Waikato River Tours and Activities

The Huka Falls hurtle at more than 220 000 litres per second, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand #NewZealand #Roadtrip #Waterfall
The Huka Falls hurtle at more than 220 000 litres per second, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand #NewZealand #Roadtrip #Waterfall
A few kilometres downstream from Lake Taupo the river changes to some rapids for a short distance. When the rapids finish there is a drop which creates a waterfall. It all ends with this scene which is stunning. Only a 30 second walk from the car park to the river this shot was taken about a 5 minute walk further downstream on the main track at sunrise.
Beautiful Huka Falls. Walk up Spa Road, take a left at the Thermal Park. About 7km from town. Stop at the thermal stream on the way.
When you will be near Taupo don’t forget to stop on the Huka Falls. Choose a trail for a walk or biking alongside the falls. It is perfect place for a picnic, so take something delicious to eat!

Plan a trip to see Waikato River

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
Auckland Central Business District
Save 100% on your flight
Price was NZ$1,049, price is now NZ$707 per person
NZ$707
per person
7 Mar - 11 Mar
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Christchurch (CHC) to Auckland (AKL)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,897 reviews)
Professional staff members at the front desk. Will be back Thank You

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Waiheke Island Resort

Waiheke Island Resort

3.5 out of 5
Ostend
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Price was NZ$2,126, price is now NZ$1,127 per person
NZ$1,127
per person
28 Feb - 3 Mar
found 17 hours ago
Return direct flight included
Invercargill (IVC) to Auckland (AKL)
8/10 Very Good! (389 reviews)
Was clean and tidy. But dangerous steps to accommodation. Slippery. Long way to reception with no offer of shuttle to move us and luggage. Or any suggestion of ferry pickup which would have been great. Restaurant was closed and no services after reception closed at 4pm.

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2026

Auckland City Hotel

Auckland City Hotel

4 out of 5
Auckland Central Business District
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Price was NZ$1,027, price is now NZ$709 per person
NZ$709
per person
7 Mar - 11 Mar
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
Christchurch (CHC) to Auckland (AKL)
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Front desk staff were friendly and very helpful. Excellent buffet breakfast with lots of options. Very convenient location.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Tours & day trips

See all 20 activities
Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

Activity duration is 12 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 19 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$510 per adult
Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from AucklandOpens in new tab

Attractions

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Escape Room Experience Area 54

Escape Room Experience Area 54

Activity duration is 1 hour and 15 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$30 per adult
Escape Room Experience Area 54Opens in new tab

Private & custom tours

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Taupo Private Geothermal Bike Tour

Taupo Private Geothermal Bike Tour

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$2,400 per adult*
Taupo Private Geothermal Bike TourOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

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Waikato: Half-Day Karāpiro River Trail Bike Tour

Waikato: Half-Day Karāpiro River Trail Bike Tour

Activity duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$129 per adult
Waikato: Half-Day Karāpiro River Trail Bike TourOpens in new tab

Popular places to visit

I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.

Hamilton Central Business District

3.5/5(197 reviews)

Hamilton Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Hamilton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in the area.

Hamilton Central Business District
Hamilton Gardens showing a bridge and a pond as well as a small group of people

Hamilton Gardens

4.5/5(223 reviews)

This man-made paradise offers everything from the peaceful tranquillity of the Japanese Zen Gardens to the lively Indian Char Bagh Gardens.

Hamilton Gardens

Memorial Park

Explore the great outdoors at Memorial Park, a lovely green space in Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

Memorial Park

Waikato Museum of Art and History

With over 3,000 exhibits, this outstanding collection of art and history teaches visitors about the regions rich Māori history.

Waikato Museum of Art and History

ArtsPost

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at ArtsPost during your trip to Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

ArtsPost

Riff Raff

4.5/5(11 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Hamilton with a visit to Riff Raff. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

Riff Raff

Top Waikato River Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street Hamilton
Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge
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
VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street Hamilton
VR Hamilton
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

3 out of 5
86 Ulster Street Hamilton Waikato
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
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
Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

4.5 out of 5
36 Liverpool Street Hamilton
Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
Atrium on Ulster

Atrium on Ulster

4 out of 5
281 - 285 ULSTER Street Hamilton
Atrium on Ulster
ibis Hamilton Tainui

ibis Hamilton Tainui

3.5 out of 5
18 Alma Street Hamilton
ibis Hamilton Tainui
See all 1,274 properties in Waikato River
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.