Cambridge

Cambridge was laid out by the military in the 1860s and planted heavily with English trees, so the streets and the village green have mature oaks, elms and liquidambars that turn in April and May - unusual density for a New Zealand town and the reason it looks the way it does. Its economy is horses: the Waikato is the centre of New Zealand thoroughbred breeding, and the studs around Cambridge have produced a long list of internationally successful racehorses, with several open for tours. The other institution is the Avantidrome, the national cycling centre opened in 2014, with an indoor 250-metre wooden track where the national squad trains; it is open to the public for viewing and for track sessions. The Te Awa river ride follows the Waikato River from here toward Hamilton on a sealed path. The main street has antique shops and cafes in Victorian buildings.

What you actually see

• The autumn trees - oaks and liquidambars through the streets in April and May.
• The thoroughbred studs - several open for tours by arrangement.
• The Avantidrome - the national indoor cycling track.
• The Te Awa river ride - a sealed path along the Waikato.

When to go

April to May for the trees. Stud tours need booking and are seasonal - breeding and foaling seasons restrict access. The velodrome has public viewing hours.

Honest expectations

Stud visits are by arrangement and not always available; you cannot simply arrive. Track cycling sessions require booking and basic competence. The town is quiet and the attraction is mostly atmosphere.

Nearby

Hamilton is north; Lake Karapiro and Sanctuary Mountain are south-east.