Hamilton

Hamilton, New Zealand, is a vibrant city nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. It’s a hub of culture, nature, and adventure, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors.

Places to go

Perfect Destinations In Hamilton

Hamilton Gardens

Spread over a land of 58 hectare, Hamilton Garden is a perfect blend of horticultural skill and imagination. The Paradise Garden Collection incorporates gardens that address China, England, Japan, America, Italy and India. 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.

Waikato Museum

Seated on the banks of the Waikato River, in the Hamilton cultural precinct, Waikato Museum – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato and Arts Post is a perfect escape into the art and culture of Hamilton and the Waikato region. From visual stories, Maori stories, to social history and science, this place among the many other places to see in Hamilton NZ showcases it all. Tour the famed exhibitions here like Da Vinci Mechanics, exscite and planet warriors.

St. Peter's Cathedral

St Peter’s Cathedral is seated on the highest point of the Cathedral Hill, known as Pukerangiora in Maori, and has been nestled there for almost 100 years. Famous as the fourth Anglican church, this cathedral church is known for the bishop and Diocese of Waikato. 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.

Sculpture Park

The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum is a unique art-in-nature experience with more than 100 sculptures along the 2km long nature trail. The park is set in a former quarry that has been transformed into a 17.5 hectare arboretum with more than 30,000 trees.

Hamilton Zoo

Hamilton Zoo is home to more than 450 native and exotic animals, including Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest walk-through aviary for native birds and plants. From the savannah with its zebra herd, bison, and giraffes to the majestic tigers or antics of the chimpanzee troop, you’ll want to spend all day here.

Taitua Arboretum

Taitua Arboretum is a 20-hectare (49-acre) tree collection just out of Hamilton City. The Arboretum has several lakes and a good network of walking tracks.

Classics Museum

Something Classic for the Whole Family! A classic car museum with something to cater for every member of the family. Come and have a look at the cars of yesteryear which are sure to bring back memories. We have over 60 cars on display and an extensive collection of petrol memorabilia – signs, tins, petrol pumps, pedal cars and vintage pin ball machines. Plenty of free parking onsite. We have a 1950’s diner in the building too! The Jukebox Diner, serving American classics, modern fare, child friendly options and of course great coffee!

Hobbiton Movie Set

The Hobbiton Movie Set tour is an essential stop on the itinerary for all visitors travelling through New Zealand, offering an interesting and entertaining experience incorporating the famous film set as seen in The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep and beef farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the village, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves attraction is a cave at Waitomo on the North Island of New Zealand. It is known for its population of Arachnocampa luminosa, a glowworm species found exclusively in New Zealand. This cave is part of the waitomo streamway system that includes the Ruakuri Cave, Lucky Strike, and Tumutumu Cave. World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves have been guided since 1889 and occupy a high place in the New Zealand vacation wish-list. Stare in wonder at the thousands of illuminating glowworms above as you glide silently by boat through the glowworm grotto.

Hamilton Lake Domain

Hamilton Lake Domain offers a perfect site for water based sporting exercises, for example, yachting, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle boats, model boats, and a scope of casual activities. This lake seated in the heart of the Hamilton city also lures organised events like fairs, kite days, family days, etc. 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.