New Zealand’s fourth largest city, Hamilton, is known for its lush greenery, natural beauty and stunning landscapes. Located on the banks of the Waikato River, the city has a diverse range of attractions, from botanic gardens to adventure activities. Hamilton is home to a number of incredible activities that tourists and locals alike can enjoy, here are 10 of the best.
Night Markets
Hamilton’s night markets, which run every Friday and Saturday, are an absolute must-experience activity. Located at the Hamilton Gardens, the markets offer a smorgasbord of tasty food, with vendors selling everything from pizza to kombucha. Stroll through the rows of vendors while soaking up the sounds of live music, or take part in an exciting cooking demonstration. With so much to see and do, the night markets are a great way to experience the best of the city.
Waikato River Cruise
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the beautiful Waikato River on the Waikato River Explorer. The two-hour journey takes you from the city centre of Hamilton, downstream to the picturesque rural landscape of the Waikato Region. Passengers can enjoy commentary about the river and its history, along with sightings of native birds and wildlife. The journey ends with a tranquil stop at the Hamilton Gardens for a unique view of the city.
Zealong Tea Plantation
Experience the unique flavour of fine New Zealand tea at Zealong Tea Plantation. The plantation offers an unforgettable experience with guided tours, an elegant tea house and a tranquil garden. Learn about the history of New Zealand’s first tea plantation, and take part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony before sampling a variety of speciality teas. Afterwards, enjoy a light snack in the tea house and take in the captivating views of the surrounding countryside.
Hamilton Zoo
The Hamilton Zoo is the perfect place to get up close and personal with some of New Zealand’s native wildlife. Featuring a wide range of animals from all over the world, the zoo is home to more than 600 species of animals, including giraffes, lions, zebras and kiwis. Visitors can take part in up-close experiences and interactive activities such as feeding and grooming. The zoo also hosts regular events for kids throughout the year.
Hamilton Botanic Garden
No visit to Hamilton is complete without a visit to the Hamilton Botanic Garden. Located in the city centre, the garden is home to more than a thousand species of plants, from native plants to exotic species from around the world. Enjoy a stroll or two along the walking tracks, or take part in a guided tour to learn more about the history of the gardens. The Hamilton Botanic Garden is also host to a variety of events throughout the year.
Adventure Activities
Hamilton is the perfect place to get your adrenaline pumping and experience some of New Zealand’s best adventure activities. Take a tandem skydive over the city skyline and experience the thrill of freefalling, or take on the rapids of the Waikato River on a white water rafting trip. For more thrills, try your hand at canyoning, abseiling and zip lining, or jump in a 4×4 for a unique off-roading adventure.
Outdoor Activities
The great outdoors in Hamilton is begging to be explored. Take a hike or two on one of the city’s many trails, from the easy-going Lake Park Walk to the challenging Hakarimata Summit Track. Or, saddle up and explore the city on one of the many horseback riding trails. For a unique experience, follow the 2.4 kilometre path of the Tree Trunk Walk. Here, you’ll find sculptures and exhibits crafted from native trees in the area.
Shopping and Dining
Hamilton is home to a wide range of shopping and dining experiences. Shopaholics can explore the Centreplace Shopping Centre, while foodies will find plenty of international flavours in the city’s vibrant restaurant scene, from contemporary fusion to classic Italian. Enjoy dinner and drinks at The Grand on Victoria Street, or grab a bite to eat at the popular Food Truck Court on Fridays and Saturdays.
Culture and Arts
Discover the city’s cultural and artistic side with a visit to one of the many galleries and museums in the city centre. Visit Waikato Museum to learn more about the city’s indigenous people, or explore the art collection at the University of Waikato’s Liggins Gallery. Check out the stalls at the Hamilton Farmers’ Market to find locally made products, or take part in one of the city’s many cultural events.
Explore Hamilton’s Surroundings
Hamilton is the perfect base for exploring the wider Waikato Region. Take a short drive out of the city to explore other exciting attractions, such as the stunning Waitomo Caves, the charming Hobbiton Movie Set and the magnificent Raglan Beach. Or, take a day trip to the picturesque Coromandel coast or the heart of the thermal region, Rotorua.
Hamilton is a wonderful city filled with plenty of exciting activities for locals and tourists alike. Whether you are looking for a relaxed day out or an adventure-filled outing, there is something for everyone in the city. With so many must-experience activities, Hamilton is sure to leave you with plenty of memories to last a lifetime.