Waikato Trips

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Top destinations in Waikato

Huka Falls showing rapids and a bridge as well as a large group of people
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Taupō

Taupō
Turangi showing a river or creek and rafting
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Turangi

Turangi

Where to stay in Waikato

Find the best Waikato areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Waikato
The Waikato River flowing through central Hamilton

Hamilton Central

1 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

If you're spending some time in Hamilton Central, SkyCity Hamilton and Waikato River are top sights worth seeing.

Find hotels in Hamilton Central

Waikato

Visit a famous filming location, enjoy shopping in a metropolitan hub and explore caves and other striking natural areas in this beautiful region.

Waikato is a picturesque region featuring some of New Zealand’s most popular attractions, including a filming location of the famous Lord of the Rings series. Stay in a small village for caving and heritage buildings or enjoy many excellent outdoor activities, such as kayaking, swimming, mountain biking and hiking.

Take a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set in the rural Waikato town of Matamata. The town’s rolling hills and lush green pastures were chosen for the Shire and Hobbiton filming locations from the Lord of the Rings series. Wander through the picturesque hillside setting to see more than 40 individual “hobbit holes”.

Another highlight of Waikato is the Waitomo CavesOpens in a new window, a complex network of sinkholes, underground rivers and limestone caves. Book a walking or boat tour of the caves to see an impressive display of stalactites and stalagmites. If you’re ready for a challenge, try rafting through the underground labyrinth with an experienced guide. Find the remarkable natural formations under the hills of Waitomo.

Stop at HamiltonOpens in a new window for riverside walks and beautiful botanical gardens. The fourth-largest city in New Zealand features many excellent cafés, restaurants and bars. Visit Waikato MuseumOpens in a new window to learn the region’s history. Attend many international sporting events, including rugby, netball and cricket matches. With luxurious hotels and self-contained apartments, Hamilton is a great place to stay when visiting Waikato.

The scenic region is famous for its charming small towns. Stop at CambridgeOpens in a new window for beautiful heritage buildings and pretty tree-lined streets. Tour a thoroughbred horse stud park or shop in many antique stores in the town centre. Cambridge also contains lovely public parks, attractive gardens and outstanding local restaurants.

Other excellent small towns include the West Coast beach town of RaglanOpens in a new window and the historic coal town of Huntly. Find Waikato on New Zealand’s North Island, about 167 kilometres (104 miles) south of AucklandOpens in a new window.

With so many attractive towns and lively urban areas, you’ll find perfect accommodations in Waikato.

Top hotels in Waikato

Oasis Beach Motel

Oasis Beach Motel

4.5 out of 5
241 Lake Terrace Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,563 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
P3,563
P4,097 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
includes taxes & fees
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
The room had just been cleaned prior to us arriving - was clean and tidy although certain areas could do with a deep clean - All staff were friendly and polite

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Oasis Beach Motel
Lakefront Lodge Taupo

Lakefront Lodge Taupo

3 out of 5
100 Lake Terrace Taupo
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P3,242 per night from Mar 26 to Mar 27
P3,242
P3,729 total
Mar 26 - Mar 27
includes taxes & fees
7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Room was comfortable; staff were friendly and helpful; view from room onto Lake Taupo was excellent, particularly with one stunning sunset.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026

Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Wairakei Resort Taupo by Accor

Wairakei Resort Taupo by Accor

4 out of 5
640 Wairakei Road Wairakei
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,824 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
P4,824
P5,547 total
Apr 1 - Apr 2
includes taxes & fees
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
There are no plates or bowls spoons or knives. the TV did not work when we arrived the shower curtain is far too small and short Consequently the water goes everywhere. the apartment needs to be decorating. It looked old and well used.

Reviewed on Mar 11, 2026

Wairakei Resort Taupo by Accor
See all 2,757 properties in Waikato
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Waikato vacation package cost?
Discover the best of Waikato from as little as . We offer a great selection of hotels, flights and rental cars to suit every budget and style. You can pick up even more discounts when you add some tours or activities to your vacation package.
How do I get a cheap travel package to Waikato?
One of the easiest ways to save dollars (and time) is to combine your bookings with Expedia. Hotels, flights, rental cars and activities — we've got them all. Pick and choose the combination that suits you and watch your savings pile up. Of course, a package deal is never a one-size-fits-all. That's why we offer more than 550 partner airlines and 1,000,000 hotels worldwide, which lets you customize your Waikato vacation.
What are the top hotels in Waikato?
Check out Chateau Tongariro Hotel and Novotel Tainui Hamilton. They're top picks for many travelers headed to Taupo. If Whitianga features in your travel itinerary, Peninsula Motel and Rolleston Motel Thames – Wenzel Motels are a couple of cozy options.
How far in advance should I book my Waikato vacation?
While not all air carriers advertise tickets early, it's usually possible to compare international fares on Expedia up to a year in advance. This is the time when you can nab some incredible deals. If you've left everything to the last minute, you might get lucky. Low prices sometimes appear only weeks before departure.
What does an Expedia Waikato travel package include?
From airfares and hotels to car rentals, Expedia can help you shape a Waikato package that's ideal for you. Heading away for a week or two? Give some thought to a rental car, hotel and flight bundle. If you're taking a short break, a hotel and flight deal may be more your style. Activities can also be added once you've made your booking. Our travel packages make it a breeze to plan and save.
What should I know before booking a Waikato travel package?
A travel package can be easier on the hip pocket than individually booking all you need for your escape. For example, bundle your hotels, flights and rental cars and save big. Whatever type of vacation you have in mind, you'll find a package that fits your budget.
Can I choose my airline with a Waikato Expedia vacation package?
Yes, you're in charge. Expedia has access to more than 550 airlines across the globe, so you can design your Waikato adventure according to your budget and needs.
If I'm not able to travel, can I cancel my Waikato vacation package?
Don't worry if you're rethinking your Waikato vacation package — it's possible to change or amend your booking. And if you've booked it within the last 24 hours, you may be able to do it for free. However, bookings made more than 24 hours ago may incur a fee from your hotel, airline or car rental company. We totally understand your circumstances can change suddenly, so head to our Customer Service Portal if that happens. When you're ready to make changes, we're here to help.

Popular places to visit

New Zealand

Hobbiton Movie Set

Enjoy a trip to Hobbiton Movie Set, a well-known attraction in Matamata. Discover the area's hot springs and coffeehouses.

Hobbiton Movie Set
Cathedral Cove Beach featuring general coastal views, rugged coastline and a sunset

Cathedral Cove

Enter the white sand beach through a natural rock archway, the perfect frame for your photos of the rocky islands and clear waters of this marine reserve.

Cathedral Cove
Hahei Beach showing a beach, a bay or harbor and a sunset

Hahei Beach

Nestled between some of the Bay of Plenty’s most popular attractions, this tiny coastal hamlet is a great base for exploring the North Island.

Hahei Beach

What to do in Waikato

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland

P10,851
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour with lunch from Auckland
Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

P2,839
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour
Ruakuri Cave

90-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo

P4,065
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
90-Minute Guided Ruakuri Cave Tour Waitomo
See all activities in Waikato

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.