1. Visitors
  2. Things to do
  3. Itineraries
  4. Te Aroha to Cambridge

From Te Aroha to Cambridge: 2-3 days road trip

Starting in Morrinsville, this itinerary takes in the towns on the eastern side of the Waikato region. Known for over 100 years as a spa town, Te Aroha welcomes visitors with beautifully preserved and restored historic buildings and rejuvenating natural hot springs. Matamata, where hobbit holes are found and movie magic happens is next, followed by Cambridge, home to some of New Zealand’s top thoroughbred horse champions as well as a number of contemporary artists and artisans.

Itinerary

Day 1: Morrinsville to Te Aroha

Travel to Morrinsville.

Renowned for the 60 life-size cow sculptures lining the streets, as well as the Morrinsville Art Gallery featuring New Zealand contemporary artists, Morrinsville is a rural township nestled between the Kaimai Ranges and the Waikato River. The town’s slogan, ‘Cream of the Country’, reflects the rich land that supports the dairy sector the Waikato region is famous for. 

In Morrinsville

  • Follow the Heritage Trail with a map from the information centre. The walk showcases 21 sites including the historic Nottingham Castle Hotel.
  • Discover creative Morrinsville by following the arts trail or visiting Morrinsville Gallery
  • Visit Morrinsville Museum with its focus on the pioneering and farming past.
  • Follow the 'Herd of Cows?' Morrinsville Street Art Trail, a collection of 60 life-size cow sculptures.
  • Stroll along one - or more - of the delightful short walks in the town’s parks or beside the river.

Drive on to Te Aroha (15-20 minutes), an Edwardian spa town at the base of Mt Te Aroha. Te Aroha has a proud history as a gold mining boom-town and spa resort. The town’s identity is founded around its heritage, and you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Te Aroha, from mountain biking and walking trails to historic journeys and hot mineral spas.

In Te Aroha

  • Picnic in the lovely Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain.
  • See the Mokena Geyser, the only hot soda water geyser in the world.
  • Soak in Te Aroha mineral spa pools with a choice of luxurious private baths or spas.
  • Follow the heritage trail to see the historic buildings and monuments.
  • Take a walk on one of the many excellent hiking tracks, or ride a bike along the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Overnight in or around Te Aroha.

Day 2: Te Aroha to Matamata

Head south to Matamata (35 minutes).

Matamata is well-known for The Lord of the Rings and HobbitonTM Movie Set. Beyond its middle-earth fame, Matamata’s walking and cycling trails and heritage sites are also popular with visitors. Gourmet eateries and boutique shops line the main street alongside the iconic Middle-earth themed isite.

In Matamata

  • Visit the Firth Tower Estate and Museum, one of New Zealand’s largest farming museums set in lovely gardens with shady trees and wide lawns providing great picnic spots.
  • Go bush to see the Wairere Falls, at 153 metres the second highest in the North Island – allow two hours one-way to complete the first and second lookouts with wonderful views of the falls and the Waikato basin.
  • For an intriguing insight into the creative genius of filmmaker Peter Jackson, take a tour of Hobbiton Movie Set about 15 minutes south of Matamata town.

Stay overnight at a farm stay or accommodation in town

Day 3: Matamata to Cambridge via Karapiro

Head to Cambridge (40 minutes). 

Known as ‘The Town of Trees’, Cambridge offers visitors some old English charm, delightful eateries and antique shops promising must-have treasures. A stroll through the town will introduce you to the many people and horses that have put the place on the map with plaques and mosaics celebrating their wins. Included are the 13 local horses that have won the sought-after Melbourne Cup. Speaking of sporting legends, this is also New Zealand’s home of cycling and the hallowed waters of Lake Karapiro nearby is where many Olympic gold athletes have trained.

In Cambridge and surrounds

  • Shop for antiques, art, crafts and homewares.
  • Take your pick from the welcoming cafés and restaurants. Several, like Alpino and Paddock, offer street-side dining in the sun.
  • Follow the Walk of Fame paying tribute to the town’s many sporting heroes - human and equine.
  • Learn about the town’s history with a visit to Cambridge Museum in the old courthouse building.
  • Take a spin on the Waikato River with Camjet Cambridge.
  • For fine art and gifts visit Heritage Gallery or, a short drive out of town, there’s Inspirit Gallery.
  • Walk or cycle along the Cambridge – Karapiro section of Te Awa River Ride, a picturesque trail that journeys alongside the mighty Waikato River. Check out Riverside Adventures for bike hire services.
  • Visit picturesque Lake Karapiro, home to Rowing New Zealand – you can take to the water yourself in a kayak or paddleboard, check out the hydroelectric Karapiro Power Station and the dam that was built in the 1940s and remains in service today.

Stay overnight in Cambridge or drive back to Hamilton (approx 20 mins up SH1)