Cambridge is an awesome base for the whole family – come check us out for your next school holidays. Below you will find our pick of the best for the small people.
Download our school holiday flyer here.
Cambridge is at the heart of the world-class 65km Te Awa River Ride. The longest concrete trail in NZ, Te Awa winds its way from Ngaruawahia through to Lake Karapiro on a 3m wide smooth concrete trail, boardwalks and bridges. Taking in stunning views and parts of the Waikato River never before seen by the public, the Te Awa River Ride is achievable for all ages and abilities by bike or by foot and as many kilometres as you like! www.te-awa.org.nz
In a beautiful setting just south of Cambridge you can hire kayaks and bikes (kids bikes and seats available) and explore the river and paths around the Mighty Waikato. Guided glowworm kayak experiences also available.
Enquire at the Cambridge isite or via Riverside Adventures at the Velodrome. www.riversideadventures
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a mainland ecological island. Surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences, Sanctuary Mountain’s ancient forest offers a sanctuary for populations of many of our most endangered species such as birds, skinks, geckos, frogs, bats, and insects. Guided or self guided walks all week long. www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/
Enjoy a visit to a local private collection of classic muscle cars, vintage trucks, and equipment.
162 Hannon Road, Hautapu. Open 9am – 5pm – Monday to Friday. Adults – $5. Children – Free
Phone 07-823-5944 to book a visit
Experience the Mighty Waikato River and Jet Boat New Zealand with Camjet. Want to get your family’s hearts pumping and adrenalin flowing Right here in Cambridge NZ? For more information visit CAMJET
Come and enjoy the outdoors and discover NZ native birds and frogs at play as you travel throughout the 17.5 hectares of Park. Play Roosting Ruru where you discover Ruru hidden throughout the park. Or, grab all the family and play OUT OF THE BOX a fun scavenger hunt game for two adults and two children.
The Park has lots of fun things to do for all ages from making a raft to creating a teepee or renaming one of the many sculptures found throughout the park. www.sculpturepark.co.nz
Also see Llamas, miniature donkeys, goats, black-nose sheep, bison, horses – find out more at Cambridge isite 07 823 3456.
This attraction must be pre-booked. Read more about it here.
The Perry Aquatic Centre indoor facility opened in 2021. It has an indoor 10 lane 25m pool, learner/hydrotherapy pool, tots pools and splash pad. 50m outdoor pool open from Labour weekend until Easter
Every day during the school holidays and on weekends/public holidays, the inflatable runs. Check online for times
Cost for the inflatable is $4.00 per session. minimum age is 5 years. For more information, visit their website www.go.waipa.com
A super cool cinema to visit with comfy seats, yummy treats for adults and kids, and lots of room. Heaps of great movies on these school holidays
Find out more at www.tivolicinema.co.nz
Leamington Domain, Wordsworth Street, 10am-2pm weather permitting. Covered-toe shoes required.
Tickets $2 per ride and under 5’s free with a paying caregiver, every 1st & 3rd Sunday.
You can check their Facebook page for updates: Cambridge Model Railway
Every Saturday Cambridge Farmers Market – Victoria Square 8am-12 noon
2nd Sunday of the month
Cambridge Market, Trash n Treasure (Kids love this one!) at the Hautapu Rugby Grounds 8am-1pm. Browse over 100 stalls. Lots of yummy food and coffee too. For more details, visit cambridgemarket.nz
3rd Saturday of the month
Tamahere Country Market, St Stephen’s Church, Airport Rd, Tamahere, 8.30am-1pm
During school holidays you can experience some unique holiday sessions at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome. No matter your skill level everyone is welcome to join, from complete beginners through to the more experienced and bike and helmet are supplied. Children must be 135 cm in height and at least 10 years old to ride the track. they generally offer two options:
Junior Have-a-Go (1.5hrs). A chance to come and try the track (for first timers) under the supervision of experienced coaches. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Junior Learn to Ride sessions – get accredited to ride the Track. Get coached towards becoming competent to ride the track, no previous experience required. Accreditation is dependent on skill, confidence and fitness level.
For more info visit www.velodrome.nz
Activity programmes are scheduled during the school holidays.
Visit their website for the latest info: Waipa Libraries
The Velosolutions Pump Track in Cambridge offers a fun 196m long track and fun 222m jump track joined by a bowl in the middle of the two. It is located next door to the Perry Aquatic Centre (Cambridge Pools) and a skate park.
It’s a great place for the entire family to enjoy and play on. With a footprint of over 2300m2 the track is the largest pump track in Oceania, surrounded by grass, trees and picnic tables.
Walk around the Cambridge green belt or river trails, visit Pukemoke Scenic Reserve, Gudex Road or for the more adventurous, hike Pirongia mountain and stay in the Paheatua Hut overnight.
Visit the Cambridge isite for all the information you need plus maps for Cambridge, Pirongia, Sanctuary Mountain and Te Aroha trails. Pirongia Hut Tickets are also available – $5 adults $2.50 kids (bookings required) and Cambridge isite hire personal locator beacons and sell freeze-dried food from Radix.
Waikato River Trails
Excellent for a walk or a bike, grab a drink or some yummy food at Rhubarb Café, Arapuni. Maps and info available from the Cambridge isite www.waikatorivertrails.co.nz
Waitomo Caves
Bring the tamariki along for a magical glowworm experience, with one free child per paying adult on Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri and Aranui Cave tours – it’s fun for the whole family. www.waitomo.com
Hobbiton Movie Set
Glimpse behind the scenes of The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings movies on a guided tour. Enter Middle-earth™ on the world-famous Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour. Bookings essential (book direct or with the Cambridge isite) NZ Tourism Award Winner.
Come and see us at the Cambridge isite for information on the above and more – we are your FREE resource so you can enjoy our town! We are in the Town Hall, 79 Queen Street Cambridge / 07 823 3456
Cambridge is close to some of New Zealand's major international attractions like Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Hamilton Gardens and Tauranga. Yet with plenty of unique local attractions, events and dining options - and a friendly, relaxed town ambience - you may not want to leave!
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