OUR HISTORYKarāpiro is a hydroelectric lake on the Waikato River. It is a 10 minute drive from Cambridge. The river has flowed through the Waikato region for more than 20,000 years. It has been a source of physical and spiritual sustenance from the time of the earliest tūpuna (Māori ancestors) until today. Above Karāpiro stands Maungatautari, a culturally and ecologically important mountain.
Prevent the spread of the Invasive Clam
The invasive freshwater clam, found in the Waikato River in May 2023, can harm everything we love about the water. It can disrupt our recreation, clog water pipes, and threaten other freshwater species. The clam can only spread if humans move it between lakes and rivers with boats and gear. Check Clean and Dry if you move between lakes and rivers.
PREMIUM WAIKATO EVENT & ACCOMMODATION VENUE
LAKE KARĀPIRO, CAMBRIDGE
On the banks of Lake Karāpiro is Karāpiro Lake Domain, an iconic Waipa District Council site and one of New Zealand's premier event venues. Every year it showcases a variety of sporting and cultural events and has been the stage for a number of memorable international sporting occasions.
It was our biggest sprint nationals to date and we are really happy with the overall result.
It was a long week, but it all seemed quite manageable. That is partly possible because of your "nothing is too difficult" attitude. It is awesome to work with such positive people who go the extra mile to find solutions and not focus so much on the problems.
Lara Collins- Chief Executive, Waka Ama NZ
What we offer
OUR TEAMMighty River Domain is managed by Waipa District Council. Site Manager Liz Stolwyk has managed the Domain for the past 22 years and has over 30 years' experience in the tourism industry both in New Zealand and overseas. Liz is supported by an administration and site services team. The team at Mighty River Domain, Lake Karāpiro will work with you to ensure your event or function is hassle free. Our team will work with you to organise your event so that it runs smoothly.
GETTING HERE If you are visiting from the north, come through Cambridge and Leamington, jump onto Maungatautari Road, and you'll find us (about 5km from the town belt). If you're coming from the south, turn onto Maungatautari Road off of SH1 (turn off to Horahora Domain) and follow the road to find us (about 15km from the turn off).
NO CAMPING IS AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING DATES:
10th,11th,12th & 13th December 2026-KRI Christmas Rowing Regatta
25th,26th,27th & 28th February 2027- North Island Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta
28th,29th,30th & 31st January 2027-North Island Rowing Championships
12th-21st March 2027-NZ Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta-Maadi
REFUND POLICY
To be eligible for a full refund, your cancellation must be received no later than 60 days prior to your arrival.
If you cancel less than 60 days prior to your arrival you will be charged 50% of the total accommodation amount.
If cancelled 48 hours prior to arrival your stay is non-refundable. This includes no shows and cancellation of nights after arrival.
Please note for special events and promotional room rates/offers a no cancellation policy applies which means no refunds or changes are permitted.
All cancellations and amendments must be received in writing.
IMPORTANT
Please note that the Karapiro Dam road has re-opened.
If you are visiting from the north, come through Cambridge and Leamington, jump onto Maungatautari Road, and you'll find us (about 5km from the town belt).
If you're coming from the south, turn onto Maungatautari Road off of SH1 (turn off to Horahora Domain) and follow the road to find us (about 15km from the turn off).
From SH5, head toward State Highway 1 (SH1), going northbound toward Cambridge.
As you near Cambridge, follow signs toward Karapiro Dam Road / Karapiro. (Turn off SH1 onto Karapiro Dam Road.)
Cross the dam via Karapiro Dam Road and then turn left.
Contact us:
P: 07 827 4178
Karāpiro Lake Domain,
Lake Karāpiro, 601 Maungatautari Road, RD2, Cambridge