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Waikato Recreation
Known for its scenic diversity, the Waikato region offers a myriad of options.
Along with a wealth of nature-based activities, there are all the events and attractions you’d expect to enjoy in a bustling, vibrant city.
Hamilton | Tourism New Zealand
Experiences | Hamilton & Waikato
Events capital | Taupo District Council
Sport and recreation
District councils around the region provide a range of recreation facilities including sportsgrounds, parks and gardens. Your local community centre may also run many different activities and groups for the community to join.
Leisure and recreation | Taupo District Council
Waikato Community centres | Citizen's Advice Bureau
Sports clubs and groups
New Zealanders enjoy a huge range of sporting activities - the Sport New Zealand website lists everything from Aikido to Zen Do Kai! Check the site to see what’s available in your area and how you can get involved. Joining a club or team is a great way to meet people.
Search for a club | Sport Waikato
Find a sport | Sport New Zealand
Outdoors
Tracks and walks
There are many opportunities to stretch your legs, clear your lungs and get close to nature on the walkways and tracks you’ll find wherever you go in New Zealand. Check the Department of Conservation site to find the great walks available in Waikato and the Central North Island. There are also plenty of parks and reserves to enjoy in the region.
Tracks & walks in Waikato | DOC
Tracks & walks in the Central North Island | DOC
Parks and reserves | Hamilton City Council
Parks and reserves | Taupo District Council
Playgrounds
Waikato offers plenty of opportunities for children to play in safe playgrounds, including a number of skateboard parks. Check with your local district to find playgrounds and parks near you.
Playgrounds | Hamilton City Council
Playgrounds | Taupo District Council
Fishing and hunting rules
Both fishing and hunting are a big part of life for many in the Waikato region. Check the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Fish and Game NZ websites for full information about licences and restrictions on hunting and fishing in freshwater. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has information about the rules of fishing in the sea.
It is very important to be aware of restrictions as there can be serious penalties for breaching them.
Where to hunt in Waikato | DOC
Auckland/Waikato freshwater fishing | Fish and Game NZ
Waikato, Auckland and Kermadec saltwater fishing rules | MPI
Dog walking areas and regulations
New Zealand has various laws about looking after and controlling dogs. Each council has their own bylaws. Check with your local council for full details.
Animal management | Taupo District Council
Cycling
The Waikato region features great tracks through beautiful scenery. Find out more about the tracks available in the region at the websites below.
Cycleways and walkways | Hamilton City Council
The town of Cambridge, 24 kilometres southeast of Hamilton, is home to one of New Zealand's two pourpose-built velodromes.
Art and culture
Museums and galleries
There are a number of museums and art galleries to visit in the Waikato region. You'll find details of each on the NZ Museums website. Local councils also have information about the museums and galleries in their area.
Arts and culture | Great Lake Taupo
Theatres
There are many theatres around Hamilton. You'll find details about what they offer on their websites.
Founders Theatre (closed, see website for future opening times)
Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
Shopping centres
These sites give you information about shopping in Hamilton, including shopping malls.
Taupo shopping | Great Lake Taupo
Public markets
There are many community markets around the region selling produce, crafts and second hand goods.