School Holiday guide to Cambridge

Cambridge is at the heart of the world-class 65km Te Awa River Ride. The longest concrete trail in NZ, Te Awa winds its way from Ngaruawahia through to Lake Karapiro on a 3m wide smooth concrete trail, boardwalks and bridges. Taking in stunning views and parts of the Waikato River never before seen by the public, the Te Awa River Ride is achievable for all ages and abilities by bike or by foot and as many kilometres as you like!  www.te-awa.org.nz

In a beautiful setting just south of Cambridge you can hire kayaks and bikes (kids bikes and seats available) and explore the river and paths around the Mighty Waikato. Guided glowworm kayak experiences also available.
Enquire at the Cambridge isite or via Riverside Adventures at the Velodrome.  www.riversideadventures

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a mainland ecological island. Surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences, Sanctuary Mountain’s ancient forest offers a sanctuary for populations of many of our most endangered species such as birds, skinks, geckos, frogs, bats, and insects. Guided or self guided walks all week long.  www.sanctuarymountain.co.nz/

Enjoy a visit to a local private collection of classic muscle cars, vintage trucks, and equipment.

162 Hannon Road, Hautapu.  Open 9am – 5pm – Monday to Friday.  Adults – $5.  Children – Free
Phone 07-823-5944 to book a visit

Experience the Mighty Waikato River and Jet Boat New Zealand with Camjet. Want to get your family’s hearts pumping and adrenalin flowing Right here in Cambridge NZ? For more information visit  CAMJET

Come and enjoy the outdoors and discover NZ native birds and frogs at play as you travel throughout the 17.5 hectares of Park. Play Roosting Ruru where you discover Ruru hidden throughout the park. Or, grab all the family and play OUT OF THE BOX a fun scavenger hunt game for two adults and two children.

The Park has lots of fun things to do for all ages from making a raft to creating a teepee or renaming one of the many sculptures found throughout the park.  www.sculpturepark.co.nz

The Perry Aquatic Centre indoor facility opened in 2021. It has an indoor 10 lane 25m pool, learner/hydrotherapy pool, tots pools and splash pad. 50m outdoor pool open from Labour weekend until Easter

Every day during the school holidays and on weekends/public holidays, the inflatable runs. Check online for times

Cost for the inflatable is $4.00 per session. minimum age is 5 years. For more information, visit their website www.go.waipa.com

A super cool cinema to visit with comfy seats, yummy treats for adults and kids, and lots of room.  Heaps of great movies on these school holidays

Find out more at www.tivolicinema.co.nz

Leamington Domain, Wordsworth Street, 10am-2pm weather permitting. Covered-toe shoes required.
Tickets $2 per ride and under 5’s free with a paying caregiver, every 1st & 3rd Sunday.

You can check their Facebook page for updates: Cambridge Model Railway

Every Saturday Cambridge Farmers Market – Victoria Square 8am-12 noon

2nd Sunday of the month
Cambridge Market, Trash n Treasure (Kids love this one!) at the Hautapu Rugby Grounds 8am-1pm.  Browse over 100 stalls.  Lots of yummy food and coffee too. For more details, visit  cambridgemarket.nz

3rd Saturday of the month
Tamahere Country Market, St Stephen’s Church, Airport Rd, Tamahere, 8.30am-1pm

During school holidays you can experience some unique holiday sessions at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome. No matter your skill level everyone is welcome to join, from complete beginners through to the more experienced and bike and helmet are supplied. Children must be 135 cm in height and at least 10 years old to ride the track. they generally offer two options:

Junior Have-a-Go (1.5hrs). A chance to come and try the track (for first timers) under the supervision of experienced coaches. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Junior Learn to Ride sessions – get accredited to ride the Track. Get coached towards becoming competent to ride the track, no previous experience required. Accreditation is dependent on skill, confidence and fitness level.

For more info visit www.velodrome.nz

The Velosolutions Pump Track in Cambridge offers a fun 196m long track and fun 222m jump track joined by a bowl in the middle of the two. It is located next door to the Perry Aquatic Centre (Cambridge Pools) and a skate park.
It’s a great place for the entire family to enjoy and play on. With a footprint of over 2300m2 the track is the largest pump track in Oceania, surrounded by grass, trees and picnic tables.

Walk around the Cambridge green belt or river trails, visit Pukemoke Scenic Reserve, Gudex Road or for the more adventurous, hike Pirongia mountain and stay in the Paheatua Hut overnight.

Visit the Cambridge isite for all the information you need plus maps for Cambridge, Pirongia, Sanctuary Mountain and Te Aroha trails. Pirongia Hut Tickets are also available – $5 adults $2.50 kids (bookings required) and Cambridge isite hire personal locator beacons and sell freeze-dried food from Radix.