Escape on a 3-Day Romantic Retreat to Hamilton

Discover romance in the heart of Hamilton.

03 May 2023

Hamilton, New Zealand offers a peaceful and serene backdrop for a romantic getaway. Visitors can enjoy exploring the lush green parks, walking alongside the Waikato River or simply relaxing in one of the many local cafes or restaurants. One must-visit spot is the Hamilton Gardens, where couples can enjoy a leisurely stroll through a variety of themed gardens, including an Italian Renaissance Garden and an Indian Char Bagh Garden.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Check-in at Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre, an elegant hotel with great service and indulgent amenities
  • Visit the Hamilton Gardens, an award-winning garden offering themed collections of plants from around the world
  • Stroll along the Waikato River, lined with walking trails, playgrounds and picnic spots
  • Discover the vibrant street art scene of Hamilton by taking a self-guided tour
  • Enjoy dinner at Chim Choo Ree, a Michelin-recommended restaurant serving modern European cuisine
Day 2

Nature and Wildlife Adventure

  • Go on a day trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a magical underground labyrinth of limestone formations and glowing creatures
  • Take a scenic drive to the nearby Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can immerse yourself in the fantastical world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit
  • Stop by the Otorohanga Kiwi House & Native Bird Park, where you can see kiwis and other endemic birds up close
  • Have a picnic in the scenic Pirongia Forest Park, a vast area of native forest and rugged terrain
  • Round off the day with a relaxing soak in the hot pools of Waingaro Hot Springs, surrounded by stunning rural landscapes
Day 3

Foodie Delight and Culture

  • Start with a brunch at River Kitchen, a cozy café serving fresh and organic fare overlooking the river
  • Visit the Waikato Museum, a world-class museum dedicated to the art, culture, science, and history of the region
  • Check out the local markets and shops along Victoria Street, which offer a wide range of crafts, fashion, books and more
  • Drive to the nearby Cambridge, a charming town famous for its elegant colonial architecture and quaint atmosphere
  • Have a dinner at Scotts Epicurean, a fine-dining restaurant specializing in exotic New Zealand meats and seafood
  • Hamilton has no shortage of attractions, from stunning gardens to dramatic underground caves, from scenic river walks to vibrant street art. Whether you're a nature lover, a foodie, or a culture vulture, you'll find plenty to see and do in this lively city.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Hamilton, New Zealand by plane is to fly into the Hamilton International Airport (HLZ) from major cities in New Zealand, such as Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. International flights from Australia also fly into Hamilton. Several airlines operate flights to Hamilton, including Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and Qantas.

Car

The best way to get to Hamilton by car is to drive from Auckland or Tauranga, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. The main route is State Highway 1. Alternatively, you can also drive from Rotorua or Taupo. Once in Hamilton, there are several car rental companies if you need to rent a car.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Hamilton, so this is not a viable option for getting there.

Boat

As Hamilton is not a coastal city, there are no boat services that operate directly to Hamilton. However, if you are keen on a scenic route, you can catch a ferry from Auckland to nearby Devonport or Waiheke Island, and then drive or catch a connecting bus to Hamilton.

Bus

Several bus companies operate services to Hamilton, including InterCity, ManaBus, and NakedBus. The best way to get to Hamilton by bus is to catch a direct bus from Auckland, which takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Wellington, Tauranga, or Rotorua.

Destination

Hamilton

Welcome to the birthplace of a man whose face graces the ten dollar bill and the subject of a hit Broadway musical that your friends won't stop raving about. No, not Benjamin Franklin - we're talking about Alexander Hamilton.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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