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.
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.
Waikato showcase
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Crafting elegance
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Light the sky
Balloons Over Waikato's ZURU Nightglow is Hamilton’s biggest night out, attracting over 30,000 attendees for a spectacular evening. Enjoy hours of live entertainment, carnival rides, food trucks, and the breathtaking hot air balloon glow show lighting up the sky. The night culminates in a dazzling SkyCity Hamilton fireworks display. A family favourite? Walking inside a real hot air balloon. This ticketed free event takes place every March.
Global success
Four mates, a few gins, and some bad jokes led to the creation of Clark Lane Distillery. Their Piko Gin blends native Pikopiko fern with pure Pirongia spring water. With a Silver at the Asia Spirits Challenge™ and Gold at the Gin of the Year™ awards in London, Piko Gin promises global success and sophisticated taste. Grab your bottle now.
Game on
SkyCity Hamilton is the home of entertainment in the heart of Hamilton. With 20 tenpin bowling lanes, an exciting mix of restaurants and bars, a casino, live entertainment, conference and event spaces for hire plus plenty of on-site parking, there is something for everyone. R20 for entry to the casino.
Relax and recharge
Just a short walk from the airport, JetPark Hamilton Airport Hotel and Conference Centre is a welcoming stop along your journey. Family-owned and Kiwi-operated, it offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy art-filled spaces, fresh seasonal dishes made with local ingredients, and the convenience of complimentary parking and Wi-Fi. Whether you're in town for a meeting, a break between flights, or a peaceful overnight stay, the hotel’s modern facilities and friendly atmosphere ensure a comfortable stay. Let JetPark be a simple, memorable part of your travels. JETPARKHAMILTON.CO.NZ
A region for the ages
A family getaway to the Waikato uncovered a treasure trove of activities for all three generations.
A family getaway to the Waikato uncovered a treasure trove of activities for all three generations.
words HAYLEY BARNETT
The Waikato seems to be undergoing something of a travel renaissance. With a growing number of new experiences and attractions popping up in and around Hamilton and Cambridge, it's quickly becoming one of the North Island’s must-visit regions. From the world’s largest organic tea plantation to New Zealand’s most visited attraction, Hobbiton™, and the foodie hub that is MADE, there’s now so much to see and do that fitting it all into a single weekend feels like a challenge.
Fortunately, Hamilton is just a two-hour drive from Tauranga, making it perfect for a quick getaway. Our family managed to pack in a wide range of family-friendly activities, and I even snuck away with Mum for a day of more grown-up indulgence. As it turns out, the Waikato is also an ideal destination for the over 50s, with highlights like the spellbinding Hamilton Gardens, scenic riverside walks, bustling weekend markets, and charming countryside homesteads offering something for every kind of traveller.
Zealong Tea Estate
I wouldn’t call Mum obsessive, but if there’s one thing she’s truly passionate about, it’s tea. So it was only f itting that we made a stop at Zealong, just outside of Hamilton, home to the world’s largest internationally certified organic tea plantation. At Zealong, tea isn’t just a beverage, it’s a way of life. The passion among the staff is palpable, and from the moment we arrived, the experience felt more like a refined wine tasting than a simple visit to a tea farm.
We were lucky to run into Zealong’s CEO, Gigi Crawford, who welcomed us and shared her extensive knowledge of tea. She walked us through the company’s inspiring journey, from a modest patch of tea plants nearly 30 years ago to an award winning, globally respected organic tea label. Among its many accolades, Zealong recently received the UK Tea Academy’s prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Leafie’, a testament to the team’s dedication.
Mum, naturally in her element, impressed everyone by correctly identifying different teas and blends, while I fumbled through with minimal knowledge. We were then taken on a tour of the building and the plantation, learning about the Chinese history of tea. Sculptures of important historical figures dotted along the path leading up to the Tea Room showcased a lengthy history dating back almost 5000 years.
At the Tea Room, we participated in a traditional tea ceremony, then were served what can only be described as the best high tea of my life. Zealong’s French pastry chef treated us to an incredible array of delicious pastries, sandwiches and sweets, all designed to accompany various types of tea blends. It was fair to say this was one of Mum’s top holiday highlights.
Woodlands Estate
Just four minutes down the road from Zealong lies Woodlands Estate, a sprawling 98,000-acre property established in 1872. At its heart stands the beautifully restored Homestead, originally built around 1875 as a manager’s residence and crafted largely from native Kauri timber. The surrounding gardens are home to some huge botanical treasures, including New Zealand’s largest Eucalyptus tree. We wandered along peaceful tracks that weave through the estate’s lush gardens and trees, then stepped inside the Homestead, where rooms remain just as they were when the last family moved out in the early 1900s. Next door, a charming café offered the perfect spot to recharge after our meanderings.
Hamilton Gardens
Another epic outing can be found at the Hamilton Gardens. If you haven’t been yet, you’re definitely missing out. Recently upgraded, the Gardens are now even more welcoming. One of the biggest changes is the addition of the Gallagher Visitor Centre, which opened last year. It now serves as the main entrance to the Enclosed Gardens and includes a café, extra seating, and event spaces.
Whether you're young or just young at heart, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring. Each garden offers a memorable, educational experience. I knew the kids would love the gardens, so we picked them up on our way there from Woodlands Estate. As predicted, they were especially enchanted by the Surrealist Garden, a whimsical dreamscape where everything is larger-than-life, making you feel like you've stepped into a storybook.
They also loved the Ancient Egyptian Garden, which transports you 4,000 years back in time to a sacred temple garden. And no visit would be complete without a stop at the Destination Playground, packed with a treehouse, slides, and a stage perfect for imaginative play.
I would highly recommend taking a tour with a guide who explains everything you need to know about each garden. It beats fumbling through the brochure and displaying your lack of historical knowledge in front of the kids.
MADE
Discovering one of the country’s best culinary hubs is nestled inside a block of shops in Hamilton East was not on my bingo card this year. But lo and behold there we were sampling some amazing food from some amazing artisans and shopping up a storm. The vibrant atmosphere proves the Waikato’s creative food scene has well and truly taken its place as a top destination for foodies. We dined at Reggie’s, a cute Italian restaurant serving up authentic dishes in a cool diner with views of the city. Then stopped in for gelato downstairs at Little ‘Lato. We were back the next day to do our grocery shop at the stalls – a great old-timey market experience in itself.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
It was recommended the kids visit Waikato Museum’s interactive science centre, Exscite, which has recently been revitalised into two zones: Exscite: Home, exploring everyday science in a fun, hands-on way, and Exscite: Taiao, focused on Aotearoa’s natural environment. Among the standout features is a 30-million-year-old giant penguin fossil discovered locally, as well as digital activities like a touch-screen forest where kids can animate their own bird designs. All made for a great rainy day adventure.
Cambridge’s new boutique gem
Set to open later this year, The Clements Hotel brings new life to one of Cambridge’s grand old buildings. Carefully restored with a nod to its 19th-century roots, the 29-room boutique hotel mixes old-world charm with modern luxury. Think plush rooms, a speakeasy-style bar, garden suites, and standout dining at the Gallery Restaurant. With five-star service, locally crafted gin, and stylish spaces to relax or celebrate, The Clements is set to become the go-to place for discerning travellers. The Clements is offering a grand opening special with 15 percent off room only rates for stays until September 30, 2025, subject to availability.
Lake Te Koo Utu Walk
A day trip to Cambridge was clearly on everyone’s holiday agenda during a stunning autumn weekend. We joined the crowds, ducking in and out of charming boutiques before grabbing some sushi for lunch. Craving a bit of peace and nature, we decided to explore beyond the town centre. Leaving the car parked, we strolled down to Lake Te Koo Utu, tucked right in the heart of Cambridge. I’m a little embarrassed to admit I hadn’t known it was there until a lovely woman at the isite Information Centre pointed us in the right direction. The loop around the lake is a beautiful, mostly shaded walk that takes about half an hour. Halfway around (if you're entering from the town side), there’s a playground and a garden perched on the hill. The kids had a blast weaving through the rose bushes and swinging their way through the park.
Camjet Extreme Tour
Just beneath Victoria Bridge, tucked along the banks of the Waikato River, you'll find Camjet – an adrenaline-packed adventure perfect for thrill-seekers and laid-back explorers alike. This high-speed jet boat ride pushes you out of your comfort zone while offering fascinating insights into the river’s history and ecosystem. Our driver, Aaron, kept us guessing with sharp twists, sudden spins, and unexpected stops to share curious facts, some of which may or may not have been entirely true. Along the way, we spotted a hawk snatch an eel mid-flight, only to lose it as it soared over the dense bush, and even caught glimpses of giant goldfish gliding near the shore. The entire ride lasted about 45 minutes, and by the end, we were soaked, and grinning from ear to ear.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
On our last day, we took a bit of a detour before heading home. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a must-visit eco-sanctuary just outside of Te Awamutu. Enclosed by one of the world's longest pest-proof fences, this ancient forest is a haven for native wildlife, including kiwi, takahē, and tuatara. You can book a guided walk, but we decided to head in on our own. We climbed treetop viewing platforms and walked the serene forest trails while learning about conservation efforts to restore the natural ecosystem on signs along the path. Without predators, the wildlife are surprisingly friendly. A North Island robin followed us for part of the walk and happily posed for photos just an arms-length away. The whole experience was a great chance to experience New Zealand’s biodiversity as it once was.
Growing places
Four years of work is beginning to bloom at Hamilton Gardens. We find out about what’s sprouted up and the seeds already planted for the future.
Four years of work is beginning to bloom at Hamilton Gardens. We find out about what’s sprouted up and the seeds already planted for the future.
words KARL PUSCHMANN
Italian Renaissance Garden.
If you’ve never visited the Hamilton Gardens before, you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about.
That was certainly true for me when last summer my wife suggested we spend a family afternoon there. An afternoon! It seemed a dubious suggestion. How could a garden possibly hope to hold our children’s interest – and if I’m being completely honest, mine as well – for longer than 10 minutes? I voiced my concerns and she just smiled and said, “they’re really good,” and that was that. After lunch we packed the kids in the car and went.
It turns out she had dramatically undersold the place. Walking through the enclosed gardens was a complete delight that enchanted even this naysayer. It felt like walking into a fantastical picture book, where wonder and surprise was planted around every corner and charming detail bloomed all around.
Each of the 18 different themed gardens is thoroughly unique, and represent key moments in world history when there was a shift in civilisation. Some take cues from history, like the Italian Renaissance Garden which shows how man had learnt to tame nature through intricate trellis, grand courtyards and careful manicuring, others highlight different cultures approach to gardens, such as the The Japanese Garden of Contemplation, which offers peace and tranquility amongst its carefully placed stones, while others are full of whimsy and imagination like the Surrealist Garden, where reality twists in oversized and unexpected ways. Weaving throughout, an unmistakable Aotearoa flavour.
Japanese Garden of Contemplation.
It was a fantastic and fantastical afternoon. One that I thought could not be improved upon. But, again, the Hamilton Gardens has proven me wrong.
Just a couple of months ago Hamilton Gardens unveiled the brand new Entry Precinct to the exquisite Enclosed Gardens. This modernisation of the entrance area can be considered the fertile soil for the future growth of the gardens, the plans of which are already mapped out and designed through to 2050.
“This is the realisation of four years of work and gives us the foundation for moving forward,” Lucy Ryan, the Hamilton Garden’s director says. “We have the new visitor centre, we’ve refreshed the whole pavilion and improved visitor wayfinding. We took the opportunity to better embed the Mana Whenua narrative as well. It was an amazing project to be involved in.”
Lucy explains that the Garden’s popularity was the impetus for the project. As Hamilton’s most popular attraction up to 5000 visitors per day were coming through the doors in peak season. The old facility simply couldn’t cope with the numbers.
The new centre also allowed the Gardens to implement their long-signposted change to instigate an entry fee for those over 16. Hamilton residents can still visit for free after registering for a MyGardens Pass. Lucy says 40,000 Hamiltonians have already signed up for the pass.
Introducing this system may have been the pragmatic reason for the upgrade, but it wasn’t the only one. “We wanted to ensure the Mana Whenua story and perspective was woven throughout the entry precinct area design,” Lucy explains, saying that was something that was incredibly important to the team and the Gardens itself. “And the other big overarching one, as corny as it sounds, was that we needed a world-class entry to match our world-class gardens. It was all about the visitor experience.”
Now that the Entry Precinct has blossomed, Lucy and her team are now cultivating the seeds that have already been planted for the Garden's next three big expansions. Fortunately, there won’t be another four-year wait for the first of these to bloom.
Hamilton Gardens Visitor Centre.
“The designs and the civil infrastructure have been done. The groundwork and concrete work, all that sort of stuff for all three gardens is in place already,” she says. “Our big focus now is the Medieval Garden. That should be open by this time next year.
“And then it’s right onto the Pasifika and Baroque Gardens. The designs are completed, so it's just the build factor.”
Each of these will bring a new chapter to the gardens. The Medieval Garden explores the spread of Christianity and charity, the Pasifika Garden focuses on the navigators who explored the seas and the age of navigation, while the Baroque Garden will be a showy affair that highlights how technological advances led to the spectacle of wealth during that period.
Medieval Garden.
This leads nicely into the wealth of events and activities happening at the Gardens over the summer. Every Sunday from 4pm to 8pm Gourmet in the Gardens on the Rhododendron Lawn sees the Garden’s floral scents complemented with the sizzling aroma of food trucks and the rich bird song is accompanied by live entertainment. The popular audio guides and Highlights tour add richness to the experience, and the night-time Pekapeka tours – bat-spotting – is held on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout November to March. While the bats can sometimes be shy, Lucy says they’re big chatterboxes that you’ll hear as you walk through the gardens under the stars.
“You have little bat radars to help try and spot them in the zone,” she says, before adding, “And as you walk along the path looking for them, you'll see glow worms all along the river path, which is really cool.”
And, of course, the Hamilton Arts Festival will be running from the end of February through to March, taking over the whole precinct area and putting on shows within the enclosed gardens as well.
It all contributes to making Hamilton Gardens much, much more than you might expect. “It’s beautiful and it’s gorgeous and it’s delightful with a huge amount of narrative and stories sitting under each garden,” Lucy smiles. “It’s like a magic carpet ride or a journey through space and time.