The Region

Cambridge, Waikato and Beyond

Huntington Stables Retreat Accommodation, provides a comfortable and convenient base for guests who wish to explore the vibrant town of Cambridge, or to venture out further into the Waikato region. There are many wonderful attractions all within an hour’s drive from Huntington Stables Retreat, including the hugely popular Hobbiton Movie Set, Sanctuary Mountain (Maungatautari), Hamilton Gardens, Waikato River Cycle Trails, Glowworm Kayaking (a ‘must do’), Mystery Creek, and Lake Karapiro. We’d love to book your adventure for you (no extra cost or fee), and help with your itinerary.  To avoid disappointment contact us early to book a Hobbiton tour/banquet, or one of the fabulous Glowworm Kayak tours.

Contact us directly, or book your stay here (booking)

Things to do in Cambridge

theboatshed

A fantastic adventure for any age or ability.  Paddle gently down a stream in a double kayak, with an experienced guide beside you. Stop for snacks and toasted marshmallows while waiting for the last rays of light to disappear. Then float back in the dark surrounded by thousands of beautiful, sparkling glow-worms. We have two adventure companies offering these tours, so please talk to us about which one is best for you.

camjet-jet-boat

Speed along the Waikato River in a 450 hp V8 Jet Boat towards Karapiro Dam, and see some of the amazing native bush and bird-life in Cambridge.  During Field Days, Camjet Boat Tours offers fun, stress-free, and totally affordable transport to and from Mystery Creek!

avantidrome

Experience New Zealand’s best indoor cycle track at the Velodrome and have a go.  Experience riding on a world-class track by booking a Have A Go session at the Avantidrome

Things to do in the region

hobbiton-matamata

Take a fully guided 2 hour tour around ‘the Shire’, complete with Hobbit holes, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn (as seen in Lord of the Rings).  Or upgrade to an Evening Banquet Tour which includes a sumptious feast and tour with lanterns. 

Private tours are also available. We’d love to book any Hobbiton tour or one of their fantastic banquets for you. Contact us directly.

sanctuary-mountain-maungatauta

Sanctuary Mountain began with a dream to protect the plant and animal species living on Maungatautari. This ancient ecosystem has been recognised as a reserve since 1912 and nearly 100 years later the community came together to restore and further protect this precious environment with a pest-proof fence. By removing all mammals from Maungatautari it has provided a safe environment to reintroduce some of New Zealand’s most endangered species back to their natural habitat.

waitomo-caves

Waitomo Caves is one of the must-see natural attractions in the North Island of New Zealand. There’s so much to do! Above-ground attractions combine with underground attractions to create Two Landscapes and Twice the Fun! Only 1 hour travel time from Cambridge, don’t miss out on seeing one of nature’s wonders, the glow worms.

...Or just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet at Huntington Stables Retreat.

Things to do at Huntington Stables Retreat

  • Soak in the spa pool, relax in the sauna, swim in the pool.
  • Pick fresh Lemon Balm or herbs to make a delicious tea.
  • Share an Antipasto or Vegetarian Platter.
  • Select a book or magazine to read (‘swap a book’ if you wish to take it home, or leave a gold coin donation for Bird Rescue and Rehoming, Cambridge).
  • Play Scrabble, Cards, Noughts and Crosses, or Monopoly.
  • Create a work of art in the adult’s colouring book.
  • Watch a movie or two from our DVD collection.
  • View the NZ Art collection by Santie Cronje, on the Smart TV.
  • Listen to music via the CD player or television.
  • Create your own music with one of our beautiful ukuleles.
  • Visit our gift shop.
  • Enjoy the views with a glass of wine, Nespresso coffee, or jug of home-made lemonade.
  • Have a game of Petanque (Boules).
  • Walk around the gardens and admire pottery and upcycled art.
  • Pop into town for a massage or facial treatment.
  • Check out our rare albino sparrow ‘Luna’: one of our aviary rescue birds.

Other things to do

  • Lake Te Koutu – 4 minute drive from Huntington Stables. The walking track around the lake is flat and easy, or include the stairs for extra exercise.  
  • The Sculpture Park and Waitakaruru Arboretum – more than 100 sculptures and installations set in 17.5 hectares. Scotsman Valley Rd
  • Tamahere Market – Arts and Crafts Market with an excellent array of locally made goods, food, and garden art. 3rd Saturday each month.
  • Cambridge Mini Golf –  a fun activity for all ages, 18 hole mini golf course.
  • Tree Church and Gardens –  a living chapel made of trees, set in beautiful gardens in Ohaupo.  Closed over Winter.
  • Check out several excellent walks between Cambridge and Karapiro, for all levels of fitness.  Refer to ‘Things to Do/Walking’ page on Cambridge iSite website.