village, New Zealand. Meet our friendly alpacas, visit our Alpaca Gift Shop, and enjoy a bite from our onsite Licensed Café. Our stunning country barn, Granero, is available for functions and weddings with onsite catering from Cornerstone Kitchen. The farm is conveniently located on a popular tourist route between Auckland, Matamata (40 min) and Rotorua (90 min). We're 1 hour from Auckland, 5 min from Zealong and 15 minutes from Hamilton Gardens. Ideal for a family day trip to rural Waikato.
top pick

from
$5
$5
Hamilton
The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum
Carved out of a hillside, this 42 acre former hard rock quarry has been transformed into a magnificent park with collections of trees and shrubs from around the world. The dramatic landscape provides the setting for the more than 70 sculptures on display - the park is the most extensive outdoor sculpture gallery in New Zealand. Featuring three new curated exhibitions per year, the park is open every day of the year.
All weather walking tracks (sturdy shoes recommended) and ample parking; most sections accessible by wheelchair.
The self-guided tour of at least 2km, provides a full-on sensory experience.
See more activities
Events in the Waikato
featured

Karapiro Marathon & Team Relay
Sat 12 Apr 2025
Cambridge
featured

Gordonton Art and Design Trail 2025
Sat 5 Apr - Sun 6 Apr
Hamilton
featured

Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter Open Day 2025
Sun 6 Apr
Hamilton
featured

W.A.Mozart Requiem
Sat 12 Apr
Hamilton
featured

Night of Champions 2025!
Fri 4 Apr
Cambridge
See all events
Top Autumn Activities in the Waikato

Make the most of the autumn in the Waikato with so much to see and do from stunning gardens to Middle-earth movie magic. Check out the top autumn activities to do in the Waikato below.
Find out more

Top places to stay in the Waikato
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from
$150
$150
Hamilton
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
Located in the heart of the city amidst shopping, entertainment and the CBD, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is within a short walking distance to Waikato Stadium, Claudelands Event Centre, Seddon Park cricket grounds and only 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport. Relax in one of 51 guestrooms all with complimentary WIFI, cool off in the pool, enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast in the on-site restaurant and wander along the river boardwalks not far from here, Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton is the ultimate location for the corporate traveller to large sporting or tour groups looking for that iconic touch.
top pick

from
$180
$180
Hamilton
Novotel Tainui Hamilton
Novotel Tainui Hamilton is perfectly located in the heart of Hamilton’s dynamic CBD. Only a short distance to Hamilton’s attractions, entertainment & major convention facilities and with easy access to the airport, the best of the city is at your doorstep. With this iconic hotel in the CBD, Hamilton is able to project itself as a destination for events & exhibitions, providing the service and quality required for its international travellers.
The hotel provides 217 well equipped rooms as well as extensive conference facilities for up to 300 delegates. Featuring adequate onsite parking, gym, sauna, restaurant and bar, the hotel also has a strong commitment to the environment and is dedicated to achieve environmental and social activities.
top pick

from
$400
$400
Cambridge
The Clements Hotel
The sensitively restored and renovated building is being transformed into a boutique hotel featuring 29 guest rooms and complemented by extensive Food & Beverage (F&B) operations. Steeped in history, this property is iconic and promises to become a popular weekend dining destination with locals; the plush basement bar will have a prohibition era vibe with an extensive cocktail list and the restaurant serves contemporary cuisine, inspired by the local Cambridge food scene, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Original features within the hotel include a magnificent sweeping staircase, stunning stained-glass, parquet flooring, high ceilings, and luxurious furnishings creating a refined and relaxed atmosphere.
Accommodation
Best Noodle Spots in the Waikato

Saucy, soupy, spicy and even fried, noodles are an ever-popular go-to meal, whichever way you like your noodles, there are plenty of places to get your fix in the Waikato region.
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