Cambridge Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Cambridge
Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life
Photo by Cheskie's Gap Life

This beautiful leafy haven with its quiet parks and stunning lakes makes for a great day trip from Hamilton.

Cambridge is a beautiful town boasting an atmosphere of serenity and calm like no other. Take a gentle stroll along the banks of the Waikato River or have a go at trout fishing in Lake Karapiro. The numerous galleries and boutiques along Victoria Street offer visitors a fantastic shopping experience.As you may guess from its name, Cambridge has a distinctly English feel. The streets are flanked by magnificent trees and the Tudor-style houses lay testament to New Zealand’s former colonial past.Known as the Town of Trees & Champions, Cambridge is most famous for its horse farms and champion thoroughbred breeding. While most of the horse riding is reserved for expert equestrians, some trekking tours can be organised that will take you around the local area. Located 8 kilometres from Cambridge town centre is Lake Karapiro, a favourite hot spot for local residents. The lake was constructed in 1947 after a dam for the Karapiro hydroelectric power station. Today, the lake is a fantastic recreational area for visitors and locals alike. Rent a kayak and experience a truly peaceful existence as you paddle seamlessly across this vast shimmering lake.Adrenaline junkies should hop aboard the Camjet V8-powered speedboat for an exhilarating ride up river towards the Karapiro Dam. The central walkways along the Waikato River are perfect territory for a gentle stroll, or for keen cyclists, the Waikato River trails offer around 100 kilometres of great cycling in the surrounding countryside. If it’s souvenirs and small cultural trinkets you are looking for, you will not be disappointed in Cambridge town centre. The numerous locally-owned boutiques, cafés and restaurants offer visitors a unique shopping experience and a taste of international cuisine.Cambridge is located 23 kilometres southeast of Hamilton and is accessible by car. There is plenty of parking in and around the town with regular buses circulating throughout the area.

Where to stay in Cambridge

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Leamington

5/5(39 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Leamington, Waikato River and Jubilee Gardens are top sights worth seeing.

Leamington
No1 Motels On Victoria

No1 Motels On Victoria

3 out of 5
89 Victoria Street, Cambridge
The price is NZ$94 per night from 18 July to 19 July
NZ$94
18 July - 19 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star motel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the overall value in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (609 reviews)
"Convenient motel handy to town facilities"

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

No1 Motels On Victoria
Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments

Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments

5 out of 5
34E Lake Street, Cambridge, Waikato
The price is NZ$249 per night from 20 July to 21 July
NZ$249
20 July - 21 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (648 reviews)
"Comfortable bed"

Reviewed on 10 Jul. 2025

Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments
Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park

Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park

3 out of 5
32 Scott St, Cambridge, Waikato
The price is NZ$114 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$114
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star holiday park in Cambridge. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Jubilee Gardens and Cambridge Museum ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staff, clean and tidy amenities, an enjoyable stay, would definitely return"

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Cambridge TOP 10 Holiday Park
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.
Cambridge Coach House

Cambridge Coach House

4 out of 5
3796 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu Highway, Cambridge
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly cottage in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cambridge Farmers' ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (151 reviews)
"The cottages all have a lovely landscaped garden each with walks through them. It was really beautiful and on obviously cared for with love."

Reviewed on 5 May 2025

Cambridge Coach House
Two Palms Cambridge, peaceful and safe and pet friendly

Two Palms Cambridge, peaceful and safe and pet friendly

Cambridge
Stay at this apartment in Cambridge. Popular attractions Te Koutu Lake and Cambridge Farmers' Market are located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Lovely couple of nights
"Great spot"

Reviewed on 16 Feb. 2025

Two Palms Cambridge, peaceful and safe and pet friendly
Modern & Cozy House in Cambridge - 5 minutes to lake Karapiro

Modern & Cozy House in Cambridge - 5 minutes to lake Karapiro

Cambridge
Stay at this vacation home in Cambridge. Enjoy a garden, tennis courts, and patios. Popular attractions Jubilee Gardens and Cambridge Museum are located ...
Lovely home
"Well equiped home, nice and warm in mid winter. Spacious bedrooms. Kitchen had everything we needed.Loved our stay in Cambridge!"

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 2025

Modern & Cozy House in Cambridge - 5 minutes to lake Karapiro
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.

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