Cambridge’s leafy beauty didn’t happen by chance. Long before Waipā was known as the Home of Champions, Cambridge was quietly earning another title, the Town of Trees.
In the early to mid-1900s, civic leaders and passionate local gardeners made a deliberate effort to beautify the town through extensive tree planting. Wide streets and generous berms provided the perfect canvas, while ornamental species such as cherry trees were chosen for their seasonal beauty, soft blossom in spring and rich colour in autumn.
Thanks to fertile Waikato soil and a mild climate, the trees flourished, transforming Cambridge into one of New Zealand’s most picturesque towns. Tree-lined streets offer shade in summer, blossom in spring, and spectacular golden and crimson hues in autumn.
These streets have become iconic, creating postcard-perfect scenes loved by locals and admired by visitors.
Former Cambridge Borough Councillor and Deputy Mayor Rosemary Hill is credited with adding “and Champions” to the town’s long-standing identity around 2003, creating “Town of Trees and Champions.” Waipā later adopted “Home of Champions” as a district-wide brand.
Rosemary was a passionate advocate for Cambridge and played a key role in shaping the narrative that still defines the town today.
The Cambridge Tree Trust continues to play an important role, with a core mission to plant trees in and around Cambridge, enhance the town’s approaches, protect the environment, and keep Cambridge’s image alive as the Town of Trees.
Today, Town of Trees is more than a nickname, it is part of Cambridge’s identity.
