Top 10 Autumn Activities in the Waikato

Treat yourself to a relaxing autumn escape at Te Karaka Lodge or Castaways Resort, where warm days and stunning landscapes offer the perfect setting for a rejuvenating retreat.

Walking Trails

The Waikato’s myriad of walking trails are a great way to explore the region during the autumn months. Stroll around Lake Te Koo Utu or explore the vibrant seasonal colours at Taitua Arboretum, where golden hues and crisp air create a stunning backdrop.

Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a longer scenic trek, autumn is an ideal time to get outdoors and enjoy the region’s beauty. Search the many walks on offer here.

Animal Encounters

The Waikato region offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife. Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals including, rhinos, tigers, lemurs and more.

Visit Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari in the morning to hear the birdsong and you may be able to spot some of the beautiful native birdlife that are abundant on the mountain.

Experience the ultimate alpaca experience with one of Cornerstone Alpaca Farm Tours, where you can meet and feed beautiful alpacas.

Foodie Delights

Nothing is better than a little indulgence, and the Waikato region boasts a variety of foodie options to tick this box.

Enjoy a delicious High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate just north of Hamilton or savour world-class cuisine at award-winning Waikato restaurants. Discover fresh autumn produce at one of the region’s vibrant farmers’ markets, or browse unique artisan goods at the MADE Market, where local vendors showcase handcrafted delights and boutique finds.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast or brunch at Hayes Common, then enjoy a lunch or dinner with a view at Gothenburg Restaurant, known for its vibrant shared plates. Stop for a coffee at one of the many great coffee spots in the Waikato.

Middle-earth Movie Magic

Step into the enchanting world of Hobbiton Movie Set, where visitors of all ages can experience the magic of Middle-earth. Wander through the picturesque landscape and explore iconic Hobbit Holes, including Bag End. Step inside a Hobbit’s home on Bagshot Row and admire the charming details up close.

Gain a behind-the-scenes look at movie magic with the new Behind-the-Scenes Tour, offering exclusive insights into how this world-famous set was brought to life. As the leaves turn golden, Hobbiton’s rolling hills take on a breathtaking autumn glow, making it the perfect time for a visit.

Discover the other filming locations in the Waikato region such as Weathertop Hollow from The Lord of The Rings trilogy, filmed near Port Waikato. More information here

Outdoor Activities

Spend time exploring the rather mysterious world of the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. Be sure to check out the new Surrealist Garden with features 5 x the normal size including a giant door, wheelbarrow and tap.

Located near Gordonton, Woodlands Estate offers a tranquil setting for an array of autumn activities. Enjoy a stroll through the exquisite Victorian themed gardens, explore the historic homestead, or attend the seasonal events. For a unique experience, explore Takapoto Estate with a guided tour, where you can take in the picturesque landscape and learn about the estate’s conservation journey and eco-initiatives.

Enjoy the beauty of autumn at The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru, just a short drive from Hamilton and Cambridge, where art and nature come together in a stunning outdoor setting.

Waikato Waterfalls

From the spectacular 55m high Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan which draws visitors from far and wide, to the lesser known but equally magnificent Wairere Falls near Matamata. Most are easy accessible via a short stroll along a well-formed track, while others require a few hours of your time for a hike, but each one is worth it. Explore Waikato Waterfalls here

Cycle Trails

Explore the Waikato by bike on one of the region's many trails including Te Awa River Ride, Hauraki Rail Trail and many more including local mountain bike parks. Riverside Adventures offers convenient shuttle services and a variety of rental options, including bikes and e-bikes, to enhance your exploration of the scenic Waikato cycling trails. Search all the cycle tracks and trails on offer in the Waikato here to see which ones would be perfect for your cycling adventure.

Indoor fun

Hamilton's only tenpin bowling alley with world-class bowling technology, arcade games and a kitchen & bar serving up in-lane dining! With a world-class bowling alley at SkyCity Hamilton there are activities to keep the whole family entertained for hours.

A range of dining and entertainment outlets to refuel afterwards are also on offer including EATBurger – voted as serving the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse.

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery offers a fantastic indoor experience for both families and couples, with engaging resident and touring exhibitions. Highlights include Exscite, an interactive gallery full of science-based activities that make learning fun for all ages.

Scenic Autumn Flights

Take in the stunning autumn landscapes of the Waikato from above with an unforgettable aerial adventure.

Float gently over Hamilton City with Kiwi Balloon Company, offering breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon flights.

For a more thrilling experience, Helicorp provides scenic helicopter tours, giving you a unique perspective of the region’s seasonal beauty.

Autumn Getaways