Things to do in Waikato

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Shakespeare Lookout showing a beach and a bay or harbor
Cathedral Cove Beach featuring general coastal views, rocky coastline and a sunset
Shakespeare Cliff Lookout showing a beach, a sunset and a bay or harbor
New Zealand
Craters of the Moon which includes tranquil scenes, landscape views and mountains

Waikato Attractions

Discover what makes Waikato tick with the very best tours & day trips. Scroll through our {254 fun activities in Waikato fun activities in Waikato}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.



Most popular activities in Waikato

Tours & day trips

See all 207 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 54 activities

Water activities

See all 43 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 43 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 13 activities

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!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Waikato

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Waikato

Taupo featuring a lake or waterhole

Taupō Central

While visiting Taupō Central, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Taupō and Taupō Museum and Art Gallery.

Taupō Central
Waikato showing rugged coastline and a bay or harbor

Hamilton Central

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

Hamilton Central
Some may have seen this in photos before, but no photo does it justice; or shows you the awesomeness quite like when you are standing directly on the side of the boat and within metres of this brilliant carving. 

I took a small boat that served treats, pizza and wine. Although travelling alone I was able to meet people on this trip very easily. I went on the Ernest Kemp Steamboat. Such character and lovely staff.

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.

Acacia Bay
Looking out across Lake Taupo at the Central North Island volcanoes, Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro. The town of Taupo is very nice, with plenty of cheap hostels, around $25-35 per night

Hilltop

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

Hilltop
Default Image

Nukuhau

If you're spending some time in Nukuhau, Lake Taupō and Waikato River are top sights worth seeing.

Nukuhau
Default Image

Wharewaka

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

Wharewaka

 

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

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

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia