Waikato River Tours and Activities

Aratiatia Rapids showing rapids
Aratiatia Rapids which includes rapids
Aratiatia Rapids which includes rapids
Aratiatia Rapids which includes rapids and a gorge or canyon
Aratiatia Rapids which includes rapids, a river or creek and forest scenes


Plan a trip to see Waikato River

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Ali Motel
Legacy Airedale Hotel Auckland
The Grand by SkyCity

Tours & day trips

See all 19 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 5 activities

Popular places to visit


Top Waikato River Hotel & Accommodation Deals

VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street, Hamilton
VR Hamilton
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

3.5 out of 5
287 Victoria Street, Hamilton
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

4.5 out of 5
7 Alma Street, Hamilton
Novotel Tainui Hamilton
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street, Hamilton
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street, Hamilton
Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street, Cnr London and Victoria Streets, Hamilton
Quest on London
ibis Hamilton Tainui

ibis Hamilton Tainui

3.5 out of 5
18 Alma Street, Hamilton
ibis Hamilton Tainui
Grosvenor Motor Inn

Grosvenor Motor Inn

3 out of 5
165 Ulster Street, Hamilton
Grosvenor Motor Inn
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

3 out of 5
86 Ulster Street, Whitiora, Hamilton, Waikato
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
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.

Things to do near Waikato River

Discover the enchanting Waikato River, where you can enjoy family camping by the water, marvel at stunning waterfalls, and immerse yourself in local wildlife. Experience the vibrant festivals and wellness retreats that offer rejuvenation amidst beautiful scenery. Whether you're sightseeing around New Zealand or relaxing in entertaining areas, the Waikato River promises a memorable getaway filled with adventure and relaxation.

Shopping

Hamilton Centre Place, located 805m from Waikato River, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family vibes. Prodrive Golf, 3.2km away, caters to sports enthusiasts. If you're up for a drive, check out the Cambridge Farmers' Market, 13.2km away, for local produce and unique gifts.

Recreation

At FMG Stadium Waikato, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere and catch a live event. For family fun, Waterworld offers thrilling aquatic activities and relaxation. Enjoy a round of golf at Riverside Golf Club, surrounded by stunning outdoor scenery and fresh air.

Adventure

Kartsport Hamilton offers exhilarating karting experiences only 9.7km from Waikato River. Feel the adrenaline rush as you navigate challenging tracks, perfect for both beginners and seasoned racers. With a vibrant atmosphere, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy some high-speed fun in the beautiful Waikato region.

Nightlife

The nightlife along the Waikato River is vibrant and enchanting. Start your evening at Founders Theatre, just 1.3km away, where you can enjoy captivating performances in a romantic setting, perfect for families and couples alike. It's an experience that beautifully captures the local culture and entertainment scene.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Waikato River

Waikato River offers a range of attractions for every type of traveller, from cultural experiences to family-friendly activities. Explore modern colleges and universities, picturesque botanical gardens, and charming neighbourhoods. Don't miss the stunning sights of the mighty Waikato River, the serene blue waters, beautiful Lake Taupō, and the scenic Waikato River Trail for a memorable adventure.

  • University of Waikato: This modern university offers a vibrant atmosphere with stunning campus grounds. Explore its contemporary architecture and enjoy the lively student life that reflects the city's energy, only 3.2km from the serene Waikato River.
  • Hamilton Gardens: A delightful botanical garden located just 1.6km from the river, Hamilton Gardens features themed gardens that provide a romantic and family-friendly setting, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics amidst beautiful flora.
  • Hamilton Central Business District: Located a mere 1.3km from the river, this bustling area is the heart of the city, filled with shops, cafés, and vibrant street life, making it a great spot for shopping and enjoying urban culture.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waikato River

To save money on your visit to Waikato River, plan your trip during the off-peak months of May and August to September for better rates. Consider booking your stay on a Monday, the cheapest day, while avoiding Saturdays, which are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly accommodation and explore package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings. Don’t forget to look for eco-certified hotels for a sustainable option and check for any booking fees to avoid surprises.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Waikato River are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Waikato River is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Waikato River is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type—selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your hotel stay along the Waikato River with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.