Top 20 Best Things to Do in Waikato
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Waikato

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tourstop_1
    4.7/5
    󰺂9.4
    240.46
    Matamata29.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Unique New Zealand hills & lakes
    Sample Ginger Beer at the Green Dragon Inn
    󱨠Saved by 1122 users󱨠545 positive reviews
  • Waitomo Glowworm Cavestop_2
    4.5/5
    󰺂9.1
    141.88
    Waitomo Caves36.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoNew Zealand's Underground Galaxy: Waitomo Glowworm Caves
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱨜Listen to echoes in Cathedral Cave
    󱓊Hear underground waterfall's unique echo
    󱨠Saved by 537 users󱨠350 positive reviews
  • Huka Fallstop_3
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.0
    Taupo86.8 km from downtown
    󱨠37% positive reviews
  • Hamilton Gardens
    4
    4.6/5
    󰺂5.8
    Hamilton30.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Transnational gardening & cultural fusion
    󰋄Multinational-themed gardens together
    󱨠26% positive reviews
  • Blue Spring / Te Waihou Walkway
    5
    4.7/5
    󰺂5.8
    Putaruru34.9 km from downtown
    󱨠33% positive reviews
  • Hukafalls Jet Taupo
    6
    4.8/5
    󰺂5.5
    Taupo85.9 km from downtown
  • Spa Thermal Park
    7
    4.5/5
    󰺂5.0
    Taupo88.8 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Cool Water Escapes in Waikato
    Highlights:
    󱓊Perfect trails for family strolls
    󰋄60-foot limestone bridge spans 656 feet
  • Ruakuri Cave
    8
    4.1/5
    󰺂4.9
    Waitomo Caves35.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Stalactites & stalagmites showcase geology
    Spiral staircase for dreamy photos
  • Lake Taupo
    9
    4.8/5
    󰺂4.8
    Turangi90.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe wonders of New Zealand's Lake Taupo, where Maori rock carvings tell the story of history
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Cool Water Escapes in Waikato
    󱨠30% positive reviews
  • Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve
    10
    4.7/5
    󰺂4.6
    Hahei>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Waikato
    󱨠28% positive reviews

Best things to do in Waikato (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Waikato? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Waikato offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Waikato

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Waikato experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours

• Matamata | 29.9 km from downtown

• : Unique New Zealand hills & lakes,Sample Ginger Beer at the Green Dragon Inn

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

• Waitomo Caves | 36.8 km from downtown

• : Listen to echoes in Cathedral Cave,Hear underground waterfall's unique echo

Huka Falls

• Taupo | 86.8 km from downtown

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Waikato

If you want to explore attractions just outside Waikato, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Waikato, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Waikato special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Waikato

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Waikato

Ready to explore the best of Waikato? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Waikato?
These are all Best Things to Do in Waikato:Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Huka Falls, Hamilton Gardens, Blue Spring / Te Waihou Walkway
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Waikato?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Waikato include:Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours:4.7, Waitomo Glowworm Caves:4.5, Huka Falls:4.5, Hamilton Gardens:4.6, Blue Spring / Te Waihou Walkway:4.7
At what locations in Waikato can Best Things to Do in Waikato be found?
The Best Things to Do in Waikato are mainly located in:Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tours:Matamata, Waitomo Glowworm Caves:Waitomo Caves, Huka Falls:Taupo, Hamilton Gardens:Hamilton, Blue Spring / Te Waihou Walkway:Putaruru
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