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$112 per night from 22 July to 23 July
NZ$112
22 July - 23 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! (610 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 27 July to 28 July
NZ$249
27 July - 28 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! (649 reviews)
"Awesome location, staff were great and rooms are very modern and spacious."

Reviewed on 14 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$118 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$118
11 Aug - 12 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
Travellers Hideaway – private, quiet garden, off-street parking, great location.

Travellers Hideaway – private, quiet garden, off-street parking, great location.

Cambridge
Stay at this cabin in Cambridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Cambridge Raceway and Te Koutu Lake are located nearby.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Well Recommended
"It was central in the heart of the North Island. They were great hosts."

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Travellers Hideaway – private, quiet garden, off-street parking, great location.
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.

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