12 Of The Best Things To Do In Hamilton New Zealand

Hamilton may not be the first city you think of when planning a visit to New Zealand but it’s one you really should consider including in your itinerary.

Hamilton is the main city in the Waikato region and located close to many of the popular activities and sites you will no doubt have on your must see list. This, along with its own sightseeing gems, make it not only a convenient place to stop but a very worthwhile one.

I grew up in Hamilton so you may think that I am somewhat biased, however Hamilton’s popularity has continued to increase over the years and it’s now New Zealand’s fastest growing city!

In this post I’ll share 12 of the best things to do in Hamilton. I’ll also answer a few frequently asked questions, provide a practical guide to visiting Hamilton and offer some suggestions for other activities you may want to build your itinerary around.

Is Hamilton Worth Visiting?

I grew up in Hamilton so forgive me for my bias but yes, Hamilton is worth visiting!

As you will discover in this post, Hamilton has a great array of indoor and outdoor activities and attractions to enjoy which, when combined with its convenient location close to many of the tourist hot spots, mean that Hamilton is not only worth a visit in its own right, but it’s also an excellent base from which to explore the greater Waikato region.

I suggest spending a couple of nights in Hamilton.

Where To Stay In Hamilton

There is a good variety of accommodation available in Hamilton, however don’t expect the 5 star luxury hotels you will find in Auckland! Not to worry though…that just makes Hamilton more affordable!

If you are wanting a central location in the heart of the city then check out the Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel. Located on the banks of the river right next to SkyCity Casino and Entertainment Centre, it’s also close to numerous restaurants and cafes in the city.

If you are planning a road trip and parking is important, then do check the array of motels available throughout the city. Many of the motel options will also suit budget travellers as will the hostel options.

12 Things to Do in Hamilton New Zealand

Now that you know where to find Hamilton, why you should visit and where you can spend a night or 2, here are 12 of the best things you can do while you’re in Hamilton:

1. Explore Hamilton Gardens

Location: Hungerford Crescent Cobham Drive, State Highway 1C, Hamilton

The most popular attraction in Hamilton are the Hamilton Gardens and once you have been, you will understand why! They are simply stunning and as such, are a must see when visiting the city.

Hamilton Gardens has expanded over the years and today there are 18 enclosed gardens for visitors to enjoy. From the beautiful Japanese Garden of Contemplation to the Ancient Egyptian Garden, the quirky Surrealist Garden to the Kitchen Garden, there is a garden for everyone.

The enclosed gardens within Hamilton Gardens are open 364 days of the year (closed Christmas Day) with the rest of the site open every day. Opening hours are 10am to 6pm over the summer and 10am to 5pm over the winter but do check the official Hamilton Gardens website before visiting. The website also has information regarding accessibility and an accessibility map.

Entry tickets are priced at $20 (NZD) for adults or $25 with an audio guide (under 16s are free). If you are interested in a more structured visit, then a Highlights Tour can be booked through the Gardens website.

The proximity of Hamilton Gardens to the Waikato River makes joining this ecological river cruise from the gardens a great option.

If you want to visit the Gardens but are basing yourself in Auckland, then it is possible to visit Hamilton Gardens as part of a combined tour to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. Tours including Hobbiton do fill up quickly however, so I would suggest booking early:

2. Visit the Waikato Museum

Location: 1 Grantham Street, Hamilton

A visit to Waikato Museum should also be on your list of things to do in Hamilton.

Te Whare Taonga O Waikato Museum and Gallery, to use it’s official name, reopened at the end of 2024 following renovation. It is home to thousands of objects including artwork, clothing and the very impressive Te Winika, a waka taua (war canoe).

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm, except Christmas Day. Entry is free, although there may be a charge for select exhibitions.

3. Visit Hamilton Zoo

Location: 183 Brymer Road, Hamilton

Hamilton Zoo occupies 25 hectares (about 62 acres) of land and is home to over 450 native and exotic animals making it one of the largest zoos in the New Zealand.

The Zoo is open daily from 9.30am until 4.30pm with the final entry at 3.30pm. Tickets are priced at $26 for adults and $13 for children aged 3 to 13 (under 3s are free).

In addition to an on site café, the Zoo also offers visitors opportunities to listen to talks by the keepers, feeding sessions and for an additional fee, animal encounters. You can learn more about these on the official Hamilton Zoo website.

Unfortunately, I did not get to visit Hamilton Zoo on my most recent trip home, however I have visited in the past and will definitely do so again.

4. Pay Your Respects in Memorial Park

Location: Memorial Drive, Hamilton

Hamilton is blessed with a lot of green space, including parks. One park that is particularly poignant however is Memorial Park.

Located on the banks of the Waikato River and directly opposite the Waikato Museum, Memorial Park is a monument to those lost and injured in war.

There are a number of monuments to see, including the anchor of the HMNZS Waikato, a replica Spitfire plane and a moving monument to the more than 18,000 New Zealand war horses who served overseas in the South African War of 1899-1902 and in World War One (1914-1918). Lest we forget their service too.

5. Spend Time by the Waikato River

Travelling can be tiring so if you are in need of some gentle exercise to help you recharge, then head down toward the Waikato River where you will find scenic walking and cycling tracks.

On the western (city) side of the River, the Hamilton City River Walk path runs the length of the city and toward its southern end are the Hamilton Gardens. The walkway is wheelchair friendly and there are opportunities to rest and watch the river (and world!) go by.

Another popular route is the Te Awa River Ride. Characterised by large concrete paths, the full extent of this route is 65 kilometres, however parts are accessible from Hamilton.

A recently opened example of the walkways and cycling paths in Hamilton is shown in the image below. The mounds of earth on either side are newly planted with native New Zealand plants and shrubs.

6. Catch a Cricket Match or a Game of Rugby!

Location: Seddon Park: 50 Seddon Road, Hamilton/Waikato Stadium: 128 Seddon Road, Hamilton

We love our sport in New Zealand and thankfully Hamilton is home to Seddon Park, an international cricket ground and Waikato Stadium, an international rugby ground. Although cricket is a summer sport and rugby a winter one, if you visit Hamilton between February and April, you may well get to watch both!

If cricket is your game, then make sure you wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen when watching. The sun in New Zealand is no joke and I have been sunburnt more than once watching cricket in Hamilton.

7. Enjoy the Café Culture!

Hamiltonians definitely love their food and coffee so you won’t be stuck for places to refuel!

Whilst there are many cafes and restaurants to choose from, on the basis of my most recent trip home, I can definitely recommend:

• Gothenburg Restaurant – tapas dining on the banks of the Waikato River at 17 Grantham Street
• The Kirk Café – perfect spot for brunch at 6 Te Aroha Street
• Matte Black – right in the middle of Gordonton (1063 Gordonton Road), it’s the perfect spot for a coffee and cake after feeding those alpacas….keep reading for all the details on that!
• Made Market – a popular food and drinks market featuring a variety of vendors located at 401 Grey Street (I can highly recommend the Little Lato ice cream!)
• Duck Island Ice Cream – delicious menu of ice cream in a mouth watering array of flavours at 300A Grey Street

8. Explore Hamilton Lake Domain

In the middle of Hamilton you will find Hamilton Lake and adjacent to the lake is a park known as the Hamilton Lake Domain (we’re nothing if not inventive in Hamilton!).

The Domain covers just over 100 hectares and is home to walking and bike tracks, a playground, café, toilets and of course, ducks and swans. As a child, I remember heading to the lake to play, feed the ducks and get chased by the swans!

Today, the Domain is just as popular with locals and visitors alike and I would recommend including some time here in your Hamilton itinerary.

9. Visit Taupiri Sunflower Farm

Location: 2049 Gordonton Road, Taupiri

The Taupiri Sunflower Farm is located a short drive from Hamilton and therefore easily accessible by anyone staying in Hamilton City. I have also included it in my post 8 Things to Do in the Waikato New Zealand as it’s also a great option for those road tripping through the Waikato but not stopping in Hamilton.

The sunflower farm is open during the summer months when the flowers are in season. Tickets are priced at $13.50 for adults and $8.50 for children aged 6-12 (under 5s are free). It is also possible to cut your own sunflowers at a cost of $3 per stem. Do check the official Taupiri Sunflower Farm website before your planned visit however to ensure they have reopened for the season.

With plenty of props set amongst the flowers, it’s a fun outing for all ages.

To learn more about visiting the Taupiri Sunflower Farm, read my post on How to See Stunning Sunflowers Near Hamilton.

10. Feed Alpacas!

Location: 49 Peach Road, Gordonton, Hamilton

Another activity I highly recommend when visiting Hamilton is to feed the alpacas at Cornerstone Alpacas in Gordonton.

As with the Taupiri Sunflower Farm, Cornerstone Alpacas is also located a short drive from Hamilton City. I included it in my post 8 Things to Do in the Waikato New Zealand as a must do for those road tripping through the Waikato but not stopping in Hamilton.

Cornerstone Alpacas offer a variety of tours to visitors. I chose the feeding alpacas option and thoroughly enjoyed it! This activity does not need to be booked in advance making it suitable for those wanting a little flexibility in their itinerary.

Update: It would appear that Cornerstone Alpacas is no longer in operation.

11. Visit Woodlands Historic House

Location: 42 Whitikahu Road, Gordonton, Hamilton

Tucked away down a side road not far from both the Taupiri Sunflower Farm and Cornerstone Alpacas is the beautiful Woodlands Estate.

Comprising an historic homestead dating from the 1870s, beautiful gardens and a café looking out onto a cricket pitch, Woodlands is the perfect place to stop and relax for an hour or two.

Tickets to explore inside the historic homestead cost $3; visiting the garden is free. The opening times are:

• Gardens: Monday to Sunday 9am-3.30pm
• Homestead: Monday to Sunday 10am-3.30pm
• Café: weekdays 9am-3pm; weekends 9am-4pm

The official Woodlands Estate website provides a history of the Estate and a useful site map for visitors.

12. Have Afternoon Tea at Zealong Tea Estate

Location: 495 Gordonton Road, Hamilton

Zealong Tea Estate is located not far from Cornerstone Alpacas and Woodlands Estate and you will therefore go past it either on you way to or from Hamilton.

A popular attraction for visitors to Hamilton, Zealong is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand. It offers visitors various dining, tasting and accommodation options, including its popular afternoon tea. I fully intend enjoying this on my next visit home!

Check the official Zealong website for the various opening hours, dining and tour availability and to making bookings.

Annual Events in Hamilton

There are a couple of annual events in Hamilton that draw large crowds.

The first of these is Balloons over Waikato, an annual 5 day hot air balloon festival. In 2025, the festival took place in March so keep an eye on the official Balloons over Waikato website for future dates.

The second major event is Fieldays, a national agricultural trade show bringing together thousands of exhibitors and visitors from around the country and beyond. Agriculture has long been the backbone of the New Zealand economy and no more so than in the Waikato. The event takes place annually in June – keep an eye on the official Fieldays website for current information about dates and access.

Day Trips from Hamilton

Hamilton’s central Waikato location means it’s easy to stay in the city and make day trips to some of the regions best known attractions, including Raglan, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Waitomo Caves.

For details of more activities accessible from Hamilton, do read my post 8 Things to Do in the Waikato.