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Waikato Water sports

Our most recommended Waikato Water sports

Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

1. Waitomo Caves: Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience

Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off a small waterfall and take in the magic of the glowworm grotto of Ruakuri Cave on this Black Labyrinth adventure. Put on your gear and learn from professionally trained guides that will take you ziplining, rafting, and caving.  Check in for your black water adventure in Waitomo. Get all your equipment and instructions from your guide before you begin the subterranean journey. Leap over cascading waterfalls and weave and climb through a glowworm-studded wonderland. After an energized trip, float serenely down the underground river. Enjoy the glow worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Ride a stream that twists and turns through a canyon, and tumble down a hidden waterfall and rock slide before emerging into the sun-dappled Waitomo forest. The rafting base is located a short distance outside Waitomo Caves village. This is the booking and assembly point for all black water rafting expeditions. It is also the home of the Long Black Cafe, where you'll find delicious food, coffee, and friendly Kiwi service. 

Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

2. Whitianga: Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove

Embark on a sailing trip from Flaxmill Bay, a small cove nestled between Cooks Beach and Whitianga to see the iconic sights of Mercury Bay and Cathedral Cove. Lend a hand with the sailing or simply sit back and relax on comfy beanbags and admire the picturesque scenery.  Board our large, modern catamaran, and after a short introductory session to the boat's main facilities and safety systems, set sail out to the calm waters of the bay.  As you sail, spot the area's most notable sights with the help of your guide. Keep your cameras ready as you sail past Cathedral Cove. You will enjoy some snacks and drinks during the journey.  Once the boat sets anchor, if conditions are good, choose to swim or snorkel in the marine reserve with the wonderful sea life, or simply chill out on board and soak up the scenery.  The tour concludes back at the starting point in Flaxmill Bay. 

Whangamata: Donut Island Guided Kayaking Experience

3. Whangamata: Donut Island Guided Kayaking Experience

Embark on a short kayaking tour to Whenuakura Island, an area which is beginning to assume iconic status alongside other regional attractions in the Coromandel. The stunning Whenuakura Island, is one of a group of islands off the coast of Whangamata which have wildlife sanctuary status. As Guardians of the islands, this tour encourages you to treat the islands with respect to preserve their future. Because of the island’s geography, access is limited due to swell and wind conditions, and only kayaks or paddleboards can squeeze through the narrow entrance. The island is a wildlife sanctuary and opens up into a beautiful lagoon which is rather out of this world. Join the experienced team on an adventure that takes you 600m off the coast of Whangamata Beach, to a secluded turquoise lagoon surrounded by native fauna and volcanic cliff rock.

Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

4. Whitianga: Cathedral Cove, Small Caves & Snorkel Boat Trip

Discover the scenic Cathedral Cove and smaller caves on this boat trip from Whitianga. Experience the thrill of small, hard-to-get-to caves and discover magnificent offshore views. See New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave, and get up close to aquatic life in the marine reserve. Leaving Whitianga Wharf, stop to view Shakespeare's Cliff, and pass the stunning Lonely before exploring inside Cooks Beach Blowhole and gazing out through the top. Be amazed at the panoramic scenery at Cathedral Cove. Head south, getting close along the coastline in and out of bays, caves, and blowholes. Take in the mesmerizing volcanic landscape of towering pinnacles and rock sculptures. Marvel at the size of New Zealand's 2nd largest sea cave "Orua" before visiting offshore islands with more caves. Have the option to snorkel and witness sea life in the marine reserve before heading back to Whitianga.

Raglan: 2-Hour Surf Lesson

5. Raglan: 2-Hour Surf Lesson

Meet your surf instructor at Ngarunui Beach carpark by our red truck and wooden surf trailer Benefit from equipment and get everything you need to learn surfing: warm wetsuits and surfboards for all skill levels.  Your surf instructor will be with you for a whole 2 hours to teach you and help you out in the water. Practice your pop up and catch heaps of waves in this awesome New Zealand surf experience.

Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat Ride

6. Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat Ride

Take a hair-raising ride on the Waikato River, and reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers (50 miles) per hour. Enjoy fast and furious slides, make 360-degree spins, and stop at historic and sightseeing locations. Meet and greet your local, professional guide at the boat ramp meeting point. Complete a small amount of paperwork, and fit yourself up with a spray suit to keep you dry, as well as a life jacket to keep you safe. After receiving a safety briefing from your guide, hear the roar of your high horsepower V8 jet boat as it comes into life once fed with air, fuel, and fire. Head off on the first leg of your tour, and feel your adrenaline pumping. Enter into a 360-degree spin before coming to a stop at historic locations. Listen to your guide's commentary about the places you visit and learn about the fish, birds, and wildlife in the area. Sites you will see include the Cambridge Gorge and Karapiro Dam, as well as rapids and waterfalls. Then, hang on extra tight for the speedy return leg back to the boat ramp.

From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

7. From Whitianga: Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Cruise & Swim

Relax & enjoy Shakespeare’s Cliff, Lonely Bay & Cathedral Cove on an open boat with unrestricted stunning views. Experience the thrill of going inside Cooks Blowhole, Whale Cave and our very own “Hole in the Rock”. Regularly going to the places seen in online videos & pictures, venture inside caves others cannot take you! View fish in the Marine Reserve. Learn the history of the area and be amazed by the volcanic formations throughout the Bay. You won’t be disappointed with Coromandel’s fantastic coastline as we go down to the Orua Sea Cave where you will be taken inside the cave and hear the amazing acoustics as we play music.

Raglan: Karioi Canyoning

8. Raglan: Karioi Canyoning

Come and experience the adventure everyone is talking about. Canyoning is an adrenaline-pumping journey that happens rain or shine. This is an adventure that can't be missed whilst in the Waikato region, so come and find out what all the fuss is about. As soon as you’re wrapped up in our warm thick wetsuits and jackets you will be driven through the picturesque town of Raglan and up to the edge of Mt Karioi to begin your descent down the Karioi canyon. Challenge yourself to jump into the pools, rock climb and abseil the cascading waterfalls and experience the magic the canyon has to offer. The ancient lava flow is surrounded by native bush and natural beauty. Experience this whilst you’re being immersed in flowing fresh water. Following your experienced and passionate guide, you will navigate your way though many obstacles, including waterfalls, pools and boulders, ensuring that your adrenaline levels are high. All of the guides are friendly, professional and highly experienced, guaranteeing you will always feel safe and comfortable. Throughout the trip, the guide will explain to you facts about the flora, fauna and history of the area, also finding some hidden native plants to eat or drink.

Coromandel Peninsula: Volcanic Coast Kayaking Adventure

9. Coromandel Peninsula: Volcanic Coast Kayaking Adventure

The day begins with a scenic drive from Whitianga to Opito Bay along the breath-taking Blackjack Road. From here, after a brief safety introduction, your adventure begins. Paddle alongside dramatic volcanic coastlines, around offshore islands, and through archways and sea caves. Observe the local wildlife, and enjoy stopping on pristine, isolated beaches. Enjoy the intimacy of traveling by kayak and experience the true beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula up close. Your experienced local guide will share tales of days gone by and teach you about the stunning natural environment that they are lucky enough to call home. The trip will conclude at the little-known Matapaua Bay, an idyllic paradise that has slipped under the radar for years. The van will be waiting to take you back to Whitianga.

Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure

10. Taupo: Waikato River Jetboating Adventure

Discover the rush of jetboating over Waikato river's whitewater rapids on this tour in Waikato. Stay dry on your trip with the included spray jackets and glasses. Keep your hands warm with heated handrails as you gaze out at locations from famous films like 'The Hobbit.' Check-in at the activity provider's office and get set up with your lifejacket and your optional spray jackets and glasses. Hop aboard the boat and embark on an exhilarating adventure on the scenic Waikato river.  Feel the rush as the boat twists, turns, and jumps at speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour. Ride through the Waikato River's biggest commercially operated Rapids. Stop at some famous filming locations, such as where the 'barrel scene' was filmed for 'The Hobbit.' Immerse yourself in nature and get off-the-beaten track as you keep an eye out for local wildlife. Take in sights like the bubbling geothermal water at the river’s edge. 

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What people are saying about Waikato

I am a female, 52, and the most strenuous workout I do is walking. This was a really exceptional experience, but I would say that you would need to be stable on your feet because you are required to walk on wobbly rocks. It was excellent and a super fun adventure that I would not have wanted to miss.

It was much more adventurous and exciting than expected. It is not just floating on a tube, but crawling through the rock tunnels and walking in a rapid water stream and the jumps into the small waterfall! What is more, you can see a lot of glow worms above your head. It was so beautiful and amazing!

Great experience even at our ages of 64 and 67. We were well looked after by the guides who explained everything very clearly. Nothing was too much trouble. Loved every minute of this adventure - the glow worms were awesome.

A great experience...in addition to a towel, think about shower gel...the showers are great...

good fun! the chocolate fish at the halfway point was a nice touch