Title: Waikato River in Waikato - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

[Waikato River Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Waikato-River-Hotels.0-l553248621526967448-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Waikato](https://expedia.ca/Destinations-In-Waikato.d6047974.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in Waikato](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Waikato.d6047974.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Waikato River Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Waikato-River.d553248621526967448.Car-Rental-Guide)[Waikato Vacations](https://expedia.ca/Waikato.d6047974.Destination-Travel-Guides)

# Waikato River Tours and Activities

![The Huka Falls hurtle at more than 220 000 litres per second, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand #NewZealand #Roadtrip #Waterfall](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052675/77b027cd-b5e5-489f-a2e8-a933d41fae49.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![The Huka Falls hurtle at more than 220 000 litres per second, making it one of the most visited natural attractions in New Zealand #NewZealand #Roadtrip #Waterfall](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052675/77b027cd-b5e5-489f-a2e8-a933d41fae49.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![A few kilometres downstream from Lake Taupo the river changes to some rapids for a short distance.  When the rapids finish there is a drop which creates a waterfall. It all ends with this scene which is stunning. Only a 30 second walk from the car park to the river this shot was taken about a 5 minute walk further downstream on the main track at sunrise.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052675/3e9386a9-4a68-4d66-8ef7-cf1789a774db.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Beautiful Huka Falls. Walk up Spa Road, take a left at the Thermal Park. About 7km from town. Stop at the thermal stream on the way. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052675/21bff940-3215-4322-8508-1fa133c55b1a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![When you will be near Taupo don’t forget to stop on the Huka Falls. Choose a trail for a walk or biking alongside the falls. It is perfect place for a picnic, so take something delicious to eat!](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052675/665f198a-f56a-40cf-a856-8598e93a811d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Waikato River

Activities

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### Tours & day trips

[See all 26 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&filter.categories=ToursDayTrips)

![Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1395243/22b176f5-1d78-4ae6-b313-eaabc1f15c89.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

12h

10/10

92 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $421

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/small-group-hobbiton-and-waitomo-day-tour-with-lunch-from-auckland.a1395243.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/47693733/d028689d-b414-4c67-8d1f-9e75f674d219.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Lake Taupo: Luxury Sailing Catamaran to Māori Rock Carvings

2h 30m

10/10

28 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $57

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-maori-rock-carvings-lake-taupo-sailing-tour.a47693733.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45271658/163e0df9-1ebd-43bc-8ae6-7b00e9cc6423.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

3h 30m

10/10

31 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $123

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/twilight-kayak-glow-worm-tour.a45271658.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48237295/06953f1d-cdcb-47a2-b102-d4cfa00f78ca.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Taupo: Maori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour

4h

9.8/10

27 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $111

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-maori-rock-carvings-kayaking-tour.a48237295.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4564345/416b58ea-5e5e-48f4-9500-e1947c7ed019.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

1h

10/10

10 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $121

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/waikato-river-1-hour-ecological-river-cruise.a4564345.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Waikato: Half-Day Karāpiro River Trail Bike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4772282/e8905119-2edf-4cb9-9203-97e7eed5da0b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Waikato: Half-Day Karāpiro River Trail Bike Tour

3h 30m

Free cancellation available

CA $106

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/waikato-half-day-karapiro-river-trail-bike-tour.a4772282.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4680566/f8360bec-ac64-4713-b740-43e852df1191.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Taupō: Sail Barbary Eco Sailing to the Maori Rock Carvings

2h 30m

9.2/10

60 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $49

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/lake-taupo-maori-rock-carving-2-5-hour-sailing-cruise.a4680566.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1222071/836271df-3251-4d4f-bf9b-c9daa19ec0ea.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp

2h

9.2/10

145 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $41

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/maori-rock-carvings-scenic-cruise.a1222071.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/44851953/f15d5a08-7031-4917-aef9-40cafc79dbf9.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure

35m

9.8/10

16 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $128

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-waikato-river-jetboating-adventure.a44851953.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4565462/02b06aa0-3f82-4162-acfc-4545b47c3407.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

9.8/10

6 GetYourGuide reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $123

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/raglan-sunset-canyoning-tour-and-glowworm-experience.a4565462.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

### Attractions

[See all 5 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&filter.categories=Attractions)

![Escape Room Experience Area 54](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/49826895/0f064065-280f-4d76-9778-74336fca292c.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Escape Room Experience Area 54

1h 15m

Free cancellation available

CA $25

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-project-alpha.a49826895.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Enchanted Sweets Forest](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46340774/eca4f214-486c-47b7-a7e4-844398231227.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Enchanted Sweets Forest

1h

10/10

1 Viator review

Free cancellation available

CA $31

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-the-sweets-cottage.a46340774.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46337228/253ca0f9-0dd0-4fc7-9f1e-21bbe4197e8d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin

1h

Free cancellation available

CA $31

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-cabin-in-the-woods.a46337228.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvellous Circus](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46324593/b2eddb51-37e3-4e16-9d8c-32c9bf4e54d2.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvellous Circus

1h

10/10

2 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $31

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-the-wild-tea-party.a46324593.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/46338532/5a17aa88-36e6-46b6-b2aa-85e4ad38d4e6.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge

1h

9.4/10

3 Viator reviews

Free cancellation available

CA $31

includes taxes & fees

per adult

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/escape-room-experience-taupo-the-hunting-lodge.a46338532.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

### Private & custom tours

[See all 4 activities](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/search?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&filter.categories=Privatecustomtours)

![The best of Hamilton Private walking tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3350732/798dcd66-d645-488b-9fb3-470e86903fdf.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### The best of Hamilton Private walking tour

2h

Free cancellation available

CA $2,903

includes taxes & fees

per adult\*

\*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/the-best-of-hamilton-walking-tour.a3350732.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Romantic Private tour in Hamilton](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3350731/3af913ce-340e-476f-a4cf-060a0d31684d.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Romantic Private tour in Hamilton

2h

Free cancellation available

CA $2,850

includes taxes & fees

per adult\*

\*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/romantic-tour-in-hamilton.a3350731.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Mt.Ruapehu Snow experience visit from Auckland](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3299560/fd54b4b0-2b7d-401f-9ae6-72f2e78ad70b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Mt.Ruapehu Snow experience visit from Auckland

12h

Free cancellation available

CA $1,815

includes taxes & fees

per traveller\*

\*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/mt-ruapehu-tours-from-auckland.a3299560.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

![Taupo Private VIP Geothermal Bike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48796615/8ada05fc-23bd-4680-ae3a-80e4b5c91b4b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)

### Taupo Private VIP Geothermal Bike Tour

6h

Free cancellation available

CA $1,980

includes taxes & fees

per adult\*

\*Get lower prices by selecting more than 2 adults

[](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do/taupo-private-geothermal-bike-tour.a48796615.activity-details?&rid=553248621526967448&location=Waikato+River&swp=off)

### Popular places to visit

![I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens.  The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life.  You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048121/94ce94f0-4df2-4db3-9869-24bc78847870.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Hamilton Central Business District

3.5/5(6 reviews)

Hamilton Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Hamilton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Central-Business-District-Hamilton.d3000664945.Vacation-Attraction)

![Hamilton Gardens showing a bridge and a pond as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111820/b6f83733-5baa-47a6-95a1-5a5d7ba79bd8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Hamilton Gardens

5/5(9 reviews)

From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of color in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise.

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Gardens-Hamilton-East.d6111820.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Memorial Park

Explore the great outdoors at Memorial Park, a lovely green space in Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Memorial-Park-Hamilton-East.d6111818.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Waikato Museum of Art and History

Learn about the area’s rich Māori history, take in over 3,000 works of art and interact with the wonders of science in this ever-changing cultural center.

[](https://expedia.ca/Waikato-Museum-Of-Art-And-History-Hamilton-Central.d6111816.Vacation-Attraction)

#### ArtsPost

You can spend time exploring the galleries in ArtsPost during your travels in Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/ArtsPost-Hamilton-Central.d553248621526967444.Vacation-Attraction)

#### Riff Raff

5/5(1 review)

You can find out about the history of Hamilton with a trip to Riff Raff. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Riff-Raff-Hamilton-Central.d553248621526967446.Vacation-Attraction)

---

## Best Lodging Options Near Waikato River

## Check availability on hotels close to Waikato River

[Tonight

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621526967448&startDate=2026-02-21&endDate=2026-02-22)[Feb 21 - Feb 22](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621526967448&startDate=2026-02-21&endDate=2026-02-22)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621526967448&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23)[Feb 22 - Feb 23](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621526967448&startDate=2026-02-22&endDate=2026-02-23)

[Next weekend

](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621526967448&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026)[Feb 27 - Mar 1](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=553248621526967448&startDate=27%2F02%2F2026&endDate=01%2F03%2F2026)

![Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5970000/5960700/5960694/229d6e44_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

16 Thackeray Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Ashwood-Manor-Motor-Lodge.h5960694.Hotel-Information)

![Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4480000/4478500/4478409/dbcaffd8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

287 Victoria Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Ramada-By-Wyndham-Hamilton-City-Center.h4478409.Hotel-Information)

![Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/860000/851300/851265/ae9e6115_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

36 Liverpool Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Anglesea-Motel-And-Conference-Centre.h851265.Hotel-Information)

![Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/520000/519300/519212/5886b55b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

86 Ulster Street Hamilton Waikato

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Heartland-Ambassador-Hotel-Hamilton.h519212.Hotel-Information)

![ibis Hamilton Tainui](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1730000/1725300/1725279/3cfded77_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

ibis Hamilton Tainui

18 Alma Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Ibis-Hamilton-Tainui.h1725279.Hotel-Information)

![Novotel Tainui Hamilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/570000/562500/562414/3c1a1be2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

7 Alma Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Novotel-Tainui-Hamilton.h562414.Hotel-Information)

![Atrium on Ulster](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/10000000/9630000/9626600/9626504/439f0f5e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Atrium on Ulster

281 - 285 ULSTER Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Atrium-On-Ulster.h9626504.Hotel-Information)

![VR Hamilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1770000/1762900/1762825/f33a6bb7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

VR Hamilton

237 Victoria Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-VR-Hamilton.h1762825.Hotel-Information)

![Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3150000/3145600/3145591/07b3d4e4_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

23 Clarence Street Hamilton 

[](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Ventura-Inn-Suites-Hamilton.h3145591.Hotel-Information)

[See all 1,263 properties in Waikato River](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=553248621526967448)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

![](https://forever.travel-assets.com/flex/flexmanager/images/2026/02/06/expedia-sale-2026-desktop-us-ca.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1400&h=600&q=mediumHigh)

## 

The Annual Vacation Sale 

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save. 

[Book now](https://expedia.ca/deals?rfrr=DX_POI_Spring_PROMO_553248621526967448)