Things to do in Hamilton
A Travel Guide by RaD Car Hire
At RaD Car Hire, we’re all about the journey and making sure our customers get the best possible experience during their time here in New Zealand. Whether you’re a local exploring a new area or you’re visiting from overseas, who wouldn’t benefit from a little insider information, right?
With branches in 22 locations around New Zealand, our team of staff are all passionate about their own “home” towns. Whether they’re born and bred or new to the area, our team are your local guides when it comes to exploring new destinations throughout the country. We also like to lean on our wonderful customers to find out what they have loved about New Zealand so we can add their top tips to all our travel guides.
In this guide, we are going to take you through some of the best things to do in Hamilton – a city in the North Island of New Zealand nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. Located just a short 1.5-hour drive from Auckland, Hamilton is a popular starting point for many visitors arriving in New Zealand for the first time.
This guide will give you some great tips on things to do, attractions, places to eat and places to stay in and around Hamilton. The city is well known for its award-winning Hamilton Gardens, delightful eateries, and colourful street art.
As one of New Zealand’s best-known car rental companies, we’ve got some great deals available on car hire in Hamilton so make sure you check out our latest deals and great prices. Our Hamilton branch is conveniently located close to the main North & South Expressway and we have pick up and drop off options available at Hamilton Airport for those flying in and out.
Hamilton Activities
Hamilton is not a destination that grabs the headlines when it comes to things to do in New Zealand, however, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of things to do in the city. From the gardens to the zoo, Hamilton is packed with things to do. Beyond the city, the Waikato region is home to some of New Zealand’s coolest activities so make sure you check out our guide to the best things to do in the Waikato.
For now, though, check out these five activities that will give you a little taste of what you can expect in Hamilton:
Hamilton Gardens
Spanning 54 hectares, Hamilton Gardens features 28 themed gardens showcasing different cultures and historical styles. Highlights include the Italian Renaissance Garden, the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, and the Surrealist Garden. It offers guided tours, a café overlooking Turtle Lake, and various interactive elements for visitors. Admission to the Enclosed Gardens requires a paid entry fee, but the rest of the gardens are free to explore.
Explore Taitua Arboretum
This hidden gem on the outskirts of Hamilton offers tranquil lakes, woodland gardens, and abundant birdlife. It's an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks, with free admission and dog-friendly paths.
Visit Victoria on the River
This award-winning amphitheatre-style park in the heart of Hamilton provides stunning views of the Waikato River. It's a perfect place to relax, enjoy street performances, and appreciate the lush landscaping featuring over 9,000 plants.
Discover Zealong Tea Estate
Just a 15-minute drive from Hamilton, you'll find New Zealand's only commercial tea plantation. Indulge in a high tea experience and learn about the tea-making process at this unique attraction.
Explore Karangahake Gorge
While technically outside Hamilton, this hidden gem is worth the day trip. Walk through old railway tunnels, explore abandoned mines, and take a refreshing dip in the river.
Bonus Rainy Day Activity
Board Game Night at Escapist
For a fun indoor activity, visit Escapist in Hamilton. They offer a wall full of board games to play for a small fee, providing a great opportunity to socialise and make new friends, especially on rainy days.
Hamilton Places to Eat
Eating out is always tricky in a new city but with so much information available these days, there are lots of great recommendations out there. Whether you prefer to look on TikTok, Google, or another review platform, we wanted to add our own top tips into the mix with recommendations from the team based at our Hamilton branch as well as some tips we have picked up from customers.
This is the list of the top five that we have managed to narrow down for you in this guide:
I Japanese Cafe
· Cuisine: Japanese
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Offers authentic Japanese dishes like yakisoba, sashimi, and tempura. It's known for its casual atmosphere and friendly service. Locals love I Japanese Café and praise the warm and inviting atmosphere and the delicious and beautifully presented food. This is a favourite of the team in Hamilton who love Japanese cuisine. A great spot for lunch or dinner.
The Chilli House
· Cuisine: Chinese
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Known for its great tea selection and cosy atmosphere. It's popular for lunch and dinner, offering a variety of small plates and quick bites. We picked up this tip from one of our customers who said it was one of the best places they had eaten out on their trip to New Zealand. The handmade noodles are popular and there are lots of traditional Chinese dishes on the menu.
Gothenburg Restaurant
· Cuisine: Global Tapas
· Budget: Upscale ($$$)
· Features: Offers global tapas in a modern setting with a focus on cocktails and wine. It's a great spot for groups and those looking for a trendy dining experience. If you are looking for something more upmarket, then Gothenburg is a great choice. A favourite with the locals, there are lots of popular dishes including polenta, beef tataki, lamb ribs and crayfish bisque.
Palate Restaurant
· Cuisine: Modern New Zealand
· Budget: Upscale ($$$)
· Features: Provides elevated NZ cuisine with stunning views of the Waikato River. It's ideal for special occasions or romantic dinners. Many Hamiltonians call this the best restaurant in Hamilton and whilst it won’t cater to every budget, it is worth a splurge if you are looking for delicious food in a delightful setting. From the food to the service, Palate ticks all the boxes and will leave you feeling very happy and full!
Winner Winner
· Cuisine: Chicken Specialties
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($)
· Features: Specialises in fire-roasted and buttermilk fried chicken, offering affordable and delicious meals. It's a great spot for casual dining and takeout. If you are looking for a cheap eat in Hamilton, look no further than Winner Winner – a favourite with locals and visitors alike. This chain of chicken restaurants never fails to deliver and the menu has lots of options for those who love chicken.
Hamilton Accommodation
Whilst Hamilton might not have the same variety of accommodation as Auckland or Wellington, there are still lots of options for travellers on all budgets looking for a place to stay in Hamilton, from up-market hotels to low-budget motels.
Listening to the team as well as looking on Trip Advisor has helped us to curate this list of accommodation options for Hamilton:
Argent Motor Lodge
· Location: 27 Lorne Street, Melville, Hamilton
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. It is close to Waikato Hospital and Braemar Hospital, and about 1.4 miles from the city centre. Customers praise the clean rooms and friendly staff and the location is perfect for exploring Hamilton and the wider Waikato region.
Novotel Tainui Hamilton
· Location: 7 Alma Street, Hamilton
· Budget: Luxury ($$$$)
· Features: Offers modern rooms with river views, a fitness centre, sauna, hot tub, and a diverse breakfast menu. It is centrally located near shops and attractions. As a multi-national chain, you know what you are going to get with a Novotel – clean rooms, great service and good amenities. The location, however, is often mentioned by people who stay at the Novotel, especially for families with both the library and SkyCity located next door with lots to do for families or couples.
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
· Location: Ulster Street, Hamilton Central
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Provides self-contained apartments and studio rooms with in-room bathtubs, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. It offers a buffet breakfast and is close to Waikato Stadium and Hamilton Zoo. Customers praise the cleanliness of the rooms and amenities such as the pool. If you can, request a room away from the road as the hotel is located on a major intersection.
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Centre
· Location: Central Hamilton
· Budget: Upscale ($$$)
· Features: Typically offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities and a convenient city centre location. The rooms have recently been modernised so the hotel has a “new” feel about it. The location is the stand out in terms of reviews with people loving the proximity to the Gardens and the river.
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
· Location: Central Hamilton
· Budget: Budget-friendly ($$)
· Features: Provides spacious rooms, a pool, and ample parking. It is praised for its convenient location near parks and city amenities. This is a great budget-friendly option for those looking for a cheap and cheerful hotel in Hamilton. The location is once again a stand out in terms of reviews as well as the friendly staff.
Hamilton Sights
Rounding out our guide to Hamilton is a list of five of our favourite sights. These are not “things to do” but sights to see in and around the city. Some of these provide a good opportunity to give your RaD rental car a run out to explore some of these sights.
With plenty of sights to choose from, our team have come up with a list of the top sights to see in and around Hamilton:
Hamilton Lake Domain (Lake Rotoroa)
A picturesque spot in the heart of Hamilton, this lake offers stunning views, walking trails, and birdlife. It's a peaceful place to enjoy the scenery or take photos, especially during sunrise or sunset. Lake Rotoroa gets plenty of plaudits from those who pay a visit and it’s a popular spot with our team for relaxing and unwinding in the city centre.
Waikato River Walks
The Waikato River winds through Hamilton, offering spectacular riverside views. The river paths are perfect for a leisurely stroll or simply soaking in the tranquil beauty of New Zealand's longest river. This is one of the most relaxing things to do in the city and you can easily find yourself lost in the beautiful surroundings for a morning or afternoon.
Hammond Bush
This hidden gem provides a scenic riverside walk filled with native trees, wildlife, and historical significance. It's an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without travelling far from the city. The trail spans 5.5 miles so there is plenty to explore, on foot or by bike. It’s super accessible for anyone, old or young and there is plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Located just outside Hamilton, this ecological sanctuary offers breathtaking views of ancient forest landscapes. It's a sight to behold with its lush greenery and thriving native wildlife, perfect for nature lovers. This place is pretty special and is a bit of a hidden gem and a locals favourite. Surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is New Zealand's largest fenced eco-sanctuary.
Memorial Park
A serene and historic park in Hamilton, Memorial Park combines open green spaces with rose gardens and monuments commemorating those who served in the armed forces. It’s a peaceful place for reflection and scenic beauty.
Renting a Car in Hamilton
If you’re looking to rent a car in Hamilton, look no further than RaD Car Hire. With super competitive prices, a great selection of cars from compact to 4x4, and a promise of great customer service, then RaD is a great choice for all travellers.
For those already located in Hamilton looking for a rental car to take them on an exciting adventure somewhere on the North Island, make sure you check out our cheap car rental deals from our Hamilton branch.