Cambridge: Culture, Cycling and River Experiences

Discover Cambridge through its historic buildings and collections, the Te Awa River Ride and activities on the Waikato River. The Farmers’ Market adds another local touch.

Church and Museum: History in Cambridge

An exceptional moment links Cambridge with the start of the new millennium: at midnight in 2000, the six cast-steel bells of St Andrew’s Anglican Church were the first bells in the world to ring in the new millennium. The church also has stained-glass windows and an organ dating from the 1890s. The Cambridge Museum is housed in the old courthouse and displays artefacts, photographs and taonga about the people and passions that have shaped this area. For those interested in cultural history, these offer distinct perspectives: features of a church building and a collection that puts people and their history at the centre.

The Te Awa River Ride: Two Route Distances

The Te Awa River Ride is 65 km long in total and runs from Ngaruawahia to Lake Karāpiro; Cambridge lies at the centre of the route. The path is 3 m wide and made of smooth concrete. For planning, an 8 km section from Cambridge to Karāpiro is also described. This section can be accessed via the Leamington Rugby Club on Carlyle Street. This gives you both the total route distance and a specific distance for the section near Cambridge. The two distances help you gauge the desired extent of your cycling itinerary without confusing the routes.

Cycling at the Velodrome

The Grassroots Trust Velodrome in Cambridge offers a different kind of cycling: visitors can book a “Have-a-Go” session. It lasts one hour and includes a bicycle, helmet and coaching. It is intended for people aged 10 and over who are at least 135 cm tall. The price is NZ$25 per person. Booking at least 24 hours in advance is required, and the session runs with five or more participants. These details make the participation requirements clear: age, height, group size, price and advance booking time all factor into planning. Check session availability before your trip.

On the Waikato River: Jet Boating and Walking

The Waikato River flows past Cambridge and offers opportunities for jet boating and walking. A 60-minute jet boat tour travels upstream through the narrow Cambridge Gorge. During the ride, participants learn about the history of the river; they also visit the base of the Karāpiro Dam and power station. The tour combines a set duration with the history of the river and a visit to the base of the facility. If you want to plan activities by time, the 60-minute duration offers a different planning measure from the River Ride distances.

Local Produce at Victoria Square

The Cambridge Farmers’ Market has been a year-round outdoor market at Victoria Square in central Cambridge since 2010. It offers fresh local produce from Waikato growers and businesses. This central location adds a connection to regional produce to the range of cultural and outdoor activities. If you plan to visit the market, check the latest market details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Karapiro, Ohaupo, Te Miro, Pirongia, Te Awamutu.

For the main travel overview: Waipa District.