5-Day Romantic Escape to Hamilton, New Zealand

Explore romance in the heart of New Zealand's lush Waikato region.

22 April 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

First Impressions

  • Check into the boutique hotel, The Narrows Landing, where each room is unique and features stunning views of the Waikato River.
  • Take a stroll along the riverside path and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
  • Have a romantic dinner at Palate Restaurant, where the menu changes regularly and focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Catch a show at the beautiful art deco-style Clarence Street Theatre.
  • End the night with a nightcap at Wonder Horse, a cozy underground bar with a vintage vibe.
Day 2

Explore the City and Its History

  • Start the day with a coffee at Rocket Coffee, a local favorite.
  • Visit the Hamilton Gardens, which showcases different garden styles from around the world.
  • Take a guided tour of the Waikato Museum, which tells the story of Hamilton and the wider region in an engaging and interactive way.
  • Visit the Hamilton Zoo and see animals from around the world, including lions, kangaroos, and tigers.
  • Enjoy a picnic in the tranquil Hamilton Lake Domain.
Day 3

Adventures in Nature

  • Take a scenic drive to hike the beautiful Wairere Falls, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Stop for lunch at the award-winning Zealong Tea Estate, where you can enjoy sumptuous food made from local produce, alongside their award-winning tea.
  • Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, where parts of the iconic Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed.
  • Return to the hotel, and indulge in a gourmet meal at The Narrows Landing's on-site restaurant.
Day 4

Craft Beer and Wine Exploration

  • Start the day at the Hamilton Farmers' Market, where you can sample local produce and pick up a few goodies to bring home.
  • Visit the Good George Brewery, which makes delicious, award-winning craft beers and has a fantastic industrial-chic restaurant.
  • Take a tour of the Waikato Wine Region, where you can experience wine tastings at various wineries, such as Vilagrad, Mystery Creek, and Latitude 37.
  • Enjoy a leisurely dinner at Gothenburg, where the focus is on shared platters and craft cocktails.
Day 5

Relaxation and Pampering

  • Enjoy a sleep-in at the hotel and breakfast with a view of the river.
  • Visit the Beauty Clinic and Day Spa for a luxurious massage or beauty treatment.
  • Take a drive to the seaside town of Raglan and enjoy a day at the beach, surfing, kayaking, or paddle-boarding.
  • Sip on cocktails at the trendy Mr. Pickles Bar.
  • End the trip with a romantic dinner at Chim Choo Ree, which serves contemporary Kiwi cuisine in a cozy, candle-lit setting.

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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