Things to do in Waikato

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A beach with a leaning tree and a rocky cliff in the background.
A sunset over a coastal landscape with prominent rock formations silhouetted against the sky.
A beach with a sunset, houses, and distant mountains.
A circular architectural structure with multiple levels and illuminated by warm lighting.
A snow-capped mountain range, a green valley, and a large tree.

Waikato Attractions

Discover what makes Waikato tick with the very best tours & day trips. Scroll through our {317 fun activities in Waikato fun activities in Waikato}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

Things to do

Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit

Classical Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings -Taupo Sailing Adventures

$41
per adult
Classical Sailing - Māori Rock Carvings -Taupo Sailing Adventures
Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour

$75
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Nocturnal adventure Glow-worm tour
Picture 4 for Activity Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise

$86
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Whitianga: 2-Hour Cathedral Cove and Volcanic Coast Cruise
Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch

Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch

$236
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Small-Group Hobbiton Tour from Auckland with Party Marquee Lunch
Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua

Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua

$39
per adult
Agrodome Farm Experience including Farm Show and Farm Tour - Rotorua
Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing

Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing

$51
per adult
Polynesian Spa Rotorua: Deluxe Lake Spa Hot Spring Bathing
Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland

$215
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hobbiton Movie set & Waitomo Caves Small Group Tour From Auckland
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey

Ultimate self-drive rail car journey

$47
per adult
Ultimate self-drive rail car journey
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Waikato must see attractions

1. Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set makes use of a significant filming location for the iconic movie trilogy of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit to bring the film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books to life. The experience consists of a 2-hour walking tour through the various hills containing caves and homes of hobbits, the small creatures from the movies. Feel as though you’re in the film as you clamber up and down this rolling terrain.
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A stone house with a thatched roof by a lake.

2. Cathedral Cove

New Zealand is full of spectacular scenery, and the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve in the Coromandel Peninsular is no exception. White rock cliffs, a large pumice island, and a naturally formed archway joining Cathedral Cove Beach to Mares Leg Cove give this beach a distinct look.
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A large rock formation by the sea with a beach and distant mountains.

3. Hahei Beach

Situated on the majestic Mercury Bay, the tiny settlement of Hahei Beach becomes a bustling tourist town in the summer months. Its 350 permanent residents will welcome you to their town, ready to show you their beautiful pink-shell beach, the protected marine reserve and the pods of dolphins that live off shore. Enjoy a round of golf, browse for souvenirs at local gift shops and enjoy a pint at a local craft brewery as you indulge in the offerings of the Coromandel Peninsula.
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A beach with a rocky cliff and calm water.

4. Huka Falls

Stand close to the Huka Falls and watch as powerful cascades of fast flowing water come crashing down from a height of 36 feet (11 meters) into a pool.
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A white water rafting course with a raft in the river, surrounded by dense forest and a viewing platform with people.

5. Hamilton Gardens

A stroll through the Hamilton Garden’s Paradise Collection is a journey through three different continents, taking in some of the world’s most diverse gardening traditions.
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A traditional Indian garden with a pool, a pavilion, and a group of people.

What to do in Waikato

Free Things to Do in Waikato

Some say the best things in life are free. Check out the following around Waikato:

St Paul's Church - Do a bit of quiet reflection and discover a few things about this site's religious importance.

Alphra Lavenders - Work on your green thumb and appreciate the beautiful and diverse plants on display.

Things to Do in Waikato with Kids

Waikato is a great destination for a family vacation. Bring the kids along and try these popular family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Waikato? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Waikato attractions

A stone house with a thatched roof by a lake.

Hobbiton Movie Set

9.6/10 (413 reviews)
Look inside Bilbo’s Bag End home and spot the Party Tree and Bagshot Row from the real Middle-Earth in The Lord of the Rings.
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Where to stay in Waikato

Find the best Waikato areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Waikato
Learn more about Waikato
A mountainous landscape with a lake and a distant view of islands.

Taupō Central

While visiting Taupō Central, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupō and Taupō Marina and Boat Ramp.

A calm lake surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a few buildings in the background.

Hamilton Central

If you're spending some time in Hamilton Central, Hamilton Centre Place and SkyCity Hamilton are top sights worth seeing.

A calm lake with boats, a wooden dock, and a forested hillside.

Acacia Bay

Lake views and restaurants are notable features of Acacia Bay. You might consider a stop by Lake Taupō while you're exploring the neighborhood.

A clear blue sea with distant mountains and lush greenery in the foreground.
Photo by Aaron Andersen
Open Photo by Aaron Andersen

Hilltop

If you're spending some time in Hilltop, Taupō Hot Springs and Lake Taupō are top sights worth seeing.

A large outdoor sign with the text '#LOVETAUPO' against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and a body of water.

Wharewaka

While visiting Wharewaka, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupō and The Landing Lake Taupō.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Waikato

A bridge over a fast-flowing river surrounded by lush greenery.

Taupō

A river with rapids, surrounded by dense forest and mountains in the background.

Turangi

A group of people observing cave formations.

Waitomo Caves

Two wooden houses with sloped roofs surrounded by lush greenery.

Thames

A cave opening to a beach with a prominent rock formation and calm waters.

Whitianga

A river winding through a town surrounded by hills.

Ngaruawahia

A city skyline with a prominent tower, a harbor with boats, and a mountain in the background.

Auckland

A coastal landscape with a turquoise bay, green hills, and scattered houses.

Coromandel

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Waikato on a sunny day?
What to do in Waikato on a rainy day?
If it's raining during your stay, dry off your umbrella and try out a few of these excellent indoor activities:


Are there cheap things to do in Waikato?
What can you do in Waikato for free?
You'll hardly have time to grab your wallet out of your bag with so many incredible free things to do:

  • Hot Water Beach
  • Cathedral Cove
  • SkyCity Hamilton
  • Hahei Beach

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