Dramatic black sand beaches meet the Waikato River mouth where you can fish, surf, or climb the massive sand dunes. Families gather at Sunset Beach to watch skilled paragliders launch from the cliffs while keeping an eye out for orcas offshore.
I am hiking a section of the Te Araroa trail from Auckland to Hamilton and came across Heavens Rest as a logistical stop.
I stayed in a 1 bedroom cottage and couldn’t have been more impressed with the tranquility after a long hike, comfy bed and fridge filled with juice, fresh milk, eggs, bread and yogurt.
Robert even drove me back to the trail in the morning - highly recommend
I am hiking a section of the Te Araroa trail from Auckland to Hamilton and came across Heavens Rest as a logistical stop.
I stayed in a 1 bedroom cottage and couldn’t have been more impressed with the tranquility after a long hike, comfy bed and fridge filled with juice, fresh milk, eggs, bread and yogurt.
Robert even drove me back to the trail in the morning - highly recommend
This is a small and comfortable motel with 17 rooms two of which have disabled access.
The manager and his wife went to great lengths to make our stay free from trouble. The cleaning staff were very friendly and helpful and did an excellent job. There is also safe off road parking.
This is a small and comfortable motel with 17 rooms two of which have disabled access.
The manager and his wife went to great lengths to make our stay free from trouble. The cleaning staff were very friendly and helpful and did an excellent job. There is also safe off road parking.
Anonymous traveller
Reviewed December 13, 2016Reviewed December 13, 2016
Excellent stay. The hotel was superb. The room was clean, the wireless charges on the bedside tables were a great idea. The staff were extremely friendly, helpful and attentive. The breakfast was lovely too. The only one issue I had is that I had to pay extra for a decaf coffee with my breakfast. It should be free.
Excellent stay. The hotel was superb. The room was clean, the wireless charges on the bedside tables were a great idea. The staff were extremely friendly, helpful and attentive. The breakfast was lovely too. The only one issue I had is that I had to pay extra for a decaf coffee with my breakfast. It should be free.
Christopher
Reviewed January 24, 2026Reviewed January 24, 2026
Lovely and clean with excellent hosts. Everything we needed for our one night stay after a VERY long flight. Small kitchen area, super shower room and excellent comfy clean bed. Somewhere to eat within walking distance.
Lovely and clean with excellent hosts. Everything we needed for our one night stay after a VERY long flight. Small kitchen area, super shower room and excellent comfy clean bed. Somewhere to eat within walking distance.
Easy to find. Quiet location. Comfortable beds. Good bathroom and toiletries and fluffy towels. Nice to have a swimming pool. It was small and cold but very refreshing. The air con was welcome. Well equipped kitchen with ample tea and coffee supplies and fresh milk. Missing a tea pot but otherwise great. Would happily stay again.
Easy to find. Quiet location. Comfortable beds. Good bathroom and toiletries and fluffy towels. Nice to have a swimming pool. It was small and cold but very refreshing. The air con was welcome. Well equipped kitchen with ample tea and coffee supplies and fresh milk. Missing a tea pot but otherwise great. Would happily stay again.
Claire
Reviewed February 10, 2019Reviewed February 10, 2019
We stayed for three days and it was just what we needed. The owner did as much as she could for us and was always . The room was clean and the cooking facilities were adequate.
We stayed for three days and it was just what we needed. The owner did as much as she could for us and was always . The room was clean and the cooking facilities were adequate.
What's it like to stay at an apartment in Port Waikato?
There are 11 accommodation options in Port Waikato. Though there aren't many apartments, we can help you search for similar accommodation. When you search on Expedia, you can filter by amenities such as a kitchen— one of the conveniences often found in an apartment. You can also search for similar properties such as holiday homes, condos or guest houses.
Why would you choose an apartment over a traditional hotel room?
Offering a kitchen for convenient meals, an apartment is often more spacious than a traditional hotel room. Apartments are a good option for solo travellers who want to stay in at night and plan out their next day, but also for families wanting the conveniences of home.
What can I expect from the weather during my trip to Port Waikato?
Weather is only one factor, but it can really affect your travel plans, especially when you're planning an extended stay in Port Waikato. The hottest months are usually February and January, with an average temperature of 18°C, while the coldest months are July and August, with an average of 12°C. Average annual precipitation for Port Waikato is 1315 mm.
What are the must-see places to visit in Port Waikato?
Sunset Beach and Waikato River are a couple of lovely local spots to get outside and enjoy nature. Cobourne Reserve and Phillips Reserve are other places to visit while you're in town.
What's the best way to get to and around Port Waikato?
Knowing a bit about the transportation options can you save you a headache when you get to your destination. Fly into Auckland (AKL-Auckland Intl.), which is located 26.7 mi (43 km) from the city centre. If you'd like to explore around the area, consider renting a car to explore more sights.