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
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 21 Sept to 22 Sept
NZ$249
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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 ...
Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments
No1 Motels On Victoria

No1 Motels On Victoria

3 out of 5
89 Victoria Street, Cambridge
The price is NZ$112 per night from 23 Sept to 24 Sept
NZ$112
23 Sept - 24 Sept
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 ...
No1 Motels On Victoria
Kelly Rd Cambridge Lodge

Kelly Rd Cambridge Lodge

4 out of 5
1 Kelly Rd, Cambridge
The price is NZ$234 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
NZ$234
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified motel in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
Kelly Rd Cambridge Lodge
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' ...
Cambridge Coach House
Bay Tree Boutique Accommodation Cambridge

Bay Tree Boutique Accommodation Cambridge

Cambridge
Stay at this vacation home in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Cambridge Farmers' Market and Te Koutu Lake are ...
Bay Tree Boutique Accommodation Cambridge
Charming 3-bedroom cottage in marvellous Cambridge.

Charming 3-bedroom cottage in marvellous Cambridge.

Cambridge
Stay at this cottage in Cambridge. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Cambridge Museum and Jubilee Gardens are located ...
Charming 3-bedroom cottage in marvellous Cambridge.
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Cambridge

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
107
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
69
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 1%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very nice town, cycle friendly, roads seem safe.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Noticed how friendly the people are here. Fantastic service in all eateries. Looking forward to a return visit. Layout of the town has been well thought of.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Cambridge is a lovely place to stay, beautiful surroundings and close to a lot of great activities.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Really pretty. Expensive shops. Lots of eateries.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It’s a friendly peaceful gorgeous town - blissful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

An up market little town with lovely browsing shops as well as good cafes and restaurants. The Farmers Produce market on Saturday mornings is recommended.

Cities near Cambridge