Hamilton, NZ: A Fun-Filled Day Trip

Discover the charm of Waikato while exploring Hamilton, New Zealand.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Hamilton, New Zealand, you can expect to experience the vibrant city culture, explore the luscious parks and gardens, and savor the gastronomic delights. The city boasts unique attractions, such as the Hamilton Gardens, where you can discover beautiful themed gardens, and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can immerse in the magical world of the Lord of the Rings. From adventure to relaxation, Hamilton offers a memorable holiday experience for all.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Hamilton City Fun

  • Start the day with a delicious brunch at Scott's Epicurean their coffee is amazing and their food is even better!
  • Wander around the vibrant Hamilton Gardens and take in the beautiful sights and smells of the various themed gardens.
  • Pop into the Waikato Museum and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the region the galleries and exhibitions are fascinating.
  • Have a picnic lunch by the scenic Waikato River, one of New Zealand's longest and most important waterways.
  • Head up to the top of the Hamilton Zoo's giraffe viewing platform and get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
  • Finish the day with a beverage (or two) at Good George Brewing, a local favourite brewery and gastropub, don't miss out on trying their award-winning IPA.
  • Hamilton may be small but it's mighty with plenty to offer, enjoy a day filled with unique experiences in "the Tron".

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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