Cambridge (New Zealand)

Cambridge is a tree-lined town with a very English feel, known as the Town of Trees. It is in the Waikato region of New Zealand, 24 km from the city of Hamilton. The great Waikato River flows through the town, with Central Cambridge on the north side of the river, and the suburb of Leamington on the south side. The town has a population of 22,000 (as of 2023).

European settlers established the town of Cambridge in 1864. The town was named after Prince George, Duke of Cambridge, the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army at the time.

🌍 i-Site Information Centre, On the corner of Queen St & Victoria St, ☏ +64 7 823 3456, info@cambridge.co.nz. M–F 9AM-5PM, Sa-Su & public holidays 10AM-4PM. 

Cambridge Taxis operates M–F and can be booked at +64 7 827 5999. Green Car Hire is at 32 Gillies St, 0800 762 3220.

Kaka in Maungatautari Ecological Island

• 🌍 Cambridge Museum, Old Court House, 24 Victoria St. M–F 10am-4pm, Su 10am-2pm. Free, donations appreciated. 
• 🌍 Maungatautari Ecological Island (Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari), 99 Tari Rd, Pukeatua (from Victoria St in Cambridge, go over the high level bridge, take first exit on roundabout onto Pope Tce, continue onto Cook St. At the roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Shakespeare St. Turn left onto Browning St for 700m. Turn right onto Carlyle St, go 550m, continue on Roto-o-rangi Rd for 12.3km, turn left onto Parklands Rd for 6.7km, turn right onto Monckton Rd go 2.6km. Turn left onto Arapuni Road for 10.5km. Turn left into Tari Rd and continue to end of road. Set your GPS to the address since Google Maps takes you to the wrong side.). Manu Tioriori Visitor Centre & Southern Enclosure daily except 25 Dec 08:30–16:00. Over the Mountain track & Northern Enclosure are accessible 24/7 but for visitor safety and that of the flora and fauna, not recommended after dark. An area of native New Zealand bush that has been fenced off with 47km of predator proof fence. They are working on clearing all predators from the interior and re-introducing native wildlife to the area including kiwis, kakapo and tuatara. You're free to walk through the main enclosure, but the guided tours around the park are really good. Southern Enclosure $16, 5–16yr $7, senior >65yr/student with ID $10, family of 2 adults and up to 3 children 5–16yr $36 (additional child $7). 

• 🌍 Camjet, Riverside Park, Dominion Ave, ☏ +64 27 7758 193, toll-free: 0800 226538, camjet2011@gmail.com. Rides in a 450 HP V8 jet boat on the Waikato River. Thrill rides and more gentle scenic rides, including trips up to the base of the Karāpiro Dam. From $55. 
• 🌍 Tour of Duty Paintball, 300 French Pass Rd (take Thornton Rd east out of town), ☏ +64 7 827 5519, +64 27 481 3109, todpaintball@hotmail.com. Daily. Bookings essential. From $25 per person.