Whimsical Adventures: The Perfect Family Day in Hamilton, NZ
Hop on the adventure wagon and let Hamilton amaze your family with its natural wonders!
19 July 2023
Hamilton, New Zealand offers an ideal family-friendly trip with its abundance of kid-friendly parks, attractions, and activities. Families can explore the picturesque Hamilton Gardens, featuring stunning themed gardens, playgrounds, and picnic spots. The Waikato Museum, with its interactive exhibits and art displays, provides an enriching educational experience for children, and the nearby Hamilton Zoo allows families to get up close with a variety of fascinating animal species.
Day trip plan
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- Start your day at Hamilton Gardens, a magical wonderland with diverse themed gardens like a tranquil Japanese garden and a vibrant Indian Char Bagh garden.
- Embark on a riveting adventure at the Waikato Museum, where art, history, and science collide in a whirlwind of exhibits, including the intriguing Tainui section.
- Treat your taste buds to a delectable lunch at Victoria Street Bistro, a charming eatery serving mouthwatering New Zealand cuisine with a touch of finesse.
- Pop by Hamilton Zoo for a wild encounter with exotic creatures from all around the globe and revel in their undeniably adorable antics.
- Explore the vibrant arts scene by visiting boutique galleries like ArtsPost and Riverside Market, where you can view and purchase unique works of art.
- Finish off your day with dinner at Good George Brewing & Dining Hall, where you can savor delicious brews and scrumptious pub-style dishes in a lively atmosphere.
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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.
