A Fun-Filled 4 Days in Hamilton, NZ

Discover the true beauty of nature in Hamilton, New Zealand

22 April 2023

As a tourist visiting Hamilton, New Zealand, visitors can expect to experience a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The city is known for its stunning parks and gardens, such as the Hamilton Gardens, which offer a variety of themed gardens from different countries and eras. Along with natural beauty, Hamilton boasts a lively dining and entertainment scene, particularly in the bustling café and bar district of Victoria Street.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Getting to know Hamilton

  • Check-in to Novotel Tainui Hamilton, a modern hotel at the heart of the city.
  • Have breakfast at Scott's Epicurean, an artisanal cafe that serves homemade pastries and coffee.
  • Visit the Hamilton Gardens, a collection of fantastically themed gardens from around the globe.
  • Head to Hamilton Zoo to see exotic animals like rhinos, giraffes, and lemurs.
  • Grab dinner at Duck Island Ice Cream, a quirky dessert bar with unique flavors like coconut cream and pumpkin seed.
Day 2

Exploring the Waikato River

  • Rise early for a morning kayak tour along the Waikato River with Waikato River Explorer.
  • Visit the Waikato Museum for a look at the city's art and culture.
  • Take a walk through the Hamilton CBD for some shopping and souvenir hunting.
  • Head to the Hamilton Night Market for tasty street food and live entertainment.
  • Enjoy a nightcap at the bar of the Old Quarter, a European-style establishment with a great selection of beers.
Day 3

Day trips out of Hamilton

  • Drive out to Waitomo Caves, a network of underground limestone caves that emit a natural glowworm light.
  • Stop at Otorohanga Kiwi House to see New Zealand's national bird in its natural habitat.
  • Visit Matamata, the location for Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
  • Have a late lunch at Over the Moon, a cozy cheese shop that offers cheese tastings and platters.
  • Return to Hamilton for an evening show at the Clarence Street Theatre, a beautiful Art Deco-style venue.
Day 4

Hiking the Nature Trails

  • Drive to Pirongia Forest Park for a morning hike. There are several trails to choose from that offer stunning views of the countryside.
  • Stop at Karamu Trail Track in Hamilton for a free guided walk with knowledgeable locals.
  • Take a dip at the Hamilton Pools, a series of man-made hot springs on the outskirts of the city.
  • Dine at Chim Choo Ree, a high-end restaurant offering contemporary Kiwi cuisine.
  • End the night with a drink at Wonder Horse, a dive bar with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Hamilton, NZ: A Fun-Filled Weekend Getaway

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