Things to Do in Hamilton
Activities to Do in Hamilton
Visit the Hamilton Gardens, Blackwater Rafting, High Tea at the Zealong Tea Estate, Indulge in a cruise on the Waikato River, Visit the Waikato Museum and many more.The list of things to do in Hamilton is a wonderful cornucopia of adventure, natural wonders, fun filled activities and unique creations. You can go from a heart thumping hot air balloon ride early in the morning to a caving expedition in the afternoon. Then end your day with a cruise on the Waikato River while you sip on the bubbly as you enjoy the sights.
Hamilton things to do will fascinate you and entice you to indulge all your senses. Try out unique adventures like blackwater rafting or visit glow worm studded caves. Try out a lavish spread at Hobbiton and enjoy the feeling of being a part of the Hobbit movies. Learn about the Maori culture and art with a visit to the Hamilton Museum.
If you are travelling with children then visit the Hamilton Zoo or enjoy a miniature train ride. There are several parks and themed playgrounds that are equally beguiling to kids and adults. Visit an escape room themed park and indulge in the various adventures that are specially designed for children and adults. Visit the famous Duck Island Ice Cream where you can enjoy delicious varieties of ice creams. Hamilton is also a great destination for couples where you can indulge in a River Cruise with all arrangements for wining and dining. Or take a stroll hand in hand in the award winning Hamilton Gardens with its sculptures and beautiful water fountains.
The dynamic and impeccably kept up collections at this one of the best places to visit in Hamilton New Zealand bestow the set of experiences, setting and significance of the exotic garden. Explore the herb garden, a kitchen garden and a sustainable backyard garden as you learn about the stories of the plants in each garden.
- Location: Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
This place is ideal for spending your time amidst different types of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Sight more than 600 animals residing at this zoo some of which belong to different parts of the world while some are native to the land of New Zealand.
-Location: 183 Brymer Road, Rotokauri, Baverstock 3289, New Zealand
-Entry fees: From $12 per person
-Timing: 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
Tour the famed exhibitions here like Da Vinci Mechanics, exscite and planet warriors.
-Location: 1 Grantham Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
-Entry fees:
-Timing: 10 AM-5 PM
The Waikato Balloon Festival, orienteering and similar activities. An extravagant café at the lake side, the Verandah Cafe is perfect to enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy great views of the lake in the front at this one of the best places to visit in Hamilton, New Zealand.
-Location: Waikato 3204, New Zealand
Eat Burger at the venue was voted as the Waikato's best burger and is a must try here.
-Location: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
-Entry fees: As per the activity
-Timing: Open 24 hours
Taitua Arboretum is a 49 acre tree collection and a good network of exotic lakes spread over the location. This attraction amongst the other places in Hamilton is ideal for experiencing treks that are adorned with picturesque nature vistas.
-Location: Corner of Brooklyn Road and, Heaphy Terrace, Claudelands, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand
Sit and relax amidst the serene surroundings or enjoy a bicycle ride around the area for some fresh breeze. The lighting installed makes it easy for the people to roam around in the night.
-Location: Lake Domain Drive, Hamilton, New Zealand
The whole garden is divided into two parts namely Te Taupa (the garden) and Te Ara Whakatauki (the path of proverbs). The whole setup shows how Aotearoa used wild plants to demonstrate the new techniques they developed for growing tropical crops in a sub-tropical climate.
-Location: Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
-Timing: 7:30 AM-7:30 PM
A broad collection of petroleum, pedal vehicles, and early pinball machines is also displayed in the museum. The Jukebox Diner is located at the museum and the 1950s themed place for dinner is ideal to fulfill your appetite after a tiring exploration. The museum also showcases some large sculptures, including Elvis and Betty Boop as compared to other places in Hamilton.
-Location: New Zealand 11 Railside Place, Dinsdale, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
-Entry fees:
-Timing: 8 AM-3 PM (All days of the week)
This reserve was given as a present to the city by George Parr as a private dwelling and nursery. Under the Parana Park Empowering Act of the 1950s, the recreation center was turned into a kids' park that presently stands as one of the exotic places to visit in Hamilton during New Zealand trip with kids.
One of the exotic places to visit in Hamilton is the Lavender Backyard Garden, which has developed from insufficient to rich natural beauty. Pick-Your-Own (PYO) blueberries and lavenders as you go for a stroll in the nursery. Appreciate some espresso among the fields of lavender and visit a vintage botanical shop.
With the Alpaca Farm Tour (an hour and a half), you will tune in to our alpaca story, collaborate with our amicable Alpacas and feed them. Alpaca feed, free beverage, and bread roll are remembered for the cost they serve at their place. Their shocking Alpaca Shop has an assortment of alpaca items and trinkets for everybody amongst all places in Hamilton!
-Location: 49 Peach Road, Gordonton 3791, New Zealand
-Entry fees:
-Timing:
Stunning tree church is set in a brilliant nursery with a maze to meander through. Great cabin nursery and vegetable fix adorn the area along with an exquisite lake brimming with water lilies and sobbing willow toward one side. There is also an incredible spot to take a cookout and appreciate the peacefulness.
-Location: 119 West Road, Ohaupo 3881, New Zealand
-Entry fees: $15 per person and children under the age of 12, prior permission is needed.
-Timing: Sunday: 10 AM-4 PM
The Indian Char Bagh gardens were not simply places to stroll through. They were idyllic, secret delight gardens with exotic fragrances of blossoms in a living Persian Carpet. They permitted the watcher to unwind, feel the breeze in the cool shade of an open-sided Pavilion, watch the mists skim behind white turrets, and hear the sound of shimmering water in the wellsprings and pool.
-Location: Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
-Entry fees: Free
-Timing: 7:30am–7:30pm
It is a comprehensive church that invites individuals from all backgrounds. The church follows a traditional prayer style that is reflected in their 9:45 am Sung Eucharist on Sunday morning. It is also known to be associated with John Horbury Hunt who was an influential architect of the nineteenth century.
- Location: 51 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
- Timing: 9AM-3PM (Mon-Fri), Saturday-closed, Sunday-8 AM-12 PM
The sensation of sliding a kart around a corner while keeping up control is compelling and fun! Their tight karts and clearing corners make for serious dashing and simple surpassing!
-Location: 82 Duke Street, Frankton, Hamilton 3204, New Zealand
-Timing: Monday-closed, Tuesday: 12 PM-7 PM, Wed-Fri: 12 PM-10 PM, Saturday: 10AM-10PM, Sunday: 10AM-8PM
The other significant impact was a restoration of interest in the way of life of classical times, and the Renaissance originators continually attempted to imitate and outperform the old Greek and Roman accomplishments. This included obliging classical models or duplicates of antique figures like the duplicate from the first fifth century Capitoline wolf with Romulus and Remus in the Italian nursery.
-Location: Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
-Timing: 7:30 AM-7:30 PM
This Cathedral stands to offer Glory to God, to help all to remember the individuals who pass by the presence of God in their lives, and to be a Sacred Place where the Church assembles to adore God, and invest energy in pious consideration of the Divine Mystery.
- Location: 494 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
- Timing: Monday: 8 AM, Tuesday – Friday: 8AM & 12:05 PM
The 65.5ha Park will fill in as a concentration for Hamilton's more extensive biodiversity rebuilding, including lakes and lakeshores, the Waikato River, its banks and remarkable gorges, and different parks.
-Location: Rotokauri, Baverstock 3289, New Zealand
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Hamilton Things To Do FAQs
What are the best things to do in Hamilton?
1. Visit the Hamilton Gardens: Hamilton is famous for its beautifully manicured gardens and a walk in the Hamilton Gardens is one of the best Hamilton things to do. This 54 hectare park is on the banks of the Waikato River and features beautiful lawns, enclosed gardens, a nursery, a lake, and a convention centre.
Location: Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm
2. Blackwater Rafting: This is one of the most exhilarating and adrenaline pumping things to do in Hamilton. In this activity you get to abseil into the depths of a cave; go rappelling in underground waterfalls; zipline past glow worm studded caves; go tubing in underground rivers with fast flowing waters.
Location: Ruakuri Caves
Price: Starting from INR 10,000 per person
Timings: 9:30 am to 4 pm
3. High Tea at the Zealong Tea Estate: The Zealong Tea Plantation is the only tea plantation in New Zealand. You can enjoy an exclusive tour of the plantation and a ceremonial tea tasting session.
End your tour with an extravagant high tea that is served with a selection of savoury and sweet delicacies to go with your tea. The whole tour is for 60 to 90 minutes and runs from Tuesday to Sunday.
Location: 495 Gordonton Road, Gordonton 3281, New Zealand
Price: Starting from INR 2600 per person
Timing: Two sessions are available. 9:30 am and 1:30 pm.
4. Indulge in a cruise on the Waikato River: This cruise should be on every visitor's Hamilton things to do list. This scenic all-weather cruise takes you past Hamilton Gardens to The Waikato Museum. The cruise features a cafe and a fully licensed bar. Indulge in some wining and dining while you enjoy the views.
Location: Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Crescent
Price: Adults INR 1500; Kids INR 800
Timing: Wednesday to Sunday 11 am to 3 pm
5. Visit the Waikato Museum: The Waikato Museum has a diverse collection of exhibits that showcases the Maori art and cultural heritage. The programmes relate the history, culture, art and science of the Maori people. One of the most prominent exhibits is the 200 year old hand crafted waka or canoe.
Location: 1 Grantham Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton 3204
Price: Entry is free. Charges apply to some exhibitions or programs
Timing: 10am to 5 pm
6. Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Nothing beats the sight of the sun rising in the horizon as you soar in the early morning sky in a hot air balloon. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Hamilton giving you a bird’s eye view of the city.
As you fly over Hamilton you get a great view of the Waikato River, farmlands, orchards, vineyards against the backdrop of the imposing Te Mata Peak.
Location: Hamilton
Price: Starting from INR 15000
Timing: 6 am
7. Visit Hobbiton Movie Set: One of the best things to do in Hamilton is taking a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. This two-hour guided tour will take you to the middle-earth attractions of Matamata which includes the home of Bilbo Baggins.
During the tour you can also indulge in a drink at the Green Dragon Tavern. Visit the Party Tree, the mills and the beautiful hobbit homes featured in the movie the Lord of the Rings.
Location: 501 Buckland Road, Matamata 3472
Price: Entry fee starts from INR 4000 per person.
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm
8. Visit the Waitomo Caves: The Waitomo Caves is a limestone cavern famous for a particular glow worm species that is found only in New Zealand. This is New Zealand's most spectacular natural attraction. The Glowworm Grotto is an incredible underground starry wonderland that showcases the wonders of nature.
Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate a luminescent light that brings a unique glow to the underground cavern. There are two types of tours you can choose from. The upper level is dry and features delicate formations while the lower level has waterways, glow worms and the Cathedral.
Location: 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo 3977
Price: Starting from INR 2500 for Adults and 900 for children
Timing: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
What are the adventurous things to do in Hamilton?
1. Jet Boating: Get your heart pumping and adrenaline flowing with a ride on the jet boats in the Mighty Waikato River. The boat speeds and spins as it rushes past pristine scenery and native bush and wildlife of Hamilton.
2. Blackwater Rafting: Blackwater rafting is one of the most intriguing adventurous things to do in Hamilton. It is a combination of several activities including abseiling into the depths of Ruakuri Caves, zipline through the cave that is studded with glow worms, go rappelling in underground waterfalls and ride a tube in fast moving waters.
3. Abseiling: If you love adventure then nothing beats abseiling in Hamilton. While in Hamilton you can choose from a variety of venues for rock climbing. Take your pick from mountain climbing, boulder climbing or indoor wall climbing. You can do it down a rock or in a canyon or a waterfall or even a cave.
4. Caving: New Zealand has some of the most challenging and intriguing caves in the world. Depending on your experience and comfort zone you can choose from a fascinating tour of glow worm caves to adrenaline pumping and action packed spelunking in the most challenging caving networks.
What are the best things to do in Hamilton with kids?
1. Take A Miniature Train Ride: The Hamilton Model Engineers Inc provides miniature train rides every Sunday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Night runs are also held here and the place is also a venue for several organized events.
2. Go On A Hot air Balloon: Enjoy the sunrise from up in the air with an early morning hot air balloon ride. The balloon soars over the Waikato River, farmlands, orchards and vineyards.
3. Visit the Hamilton Zoo: The Hamilton Zoo is spread over 25 hectares and features red pandas, meerkats, lemurs, tuataras and over 500 other unique animals and birds. There are free keeper talks where you and your children can learn about the different animals.
4. Visit The Classic Car Museum: If your kids love cars then a visit to the Classic Car Museum should definitely be in your list of things to do in Hamilton. The Museum features over a 100 classic cars including the Bugatti, Cadillacs, Auburn and lots more.
How to reach Hamilton?
By Air: Hamilton has its own airport and it has direct flights to and from Wellington, Christchurch and Palmerston North. It is also well connected to Gisborne, Great Barrier, North Shore, Whakatane and Whangarei.
What is the best time to visit Hamilton?
The best time to visit Hamilton is in summer between December to February. This is also the busiest time for tourists as the weather is pleasant and best for sightseeing. The second busiest season is between June to August which is the winter season in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is Hamilton known for?
Hamilton is famous for its beautifully manicured gardens, the Waikato River and its cruises, cafes and vibrant nightlife.
What to buy from Hamilton?
- Lavender and lavender products
- Organic Zealong Tea
- Local crafts and souvenirs
- Fashion accessories
- Manuka honey
- Homewares and antiques
- Local art works
- Pottery
- International and local designer clothes
Is Hamilton worth visiting?
Hamilton is definitely worth visiting. The city itself has several attractions that would appeal to all age groups. There are gardens, river walks, River cruises, adventure sports, a great food scene and amazing nightlife to keep you busy throughout your visit in Hamilton. Hamilton is also a great place to base your explorations of the North Island.
How many days in Hamilton is enough?
Three to four days is perfect to make the most of what Hamilton has to offer. Within this time period you can visit all the attractions of Hamilton and include a little out of city visits as well such as the Hobbiton Movie Sets, etc.
What are the romantic things to do in Hamilton?
1. High Tea at the Zealong Estate: Zealong Estate is the only tea plantation in New Zealand and high tea here is quite a special affair. After a grand tour of the estate and tea tasting indulge in an elegant high tea with an array of gourmet accompaniments.
2. Visit the Waitakaruru Arboretum: Enjoy a picnic at the Waitakaruru Arboretum as you enjoy the sights of over 100 beautiful sculptures, exotic trees and plants, manicured gardens and a wide variety of birds that have made their homes in these trees.
3. Cruise Down The Waikato River: Enjoy a romantic cruise along the Waikato River complete with a wining and dining set up. Indulge in some quality time as you sip your wine and enjoy the views.
4. Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Waikato: Nothing says romance better than watching the sun come up as you soar up in the skies in a hot air balloon. To make the trip more romantic, sip on some champagne while you take in the views.
What are the things to do in Hamilton at night?
1. Go For Craft Beers: Hamilton is home to several craft beer venues that are truly worthy of a visit by any beer lover. Some of the most popular names are The Craft, The Local Taphouse and Little George.
2. Play Golf After Hours: Night golf is one of the most interesting things to do in Hamilton at night. You can choose from miniature golf, driving range, and virtual golf. Places you can head out to include Lilliputt, Prodrive Golf and Skycity.
3. Head From A Magic Sunset At Raglan: If you love photography and dramatic sunsets are your speciality then head out to Raglan for a truly memorable sunset view. This beautiful surf town offers the best New Zealand sunsets showcasing orange, purple and pink skies.
4. Head out for a Hamilton Feast: Hamilton food scene comes alive each night with a variety that would impress the most discerning food critic. You can visit night markets for some amazing street food. There are weekly food truck Fridays and banquet tours at the Hobbiton Movie set.
What are the free things to do in Hamilton?
1. Take a walk in the Hamilton Gardens: Taking a leisurely stroll in the Hamilton Gardens should definitely be in your things to do in Hamilton list. These beautiful gardens are the pride of the city of Hamilton. You get free entry to four themed gardens that have won the International Gardens of the Year Awards more than once.
2. Take a Walk on the Riverside Walkway: The Riverside Walkway is a beautiful walking trail that runs along the Waikato River. The walkway is a mix of boardwalks and pavement and goes past residential areas, parks and bushes.
3. Visit The Waikato Museum: This Museum is definitely worth a visit where you can learn about the Maori cultural heritage and contemporary art. The exhibits are a good mix of old and new. The most popular exhibit is the Waka or Canoe which is an absolute must-see.
4. Go Park Hopping: Hamilton is a city that is full of beautiful parks and every one of them is worth a visit. Each come with their own water features, beautifully manicured lawns, sculptures and well-placed park benches.
What are the best things to do in Hamilton in winters?
1. Ski at Hilton Falls: Visiting Hamilton in winters and skiing goes hand in hand. Hilton Falls is a 15 km trail that offers perfect skiing conditions and incredible views. Once it snows Hilton Falls is a great place to go cross country skiing.
2. Skating at Mohawk 4 Ice Centre: If indoor skating is more your thing then head to the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre. You can even pre book your sessions and end a perfectly good evening with a cup of hot chocolate.
3. See a frozen waterfall: Waterfalls are mesmerising as they are but in Hamilton it is a whole different sight during winters. Cascading waterfalls turn into spectacular ice sculptures in winter and it is a sight that should not be missed.
4. Snowshoeing in Hamilton: Hiking in winter is a whole different experience and snowshoeing is a great way to explore the great outdoors when everything is covered in a white blanket of snow. The Crawford Lake Conservation Area is the perfect place to do this.
