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.

See & do in the Waikato

top pick Helicorp
from
$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 Cornerstone Alpaca Farm Tours
from
$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 Waikato Tourism
from
$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.
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Events in the Waikato

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.
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Top places to stay in the Waikato

top pick Scenic Hotel Group
from
$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 Novotel Tainui Hamilton
from
$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 Clements Hotel
from
$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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