Budget-Friendly Fun: Hamilton, NZ in 3 Days

Discover Hamilton's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Planning a trip to Hamilton, New Zealand on a tight budget is entirely possible. Visitors can enjoy free admission to attractions like the Hamilton Gardens and admire the Waikato River. Additionally, there are plenty of budget-friendly accommodation options like backpacker hostels and camping grounds.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Hamilton's Cultural Scene

  • Stay at the Anglesea Motel & Conference Centre for a budget-friendly stay in downtown Hamilton.
  • Grab breakfast at Sugar Bowl Cafe, a retro diner famous for its waffles and shakes.
  • Visit the Waikato Museum to learn about the region's history and art, including Maori culture.
  • Take a stroll through the Hamilton Gardens, featuring a variety of themed gardens from around the world.
  • Stop by Victoria Street for lunch at Sweet Mother's Kitchen, offering Southern-style comfort food.
  • Catch a show at the Meteor Theatre, a historic venue showcasing local talent.
Day 2

Outdoor Adventures in Hamilton

  • Start the day with an early morning hike at Raglan Bridal Veil Falls, a stunning 55-meter waterfall.
  • Take a scenic drive to Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the Glowworm Caves.
  • Grab lunch at Bosco Cafe, known for its delicious wood-fired pizzas and locally-sourced ingredients.
  • Head back to Hamilton for an afternoon kayaking trip on the Waikato River.
  • End the day at Chim Choo Ree rooftop bar with a drink and stunning views of the city.
Day 3

Foodie Tour of Hamilton

  • Begin the day at Grey St. Cafe, a popular breakfast spot with an extensive menu.
  • Visit the Hamilton Farmers' Market for some fresh produce and handmade goodies.
  • Take a short drive to Cambridge for wine tasting at one of the local vineyards.
  • Enjoy lunch at Hayes Common, offering a modern take on New Zealand cuisine.
  • Indulge in some dessert at Duck Island Ice Cream, known for its creative flavors.
  • Finish off the day with dinner at Gothenburg, a cozy Scandinavian-inspired restaurant.

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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5-Day Romantic Escape to Hamilton, New Zealand

Hamilton, New Zealand offers couples a romantic getaway filled with adventure and scenic beauty. Activities such as hiking in the nearby mountains, meandering through the botanical gardens, and exploring the Waikato River make for unforgettable experiences. And top it all off with a stay at a luxurious hotel, indulging in delicious regional cuisine and sipping on local wines for the ultimate romantic escape.