Top Summer Activities in the Waikato

The Mighty Waikato is where you can make the most of summer. There’s so much to see and do, from beautiful beaches and stunning gardens to underground wonders and foodie delights. Here’s a checklist of the top summer things to do in the Waikato:

Walking Trails

Although any time of the year is good to explore the Waikato, the region’s walking tracks are a drawcard in the summertime. From easy walks, such as to Kaniwhaniwha Caves Walk or more challenging trails, like Wairere Falls or  Mt Te Aroha, there’s plenty of ways to take a hike in the Waikato. Go here to look for an adventure to suit.

Port Waikato

Port Waikato is a must-visit summer destination, offering surf, sand, and shellfish in a charming small-town setting at the northern end of the Waikato region. Sunset Beach is a popular surfing spot, perfect for catching waves or soaking up the coastal atmosphere.

For an underground adventure, explore the nearby Nikau Caves, known for their stunning limestone formations and glowworms. After a day of activity, relax and unwind at the historic Tuakau Hotel, offering warm hospitality and delicious meals.

When visiting, please respect the local community, private property, and the delicate dunes to help preserve this beautiful destination for everyone to enjoy.

Animal Encounters

Get up close with native and exotic wildlife in the Waikato. Hamilton Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals including rhino, tigers, lemurs, cheetahs and more. Experience the ultimate alpaca experience with one of Cornerstone Alpaca Farm Tours, where you can meet and feed beautiful alpacas. Visit Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari to see native birds - kiwi, takahe, kaka, kererū. Other endangered species making their home here include tiny native bats and tuatara.

Head to Raglan

Raglan is the Waikato’s great chill-out spot. Give surfing a go or just laze away the day at Ngarunui Beach. The surfing here is five stars and the fishing is popular too. Raglan Harbour, also known as Whaingaroa Harbour, is where you can explore in a kayak, checking out limestone rock formations, or stand up paddleboard or take a harbour cruise.

You can also experience the stunning coastal views and natural beauty of Raglan from the water with a Raglan Boat Charter, making it one of the top summer activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

Destination Playgrounds

The Waikato is home to many destination playgrounds These include Hare Puke Park in the Hamilton suburb of Flagstaff. Named playground of the year, it features a scooter track and sensory play area. The kids will also love the playground at Hamilton Lake while adults enjoy coffee at The Verandah next door. The new playground at Innes Common features a basketball court as well as a parkour course if a running, climbing, swinging, jumping challenge is what you’re after. View more playgrounds.

Foodie Delights

Nothing beats a bit of indulgence and new taste sensations. The Waikato region ticks the box for a range of foodie experiences. Enjoy a delectable High Tea at Zealong Tea Estate, just north of Hamilton City. 

For a memorable dining experience, start your day with a delightful breakfast or brunch at Hayes Common, then enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner with stunning views at Gothenburg Restaurant. Visit one of the region's many farmers markets for fresh local produce and artisanal food products.

Have a sweet tooth? Head for Duck Island Ice Cream in Hamilton East where flavours range from the familiar to the unexpected. Or pick fresh berries at one of Waikato's pick-your-own fruit locations. At some, you’ll also find the reward of a fresh fruit ice cream.

Events

Hamilton City and the wider Waikato region are set for a jam-packed summer of events. You can head to Gourmet in the Gardens on Sunday evenings, where food trucks offer dinner and live music, or enjoy the Soundsplash music festival. You can also visit the Hamilton Arts Festival - an iconic open-air summer festival. Search events here.

Cycle Trails

Explore the Waikato by cycling one of the region's many trails. There’s much to choose from including Te Awa River Ride, Hauraki Rail Trail and many more. Mountain bikers will find plenty of action too. Search the cycle tracks and trails in the Waikato here.

Inner-City Fun

Hamilton City has a great range of activities to entertain and please visitors. Take a relaxing stroll through the stunning Hamilton Gardens or take a stroll along the banks of the Waikato River and perhaps bring a picnic to enjoy.

Indoor Activities

Just in case the weather is, well, less than summery, there’s plenty of indoor fun too - from ten-pin bowling at SkyCity Hamilton to interactive exhibitions at Waikato Museum. Catch a movie at Hoyts at Te Awa, The Base, burn off some energy on an indoor rock climbing wall or trampoline park, or visit Morrinsville Gallery to explore the work of New Zealand’s finest established and emerging artists. The gallery also hosts performances, art talks, and workshops."

Lavender fields & Sunflower Farm

Each summer, lavender growers open the gates for visitors to wander the fields of flowers and take photographs of themselves amongst the lavender. Blooms are at their best in the region and totally Instagram-worthy from mid-November until late January and often into February.

Amongst the places to pick your own sunflowers is Taupiri Sunflower Farm where a selfie amongst all the sunniness will be entirely Insta-worthy.