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.
Cambridge Travel Guide
Where to stay in Cambridge
Leamington
If you're spending some time in Leamington, Waikato River and Jubilee Gardens are top sights worth seeing.
Reviewed on 5 May 2024
Reviewed on 9 May 2024
Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 1 May 2024
Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2024
Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024
Popular places to visit
St. Peter's School
Enjoy the student vibe at St. Peter's School as part of your travels around Cambridge. While you're in the area, wander around the gardens.
Cambridge Raceway
You can take time to visit Cambridge Raceway during your travels to Cambridge. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.
Cambridge i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Cambridge i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is just one of the places to see in Cambridge, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Visit the spas in this walkable area or simply enjoy its cafes.
Cambridge Farmers' Market
You can do some window-shopping at Cambridge Farmers' Market during your stay in Cambridge. Visit the spas in this walkable area or simply enjoy its cafes.
Cambridge Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Cambridge Museum in Cambridge. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its cafes.
Avantidrome
You can take time to visit Avantidrome during your travels to Cambridge. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas.
Activities
Small-Group Hobbiton Movie Set Tour from Auckland with Lunch
Private Luxury Tour From Auckland to Hobbiton Movie Set and Rotorua for couples
Private Luxury Tour to Hobbiton Movie Set & Waitimo Glowworm Cave
Rotorua to Auckland via Hobbiton Movie Set Tour - One Way
Hobbiton Village with Bridal Veil Falls Private Tour
Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour
Reviews of Cambridge
5/5 - Excellent
Very nice town, cycle friendly, roads seem safe.
5/5 - Excellent
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
Cambridge is a lovely place to stay, beautiful surroundings and close to a lot of great activities.
4/5 - Good
Really pretty. Expensive shops. Lots of eateries.
5/5 - Excellent
It’s a friendly peaceful gorgeous town - blissful!
5/5 - Excellent
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.
- St. Peter's School
- Cambridge Raceway
- Cambridge i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
- Cambridge Farmers' Market
- Cambridge Museum
- Jubilee Gardens
- Hobbiton Movie Set
- SkyCity Hamilton
- Waikato Hospital
- Lake Karapiro
- Hamilton Gardens
- Waikato Stadium
- University of Waikato
- Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple
- Hamilton Centre Place
- Globox Arena
- Mystery Creek Events Centre
- Hamilton Zoo
- Southern Cross Hospital
- Hamilton Central Business District
- Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
- Pureora Forest Park
- Braemar Hospital
- The Base
- Lake Rotoroa
- Claudelands Park
- Zealong Tea Estate
- Wairere Falls
- Matamata Golf Club