Now that domestic travels are allowed again, it’s time to explore new destinations! With its historic buildings, Cambridge is the most ‘European’ town of the Waikato. Lovely and vibrant at any time of the year, it’s especially beautiful in spring during the cherry blossom season, and in autumn, when its tall, leafy trees turn golden. Enjoy all the colours of Cambridge with our detailed guide.
Images: Alex Spodyneiko
CAMBRIDGE MUSEUM
This museum is free to visit (donation is appreciated) and boasts an extensive collection of artefacts and archives relating to the history of Cambridge, its districts and people.
24 Victoria Street
Weekdays 10am-4pm Weekends 10am-2pm
HERITAGE WALK
The architecture of this cosy little town is stunning! Learn more about the history of Cambridge by walking around with a free Heritage Walk map that you can download from the Cambridge Museum website. It will take you from The Masonic Hotel, built in 1866, to about 30 other worth-seeing sights nearby.
GOOD UNION
Its exclusive location – inside the historic Trinity Presbyterian Church – vibrant atmosphere and spot-on menu make Good Union one of Cambridge’s most popular restaurants. Ideal for lunch or dinner but avoid peak hours, as it might get too crowded!
98 Victoria Street
11am-10.30pm (until 12am Fridays and Saturdays) goodunion.co.nz
TRASH ‘N’ TREASURE MARKET
Every second Sunday of the month Cambridge city centre transforms into a treasure hunt quest, with over 200 stalls offering everything from preloved books to rare vintage jewellery and hand-made toys. Walk along the historic streets and enjoy unexpected finds!
ARAPUNI SUSPENSION BRIDGE
At 152 metres long, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in the country. With the river and power station somewhere far below, walking this almost 100-year-old bridge feels more like flying. On a windy day, you’ll even feel… that’s right, THE SWING!
WAIKATO RIVER CYCLE TRAIL
Right from the Arapuni swing bridge starts a scenic cycle trail along New Zealand’s longest river. It’ll take you through native bush, wetlands, volcanic outcrops and cute little riverside villages. The whole trail takes up to four days to complete but you can do a part of it – multiple exit points make it easy
to tailor your route.
BLUE SPRING PUTĀRURU
The legendary blue springs, where 60% of the bottled water we see in supermarkets comes from. It takes around 100 years of natural filtering processes for this water to become so transparent. Seeing it run through the bright emerald seaweed is as hypnotising as it is magical. Take a shorter scenic loop from Leslie Road carpark or walk all the way to Whites Road carpark (1.5 hours one way).
LAKE DISTRICT ADVENTURES
Have you ever kayaked through a breathtaking canyon with mysterious glow worms sparkling all around you? This family-run business on Lake Karapiro offers exactly that! The guided kayak tours also include a refreshing stop for drinks and snacks.
396 Horahora Road, Piarere
From $109 pp lakedistrictadventures.co.nz
MAUNGATAUTARI SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN
A safe space for many endangered species, including kiwi and kākā, this fenced sanctuary is a step back into the pre-human times of New Zealand’s history. The world-class conservation project, with the longest pest-proof fence in the world, is an example of what New Zealand might look like if the Predator Free 2050 project is successful.
99 Tari Road, Pukeatua
From $49 for a guided tour 8.30am-4pm daily sanctuarymountain.co.nz
KARAPIRO DAM
Hard to imagine a better spot to admire autumn in full glory than from the Lake Karapiro shore, right next to the Karapiro dam. Dazzling blue water, golden leaves and bright red berries – it’s a true masterpiece of nature! Crossing the lake via the dam is an amazing adventure as well.
MAUNGAKAWA SCENIC RESERVE
A short drive from Cambridge is a nice dog- friendly loop walk that ends at a platform overlooking the mighty Waikato region. On a clear day, you’ll even see Mt Ruapehu and Mt Taranaki from there! The walk is super easy and takes you through picturesque bush with loads of birds.