Whether you’re having a staycation or having family to visit, there’s no shortage of beautiful spots and thing to do this summer in the Waikato region. We’ve compiled a list of our favourites. Enjoy.
1.Get on your bike.
The Te Awa River walk and cycleway stretches along the Waikato River, and when complete will stretch from Ngaruawahia in the north to Horahora in the south. The Te Awa River Ride caters to people of all ages and abilities and was designed for both cyclists and pedestrians. The path is generally 3m wide, flat and made of concrete but does include a couple of very short but steep hills.
There are several options – you can break the track up into parts for an easy 2-hour cycle or do the whole thing. And of you don’t have bikes, don’t worry, you can hire them.
Ngaruawahia to Hamilton Gardens
This is the latest section of the Te Awa Cycleway starting at Ngaruawahia Domain, just a stone’s throw from the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve.
This section features the Perry Bridge, one of the longest walk/cycle bridges in New Zealand.
Length: 27km
Cyclists: 2 hours each way
Walkers: 5 hours and 30 mins each way
Difficulty: Low
Length: 15.2km
Cyclists 1 hour each way
Walkers 3 hours and 30min each way
Difficulty: Low
Check out some the track in this video
2.Experience the beauty and tranquil water of the Waikato River on the Waikato River Explorer
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on New Zealand’s longest waterway flowing through Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city.
With weekly Scenic Cruises, Wine Tasting Cruises or Ferry Trips to events at either Hamilton Gardens or Mystery Creek Events Centre, the Waikato River Explorer is a great option for a leisurely cruise with family and friends.
Bookings essential on all sailings to avoid disappointment. Book here
3. Visit the Avantidrome
There’s lots to do and see at the Avantidrome, and it’s not just for elite cyclists. They have Have a Go sessions and the Gallagher bike skills park for the kids. You can grab a coffee at The Bikery Cafe and there’s also the brand new Perry playground.
Located just out of Cambridge, next to St Peters School, it’s 15 minute drive out of Hamilton. The Te Awa River Ride also has a purpose-built track that runs from the centre of Cambridge to the Avantidrome that only 40 minutes walking, or 15 minutes biking.
4. Lake Hakanoa
The picturesque Lake Hakanoa in Huntly is a popular and easy family friendly walking trail in the North Waikato.
The lake walkway is split into thirteen zones including a native tree reserve, Japanese Garden, Global Garden, Wildlife Gardens, Palm Beach, Contemporary Maori Garden, Green Cathedral, Ponga Grove, wetlands and more, making for great picnic spots along the way.
A mostly flat track, the walkway is perfect for prams, walking the dog or an easy running track.
Location: Huntly Domain, Park Avenue, Huntly
Length: 3.6km (approx. 45 minute walk)
Have a safe and happy summer break getting out and about in our beautiful region.