Hotels in Waikato

Top reasons to visit Waikato

• Outdoor Adventures: Waikato is perfect for thrill-seekers with activities like abseiling and exploring pristine beaches.
• Stunning Scenery: The region showcases breathtaking landscapes, including serene lakes and beautiful coastlines.
• Cultural Experiences: Discover aboriginal history and visit fascinating museums for a rich cultural immersion.
• Diverse Accommodation: From charming motels to inviting bed and breakfasts, there’s a perfect stay for every traveller.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: Enjoy a variety of attractions suitable for families, ensuring fun for all ages.

Find great hotels in Waikato

Discover the diverse array of accommodation options in Waikato, New Zealand, perfect for every type of traveller. From charming motels like Aaron Court Motel Hamilton and Acacia Lake View Motel to inviting bed and breakfasts, you’ll find the ideal base for your adventures. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly facilities, business amenities, or a relaxing vacation experience, Waikato’s hotels are well-equipped to cater to your needs.

• Hilton Lake Taupo: A luxurious 4.5-star hotel offering an adventure-filled experience for discerning travellers. Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Waikato, Hilton Lake Taupo is LGBTQIA welcoming and is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and excitement. The hotel features an array of adventure sports, including nearby options for sailing, skydiving, downhill skiing, kayaking, and scooter or moped rentals. Guests appreciate the elegant rooms and exceptional service, making it an ideal retreat for luxury seekers and thrill enthusiasts alike.
• Wairakei Resort Taupo: This 4-star resort is a family-friendly haven, renowned for its natural hot springs and golf facilities. Set against a picturesque backdrop in Waikato, Wairakei Resort Taupo offers unique hot spring amenities located nearby for a rejuvenating experience. Families can enjoy a variety of activities, including onsite mini-golf, a playground for children, and complimentary cribs for the littlest guests. The resort's blend of relaxation and recreation, paired with exceptional service, makes it a perfect choice for family vacations.
• Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton: A 3.5-star hotel tailored for business travellers, Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton combines convenience with comfort. Located in the heart of Waikato, this hotel caters to the needs of corporate guests with well-equipped meeting rooms and reliable Wi-Fi. The contemporary accommodations provide a restful environment after a busy day of meetings, ensuring guests can recharge effectively. With its strategic location and business-friendly amenities, it stands as an excellent option for those visiting Waikato on business.

Where to stay in Waikato

Waikato offers a captivating blend of outdoor adventures and stunning scenery, perfect for a memorable vacation. Explore cities like Hamilton, where you can delve into aboriginal history and enjoy family-friendly attractions. The region boasts abundant offshore wildlife and relaxing, secluded spots for unwinding. With easy access to downtown amenities and adventure venues, Waikato promises an appealing destination for everyone, from luxury seekers to adventure enthusiasts, all amidst a backdrop of friendly locals.

• Taupō: Nestled beside the stunning Lake Taupō, this city offers breathtaking outdoor experiences and romantic scenery. The area is renowned for its geothermal activities and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can indulge in a range of recreational activities, from hiking in the nearby national parks to unwinding at local spas. The vibrant water park is a hit for families, making it an ideal spot for both adventure seekers and those looking to relax. With visitor numbers peaking in winter and summer, Taupō provides a dynamic atmosphere year-round.
• Hamilton: As the largest city in the Waikato region, Hamilton boasts a vibrant blend of outdoor activities and urban experiences. The city is known for its expansive parks and family-friendly attractions, making it an excellent choice for a family getaway. Hamilton's shopping centres offer a variety of retail experiences, while its picturesque lakes and beaches provide a serene escape. The city sees an influx of visitors during March and the festive season, ensuring a lively ambiance. Whether you're exploring educational institutions or enjoying a leisurely day out, Hamilton has something for everyone.
• Whangamata: A charming beachside suburb, Whangamata is celebrated for its stunning beaches and outdoor lifestyle. The area attracts visitors looking for sun, sand, and surf, making it a popular destination during peak seasons in March and summer. Whangamata features excellent resorts and spas, perfect for a relaxing retreat. Golf enthusiasts can also enjoy the local courses amidst scenic backdrops. With family-friendly beaches and nearby mountains, this suburb offers a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.

Things to do in Waikato

Waikato offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty, perfect for beach vacations. Visitors can enjoy thrilling activities such as abseiling cliffs and other adrenaline-pumping experiences tailored for adventure enthusiasts. The region also boasts shopping malls and recreational areas, ensuring a well-rounded experience for all. Make sure to book your activities in advance to secure your spot in this stunning part of New Zealand.

Shopping

Hamilton Centre Place offers a vibrant shopping experience with diverse shops and entertainment options. For unique local gifts, visit The Coromandel Smoking Co. Additionally, the Cambridge Farmers' Market features fresh produce and artisanal products, perfect for souvenirs that capture the essence of Waikato.

Recreation

Experience rejuvenation at Lost Spring Thermal Pools, where you can soak in natural thermal waters surrounded by lush scenery. For a bit of family fun, head to A.C. Baths, featuring various aquatic activities that cater to all ages. Don't miss the energy of FMG Stadium Waikato for sports events.

Adventure

Embark on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for breathtaking hiking amidst stunning scenery and adventurous trails. Relax at Taupō Hot Springs, where family fun meets entertainment in a delightful waterpark setting. Experience the thrill of Off Road NZ, an exhilarating karting adventure perfect for adrenaline seekers.

Nightlife

In Waikato, The Landing Lake Taupō offers an exhilarating arcadeAdventureZone vibe, perfect for thrill-seekers. Founders Theatre enchants with its romantic atmosphere, showcasing cultural performances. Combat Zone Paintball and Fun Park adds to the adventure with exciting activities, ensuring a lively nightlife experience.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Waikato

To save money during your visit to Waikato, consider travelling in May or from August to September when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, or explore last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Tuesdays tend to be the least expensive days for hotel stays, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Enjoy free activities such as local parks and scenic walks to further enhance your budget-friendly experience.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Waikato are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Waikato is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Waikato is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Waikato is Saturday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels at a glance. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will highlight sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Waikato hotel reservations with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Waikato

Waikato is an ideal destination for those seeking outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and beach relaxation. Popular attractions include pristine beaches, serene lakes, and fascinating museums, providing a rich cultural experience. Whether you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors, immerse yourself in local history, or simply unwind by the water, Waikato offers a diverse range of activities to ensure an enjoyable holiday.

• Hobbiton Movie Set: Step into the enchanting world of Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set. This delightful attraction features picturesque landscapes and charming hobbit holes, making it a perfect spot for fans of The Lord of the Rings. Enjoy guided tours led by friendly locals who share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories.
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Experience a magical underground adventure at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Marvel at the stunning limestone formations while gliding silently through the caves, illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. This outdoor excursion is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
• Lake Taupō: Discover the breathtaking beauty of Lake Taupō, the largest lake in New Zealand. With its romantic beaches and scenic views, it’s an idyllic spot for relaxation, water sports, or a leisurely stroll along the shore, all set against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.

Best time to go to Waikato

The best time to visit Waikato is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	65.5°F (18.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	62.1°F (16.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
April	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	53.2°F (11.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	50.0°F (10.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	48.0°F (8.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
August	48.9°F (9.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
September	51.3°F (10.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
October	54.3°F (12.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	58.1°F (14.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
December	62.4°F (16.900000000000002°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Waikato

Visiting Waikato, New Zealand, is convenient with several major airports nearby. Auckland Airport (AKL) is situated 98.2km from Waikato, with excellent hotel options like the 5-star Cordis, Auckland, 16.1km away, offering transfers and shuttles. The Grand by SkyCity and Hilton Auckland are also great choices, both 17.7km from the airport. Rotorua Regional Airport (ROT) is another option, located 98.2km away, with nearby 5-star hotels such as Regal Palms Resort and Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa, both 8.0km from the airport. Napier Airport (NPE) is 231.7km from Waikato, featuring the 5-star Swiss-Belhotel Napier and The Dome Boutique Apartments, both just 4.8km away.