Optional Activities

Rowing New Zealand

Get ready to dip your oars into the world of rowing with a rowing experience and insightful tour of New Zealand’s rowing scene. Join us for a day filled with paddles, passion, and a deeper understand of the art of rowing. 

Option 1: Rowing plus Rowing NZ Tour

  • Maximum numbers: 20-24 (for rowing experience); 20 (for tour)

  • When: 1.30pm

  • Meeting point: Cambridge Rowing Club, Judd Lane, Lake Karapiro

  • Duration: 3 hours total – 1.30pm (arrive); on water 2.00pm; off water 3.00pm for shower and change; 3.30pm Rowing NZ tour; 4.30pm concludes

  • Equipment for on water activity: gym gear (no hoodies or loose clothing); sun glasses; sun block; hat and towel; no shoes in boat, socks ok; change of clothing and warm top

  • Safety equipment and damage insurance: provided by Cambridge Rowing Club

  • Fitness Level/experience: Must have rowed before either sweeper or scull blades

  • Support provided: Boat provided by Cambridge Rowing Club; experienced on board crew member

  • Cost: $20 per person (includes on water activity and tour)

Option 2: Tour of New Zealand Rowing Centre

  • Maximum numbers: 20

  • When: 1.30pm

  • Meeting point: Rowing NZ, Colgan Foundation High Performance Centre, Gate 3, 601 Maungatautari Road (Mighty River Domain, Karapiro)

  • Duration: 45-60 mins

  • Fitness Level: None specified

  • Cost: $20 per person

Golf Adventure at Cambridge Golf Club!

Enjoy a day of swings, putts, and good times at Cambridge Golf Club! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time golfer, this activity promises to be an enjoyable experience for all.

 

Play for the DG’s Tournament Trophy.

Details:

  •  When: 10.00am (arrival)

  • Numbers: No 1 Tee has been booked from 10.30am-11.30am for 24 players; Other golf opportunities may be added and paid separately on booking through the Golf Club (for either Friday or over the weekend – for partners) 

  • Meeting Location: Assemble at the Cambridge Golf Club house – 112 State Highway 1

  • Cost: Green Fees: $50

  • Additional costs if required (as at November 2023)Cart Hire: $45 for 18 holes or $30 for 9 holes

    • Club Hire: $20 for 18 holes or $15 for 9 holes'

    • Trundler Hire: $5

  • Equipment: Bring your usual golf gear.

  • Fitness Level: Standard golf-playing fitness is all you need!

  • Catering: There may be catering available at the club house after the round, or alternatively a local cafe recommendation will be made at the commencement of the day. 

  • Contact: For any inquiries, contact John Bullick, at 021 172 9146

Explore Nature’s Haven: Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Walking Adventure

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a mainland ecological island in the North Island of New Zealand. Surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences, our ancient forest offers a sanctuary for populations of many of our most endangered species such as birds, skinks, geckos, frogs, bats, and insects.

This walk is on Maungatautari Mountain and is a 35 min drive from Central Cambridge. We start from Visitors Centre then we go inside the Southern Enclosure and follow the Rata Track from the entrance to the Lookout Tower which is 800m taking one hour return. 

Along the way we see various native trees and birdlife and especially present is some good examples of the Rātā tree. The Rātā tree roots grow down to the ground and encloses the host tree, producing a very large, combined tree. We can also see the kākā and there is a good view of the forest canopy from the Lookout Tower.

Details:

  • When: 1:30pm

  • Duration: 2.5 hours (including the return drive)

  • Meeting Location: Cambridge Cricket Club (on Victoria Square), corner of Queen and Dick Streets, Cambridge.

  • Numbers: Limited to 12 participants (carpooling encouraged)

  • Cost: $26 for Half Day Explorer Pass

  • Equipment: Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a raincoat, day pack, and don’t forget water and snacks.

  • Fitness Level: Moderate

  • Drive Time from Cambridge: 35 minutes

  • Walk Details: We start from the Visitors Centre then we go inside the Southern Enclosure and follow the Rata Track from the entrance to the Lookout Tower which is 800m taking one hour return. 

  • Contact: David Partis 027 449 1410 or email david@websiteoptimisers.net

Stroll Through History: A walking Tour of Kemureti/Cambridge Town 

Go on a journey through the charming streets on Kemureti/Cambridge as we explore the rich history encapsulated in its historic buildings. Join us for a leisurely walk, taking in the exteriors of these architectural gems. 

Details: 

  • When: 1:30pm 

  • Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours 

  • Meeting Location: Front entrance of Cambridge Town Hall, Victoria Road, Cambridge. 

  • Numbers: No specified minimum/maximum – all are welcome! 

  • Cost: No charge, but a koha towards the DG’s charity of choice “Kids in Need Waikato” would be appreciated. 

  • Equipment: Wear good walking shoes suitable for various surfaces and green spaces. Bring warm clothes and a rain jacket (depending on the weather). 

  • Fitness Level: Easy walking suitable for all. 

  • Coffee Break: There might be time for a quick stop to refuel (at your own cost) 

  • Contacts: 

  • Sue Milner: 027 338 5934 

  • Roger Gordon: 027 538 1228 

Cambridge Stud Heritage Centre and Stud Tour – Explore the Rich History and Excellence of Cambridge Stud 

Experience the legacy of Cambridge Stud, a breeding ground of champions owned by Brendan and Jo Lindsay, and originally established in 1976 by Sir Patrick Hogan and Lady Justine. Join us for an informative and captivating tour through the Cambridge Stud Heritage Centre. 

 Details: 

  • When: 1:30pm 

  • Duration: Flexible to suit your preferences  

  • Meeting Location: Cambridge Stud, 128 Discombe Road, Hamilton 

  • Minimum Numbers: No minimum requirement – all are welcome! 

  • Equipment: None required 

  • Cost: No cost 

  • Fitness Level: Suitable for all fitness levels 

  • Contacts: 

  • Gordon Calder 021 841 612 

  • Bill Wilson 027 827 7957 

Cycling Excursion: Two Options on Two Wheels  

Gear up for a cycling experience – choose your adventure and let’s hit the road! 

 

Option 1: The Adventure Seeker’s Route 

  • When: 1:30pm (TBC nearer the time) 

  • Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours, including a coffee stop and a possible tour of the Velodrome 

  • Equipment: Bring your own or hire a bike and helmet 

  • Fitness Level: Within the technical skills of most riders  

  • Cost: Bike hire rates (see below) 

  • Route: Leave from the Cricket Club, pedal past the Gaslight Theatre onto the Te Awa River Ride, all the way to Hooker Road. Return the same route with a short detour up to the Velodrome for coffee and a potential tour, finishing back at the Cricket Club. The ride offers both challenging hills and breathtaking scenery along the Mighty Waikato River. A truly stunning cycling adventure! 

 

Option 2: The Leisurely Cruise  

  • When: 2:00pm (TBC nearer the time) 

  • Duration: 2 hours, including a coffee stop and a possible tour of the Velodrome 

  • Equipment: Bring your own or hire a bike and helmet 

  • Fitness Level: Easier than Option 1, suitable for most riders’ technical skills  

  • Cost: Bike hire rates (see below) 

  • Route: Leave from the Cricket Club, head out Cambridge/Hamilton Road past Te Awa Lifestyle Village to the Velodrome. With a bike track now leading all the way to the Velodrome, enjoy a coffee and then ride back along the first section of the Te Awa River Ride, past the Gaslight Theatre, finishing at the Cricket Club. This ride is more sociable, with only one serious hill on the route. 

Cost of Bike Hire from Riverside Adventures: 

  • E-bikes: 

  • 2 hours: $60 (sufficient for the short ride) 

  • Half day: $80 

  • Muscle Bikes: 

  • Half day: $39 

Note: There may be an additional charge for bike delivery and pick-up at the Cricket Club 

 

Contacts: 

  • Andy Newman 027 246 4847 

  • Nigel Salter 027 455 9069 

Meeting Location: Cambridge Cricket Club (on Victoria Square), corner of Queen and Dick Street, Cambridge. 

Classic Car Chronicles: Explore the Automotive Legacy at CnR Classic Car Museum  

Go on a journey through time as we delve into the automotive heritage showcased at the Classic Car Museum. This experience will be filled with the allure of classic cars, spanning decades of elegance, innovation, and iconic designs. 

Details: 

  • When: 1:00pm  

  • Duration: 2-2.5 hours 

  • Meeting Location: Front entrance, Cambridge Town Hall piazza, corner of Victoria & Queen Streets 

  • Minimum/Maximum Numbers: 30 pax (single tour)  

  • Cost: $20 per person (includes transport from central Cambridge and museum entry) 

  • Equipment: None required 

  • Fitness Level:  Suitable for all fitness levels 

  • Transportation: Van transport only (due to limited parking at museum site) 

  • Contact: Ian Grant 027 514 1521 

A Day of Lawn Bowls! 

Roll into a day of leisure and friendly competition at the Cambridge Bowling Club! 

 Details: 

  • When: 10am – 3pm 

  • Meeting Location: Cambridge Bowling Club/Thornton Club, 37 Thornton Road, Cambridge 

  • Cost: $200 covers hireage and includes bar staff if required 

  • Equipment: Bowls are provided, but don’t forget to wear flat sole shoes for the perfect roll! 

  • Fitness Level: The usual level of fitness for enjoying a game of bowls 

  • Contact: Don Harris 021 574 078 

Bring your A-game and enjoy a day of camaraderie on the greens! 

Optional Activities - At Own Leisure

Available for Friday afternoon and all weekend for partners

CAMJET

Experience a thrilling adventure or an ecological tour along the Mighty Waikato River.  Departure point is only a 7 minute walk from the Cambridge town centre.  Along the trip you will see the abundance of native bush, wildlife, the narrow Cambridge gorge, waterfalls and rapids. Also you will visit the base of the Karapiro Dam.

Extreme Jet Tours (Speed and 360 spins) 15, 30 or 45 minute extreme tours. The 45 minute jet boat tour (the most popular) is the only tour that goes all the way to the base of the Karapiro Dam.

Ecological River Cruise – enjoy a 60 min leisurely Waikato River cruise taking in the sights as your driver also shares with you the stories of the area (includes the base of the Karapiro Dam) If you choose you’ll also enjoy one or two spins.

Bookings in advance are essential – Visit website www.camjet.co.nz for more information (including prices) and bookings contact.

Hobbiton

Step into the enhancing village of Hobbiton.

In the heart of the Mighty Waikato region, you can explore the lush pastures of the Shire with a guided walking tour of Hobbiton, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogy.

  • Tour duration: 2 hours

  • Address: The Shire’s Rest, 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata

  • Prices: (until 30 November 2023) - Adult $89; youth (9-16) $44; children (0-8) free; new family pass (2x adult, 2x youth) $225; NZ Gold card $79.

Bookings essential. Hobbiton Movie Set is only accessible via guided tour

Visit website – https://www.hobbitontours.com/; Phone 07 888 1505

The Sculpture Park Arboretum – Art in Nature Experience

Wander along a 2km art-in-nature trail, amongst a landscape of ponds, cliffs, rocks and thousands of trees and start your creative adventure among more than 100 sculptures and installations. This is your opportunity to join in our many activities, listen for birds, or simply share your experience with family and friends.

Not suitable for wheelchairs, walkers or those with limited mobility due to steps and uneven surfaces

Open every day 10am-5pm. Visit website at https://www.sculpturepark.co.nz/

  • Entry fees: for self-guided walks 15 years plus $15.00; 5-14 years $5.00 

  • Address: 207 Scotsman Valley Road, Tauwhare; email: sculpturepark1@gmail.com; Ph: 0275 670 996

Rotary Urban Miners – Waipa e-waste recycling

Urban Miners run an environmentally sound e-waste recycling service in Waipa (Cambridge and Te Awamutu). This service is a not-for-profit, community-based organization run entirely by Rotary members and community volunteers.

 

Volunteers will be at our recycling depot in Cambridge on Friday, 17 May from 3.00-4.30pm.  Rotarians and partners can visit to view processing and operations

Bookings and further information of address etc - telephone David Blewden 027 471 2156

Hamilton Gardens

Information still to come

Hamilton Lake

Information still to come

Waikato Museum

Information still to come