Cambridge

Cambridge

Set in rich farming countryside at the heart of the Hamilton & Waikato region, Cambridge with ‘Old English’ charm is packed with top galleries, cafes and stores.

Don't miss:

Lake Karapiro
Maungatautari Ecological Reserve
Cafes, restaurants, galleries, shopping
Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Park
Walk of Fame
Stud Tour
Winery and wine tasting
Golf

At the heart of the Hamilton & Waikato Region is Cambridge, known locally as the town of champions due to its gold-medal winning Olympian residents and its long-standing and illustrious heritage of thoroughbred racing.

Flanked by horse studs and rich pastures Cambridge’s peaceful tree-lined streets are full of interesting fashion and homeware stores along with chic cafes. The heritage trail or Walk of Fame is a must for any cultural buff and horse stud tours are available for those interested in equine pursuits.

Take a walk around Lake Te Ko Utu at the top end of Cambridge town centre or laze for a while under the shade of a tree around the fringe of the village square, where there may be a game of cricket or weekend market under way.

Situated nearby at the base of Maungatautari Ecological Reserve, is Lake Karapiro, the proving ground of rowing’s elite as well as a popular spot for local boaties, kayakers and water-skiers. A glimpse into the New Zealand forests of the past, Maungatautari offers superb walking tracks through flourishing native flora and fauna.

The rural outskirts of Cambridge also boast an array of artisans including gourmet coffee roasters, winemakers and produce growers, not to mention galleries like Inspirit, displaying local and national works of art and sculpture.