A GRAND ADVENTURE

UNO editor Hayley Barnett and her right-hand man tootle over the hill to get a fresh perspective on a little town with a lot going for it. This is an accessible getaway if ever there was one.

Though it might have a reputation as the “town of trees and champions”, over the past decade Cambridge has become a destination known more for its polished hospitality and thriving shopping scene. Over one fun-filled weekend, the quaint equestrian town proved itself to be a surprisingly perfect pick for a romantic getaway.

One Friday afternoon, my husband and I drove over from Tauranga, stopping at the Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum on our way in. This is a place I’ve been dying to visit, but on our many drives to Auckland, it has never seemed like the right time.

Built in a former quarry and now spanning hectares of regenerated landscape, the park weaves more than 100 sculptures through a 2km walking trail of ponds, cliffs and thousands of trees. It’s basically an art gallery in nature, and makes for a great hike before the beginning of an indulgent weekend ahead.

The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum.

From there, we headed into a different vibe entirely. Cambridge’s centre is compact and refined, with independent boutiques, cafés and galleries lining the streets.

We checked into The Clements Hotel, a new concept in an old heritage building right in the middle of town. Having been given a contemporary polish of late, the rooms are modern yet also traditional, consistent with the building’s historic character. Its central location makes it an ideal base for a weekend away.

Cambridge is known for being walkable, and staying here meant most of our weekend unfolded on foot. Dinner was easy. We simply went downstairs to the hotel’s light-filled, gallery-style restaurant that leans into seasonal New Zealand produce.

The Gallery at The Clements Hotel.

In keeping with its understated nod to tradition, the offering veers confidently towards the classics – beef tartare, slow-cooked pork belly, glazed duck breast, confit chicken. Nothing feels overly complicated or intimidating, yet the execution is exceptional.

Canning our vague plans to hit the town after dessert – black forest chocolate brûlée, no less – we admitted defeat and agreed a movie might be more appealing. The charming Tivoli Cinema is just around the corner, offering intimate viewing spaces and the option to enjoy a glass of wine.

The next morning started at the local markets, where the region’s produce and small-scale makers are on full display. Cambridge is known for its quality food and artisan goods, and the weekly market is a great way to experience everything it has to offer. Fresh baking, locally made products… It’s a relaxed, unhurried way to begin the day.

Cambridge Distillery Co.

Later, we made our way to the Cambridge Distillery Co, a small operation owned by two couples who joined forces during lockdown to create a business that reflects the wider craft movement in the region. Tastings offer a glimpse into the area’s growing food and drink scene without feeling overly commercial.

Takapoto Estate winery.

A short drive out of town took us to Takapoto Estate winery, near Lake Karāpiro, which combines a vineyard and show-jumping event grounds. Sitting outside with a glass, looking out over the landscape, it’s easy to see why the cellar door is packed with weekend tasters. We settled in with a cheese platter and watched the entertainment unfold between a couple of hen’s parties, proving it’s also a popular spot for celebrations too.

Te Awa River Ride at Lake Karāpiro.

On Sunday, we decided to get a little more active. With Riverside Adventures, we set out on an e-bike ride along the Waikato River, starting at Avantidrome, New Zealand’s national cycling hub. The route follows part of the Te Awa River Ride, a mostly flat, well-maintained trail that connects Cambridge with the wider region. Even for casual cyclists, the e-bikes make it an easy, enjoyable ride. The path winds along the river, through farmland and native bush, before opening out towards Lake Karāpiro, known for its calm waters and scenic setting.

The journey itself is a chance to move through the town and outskirts at a pace that still allows you to take it all in, and being picked up and returned to town makes the whole trip feel seamless.

Alpino in the town centre.

Back in Cambridge, the afternoon slipped easily into more wandering, with a few last stops at boutiques, a coffee and yet another visit to the Cambridge Distillery.

The combination of experiences in art, food, cycling and shopping, all within close reach, makes Cambridge an easy trip for anyone who loves culture, adventure and food.

For couples in particular, that balance is hard to beat. There’s enough to fill a weekend, but also plenty of space to do very little at all. And it’s surprisingly hard to leave.

NEW HORIZONS

Pip Crombie explores Te Awa Rise, Cambridge’s newest residential subdivision offering elevated living with connected greenways, native landscapes and effortless access to Waikato’s Golden Triangle.

Considering a move? I could be. I recently spent a morning strolling around one of Cambridge’s newest prime residential subdivisions, Te Awa Rise. Situated just minutes from the distinctive charm of the iconic Waikato town, it’s a carefully developed neighbourhood bringing elevated living to those ready to engage.

The unique early morning light the Waikato/Waipā District is known for hangs about the green open spaces, landscaped reserves, natural waterways and distant view to Mount Pirongia, providing exceptional appeal. Spending the morning with CEO of the Sanderson Group, Jared Boronian, and sales manager for the project, Anthony Merrington, afforded me a rare view into their passion for this slice of Godzone, the careful planning that has gone into the 54 lot development, and what it has to offer new residents of all walks of life, ages and stages.

Te Awa Rise sits at the intersection of Cambridge's rapid growth and the Waipā District Council’s ambitions for a more connected, less car-dependent town. The council has been explicit about sustainability in their development plans. New neighbourhoods must provide open spaces and connect new developments through a network of ‘green’ pedestrian and cycleways, while also preserving existing natural areas like river terraces and waterways. Te Awa Rise’s built-in cycle paths and walkways align well with the Waipā 2050 strategy’s vision.

The Sanderson Group worked closely with the council’s principal engineer, Tony Coutts, who was impressed with the developer’s communication, shared vision and commitment to achieving the 2050 regional goals. “Kudos to them for working so closely with us to progress and work to make this cost effective and timely. From the land-acquisition stage through to planning and providing road networks, and the bridge that spans the natural waterway – it’s been a fun and interesting project.”

Perhaps you’re already one of the many people in on the secret of what the Waipā District has on offer. The designated area the district encompasses is in the heart of the Waikato region, south and south-east of Hamilton city. It includes the key towns of Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Pirongia, Ōhaupō and Kihikihi. The fertile land, nurtured by the mighty Waikato River that flows through the region, supports a wide variety of agriculture and outdoor activity, and in recent times has attracted a veritable boom in residents.

The strong rural-urban mix of the Waipā District and a council working closely on developing the region with critical infrastructure is evident. Arterial roads, bridges, amenities, and a key focus on strengthening the Hamilton-Waipā corridor for better transport and economic outcomes, including a 9.8 million-dollar extension at Hamilton Airport, means this area is not only a beautiful location to live in, but also provides streamlined transport systems within the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Auckland-Hamilton-Tauranga).

Just minutes from the delightful town of Cambridge and seamlessly connected to the wider Waikato, Te Awa Rise is a north-facing community offering elevated views across treetops and native bush. The clever design of the Sanderson Group’s latest development address affords new residents an enviable lifestyle, as described by Jared. “The nearly 10-hectare development has been layered across two terraces. This adds incredible character to the ‘aspect’ of most of the properties on offer, the two elevations and the way the individual sections have been sized and arranged. It means they’re north-facing with east-west perspective, open and private. The four original homes add character, as does the historic pā site that will remain, various green spaces and top-notch landscaping.”

The lower level includes a reserve and natural waterway that’s home to a variety of native birds and will be accessible to residents. Significant attention has been paid to landscaping – whole areas planted in native plants already attracting native birds, feature specimen trees that when fully grown will create privacy. Paths are extra wide; envisage yourself (as I did), walking or biking them, doing your daily laps, or connecting to the adjacent neighbourhoods and Cambridge township itself.

“The bridge at the bottom of Te Awa Rise is the perfect example of the outcome of engaging with one of the most progressive councils we’ve worked with,” explains Jared. This pre-built bridge – that was ‘dropped in’ by crane to span the waterway – is now a critical link through the subdivision for both residents and others to connect on to the Te Awa River Ride Cycle Network, touted as 65km of one of the most accessible and scenic cycling and walking trails in New Zealand.

Sarah Ulmer, trail manager at Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust says: “It’s so awesome to see Te Awa Rise and Waipā District Council teaming up to make it easier and safer for people to get around town without needing a car. A key walking and cycling link is now complete at Te Awa Rise, meaning you can get safely from Kaipaki all the way up to Cambridge Park.”

So, back to you and your new home – what can you look forward to? With a number of builds underway from the 11 design-and-build options on offer, you can see the calibre of the neighbourhood unfolding. Should you wish to engage your own architect and builder, you can, but with respect to the design guidelines in place. “Our own house and land packages offer architectural perspective – roomy contemporary houses (around 180m2 plus), four-bedroom or three plus an office or workspace, and double garaging,” says Anthony. “In order to protect the value of the buyer’s investment, independent designs need to be in keeping with the overall standard of the quality materials we’ve used.”

So, back to you and your new home – what can you look forward to? With a number of builds underway from the 11 design-and-build options on offer, you can see the calibre of the neighbourhood unfolding. Should you wish to engage your own architect and builder, you can, but with respect to the design guidelines in place. “Our own house and land packages offer architectural perspective – roomy contemporary houses (around 180m2 plus), four-bedroom or three plus an office or workspace, and double garaging,” says Anthony. “In order to protect the value of the buyer’s investment, independent designs need to be in keeping with the overall standard of the quality materials we’ve used.” for, take a moment to explore 6 Awarua Crescent, the three-bedroom option (220m2) with a detached, private flat, plus two-car garaging and a generous section size of 523m2. With a range of other sites available, up to 1,000m2, there really is an option for all. The lots themselves are well considered from an urban design perspective, with a focus on ‘liveable design’.

“We engaged a top-tier urban designer, who has produced a neighbourhood that’s so well connected by the interior roads and pathways to the adjoining arterial roads, landscaping and reserves,” Jared tells me. “Each of the lots is a regular shape, to make sure buyers don’t have wasted space, and do have privacy, light and aspect.”

There are also a number of four-bedroom townhouses being built. Each is designed to be as low maintenance as possible, so you'll spend more time enjoying your home and life. Dual entry provides privacy for shared living, as do the two outdoor living areas.

“Although six properties have already sold or are under contract, there’s still a good range of properties available,” adds Jared. “You just need to get in quick to secure one of the best remaining sites.”

If you’re wondering who you might be living next to, current sales suggest a cross-section of residents, from empty-nesters to young families looking for proximity to schools, as well as professionals enjoying the quick commute to Hamilton, the airport (15 minutes), Waikato Expressway (8 minutes) and Karāpiro (10 minutes). You might even see me.

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