Hamilton

New Zealand, Oceania

Hamilton, a vibrant city on the banks of the Waikato River, is renowned for its stunning gardens, particularly the Hamilton Gardens, which features themed landscapes from around the world. The city offers unique attractions such as the Waikato Museum, filled with local art and history, and the nearby Hobbiton Movie Set, a whimsical trip for fans of the "Lord of the Rings." Additionally, Hamilton fosters a youthful energy with its university and numerous cafes, making it an appealing destination for travelers seeking both culture and adventure.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

Other

Airport

Hamilton

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

12 Best Things to Do in Hamilton

1

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Hamilton Gardens

Stroll through themed gardens and landscapes.

No booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Hobbiton Movie Set

Tour the iconic film set of The Hobbit.

Booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover Waikato Museum

Learn about local history and culture.

No booking required
4

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy the Hamilton Zoo

See exotic and native animals in a beautiful setting.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Walk the Hamilton Lake Domain

Relax by the scenic lake and gardens.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Shop at Te Awa Mall

Discover a variety of shops and eateries.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Waikato River Trails

Cycle or walk along scenic river paths.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience the ArtsPost

Browse local art and exhibitions in a historic site.

No booking required
9

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Attend a game at FMG Stadium

Watch live sports at the local stadium.

No booking required
10

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Hamilton Art Gallery

Explore diverse collections of New Zealand art.

No booking required
11

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Relax at Claudelands Park

Enjoy beautiful gardens and recreational spaces.

No booking required
12

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Waitomo Caves

Experience stunning glowworm caves and adventures.

Booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Not expected

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

New Zealand Dollar

Majority religion

Christian

Language

English

(80%+ speak English)

Best dishes to try

Kiwi Pie

Savory pie with meat and vegetables. (National dish)

Hāngi

Traditional Māori dish cooked in earth oven.

Pavlova

V

Meringue dessert topped with fruit and cream.

Fish and Chips

Battered fish served with fries.

Lamingtons

V

Sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut.

Phrases to learn

English

English

Hello

Hello

(Hel-loh)

Yes/No

Yes / No

(Yes / No)

Thank you

Thank you

(Thang-k yoo)

Excuse me

Excuse me

(Ex-kyoos mee)

How much?

How much?

(How much)