Cambridge is spoilt for pretty picnic spots – from lakesides to wetlands to picnics with a view. Here are five of our favourites.
Lake Te Koo Utu
Right in the heart of Cambridge, Lake Te Koo Utu is a popular picnic spot. Picnic tables, BBQ’s and toilets make this an ideal spot for families, birthday parties or just a place to meet. Sheltered under large trees, makes this a lovely place to hang out on a hot summer’s day. For the energetic, a walk around the 1 km loop to work off that lunch or take the kids up the Flow Form Track to visit the playground, rose gardens or exercise equipment area.
Where: Access points off Thornton Road, Victoria Street, Lake Street or Albert Street. you can pick up a map from the Cambridge i-SITE on the corner of Queen and Victoria streets.
Leamington Domain
A lovely spot in the heart of Leamington, Cambridge, popular with families. It has a great playground and picnic tables and is ideal on warm summer days due to the large trees that provide much needed shade. The park like grounds offer opportunities for children of all ages to run around. On selected Sundays there is a model train that offers rides for a gold coin donation (shoes must be worn) – check our events page to find out when they are on. Picnic tables and toilets are available. Great spot for a child’s birthday party.
Where: Corner of Wordsworth and Tennyson Streets, Leamington
Waipuke Park
A short drive from Cambridge, and on the shores of Lake Karapiro, you will find Waipuke Park. This is a popular swimming, picnicking and kayaking spot for families. Waipuke Park is open during summer from 7am – 9pm and has swings and climbing equipment, plus lots of open space for games. You can hang out lakeside, access the lake for swimming and kayaking (there is a safe zone here – no boats, jetskis etc allowed). Toilets and picnic tables available.
Where: 953 Maungatautari Road
St Kilda Playground and Wetlands
One of Cambridge’s newest sub-divisions, St Kilda is built around a wetland which includes boardwalks and an adventure playground. Pack a picnic and plan a relaxing day – perhaps enjoying a coffee from the St Kilda Café right next to the playground. Take a leisurely stroll around the wetlands, or there are cycle friendly paths as well.
Where: Kaniera Terrace, St Kilda
Pukemako (Maungakawa Scenic Reserve)
Take a short drive up Maungakawa Hill to the Scenic Reserve. A great place to picnic or do the 30 minute loop walk through beautiful native bush, where you will find signage identifying native trees. The sloping, open grounds offer space to just hang out and enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of life. In the spring, the cherry trees give an amazing display of colour not to be missed.
The nearby Pukemako Memorial Park has picnic tables with wide open space to play, and stunning views across the Waikato and Hauraki Plains. There is a toilet available. The location was also home to a TB Sanatorium for returned servicemen, and concrete footings and the shell of an old building are visible remains.
Where: Gudex Road, off Maungakawa Road
