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A charming mix of natural beauty and city buzz
Straddling the magnificent Waikato River, Hamilton boasts the best of both worlds. It has all the urban perks – culture, cuisine, nightlife and a lively events calendar – as well as outdoor attractions galore. It also makes a great base for travellers keen to explore the wider Waikato region.
Fun things to do: Hamilton
- Hike one of the many scenic trails in the verdant countryside
- Hit the road on a daytrip adventure (hint: hobbits!)
- Lose yourself in the famously unique Hamilton Gardens
- Take in some local heritage and culture at Waikato Museum
- Check out the city's vibrant street-art scene
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Lose yourself in beautiful Hamilton Gardens
Channel your inner medieval aristocrat in the Renaissance Garden.
Get set for a captivating, cross-cultural journey through the centuries at Hamilton's best-known attraction, Hamilton Gardens. Time-travel your way through 18 exquisite themed gardens, from ancient Egypt to contemporary New Zealand – and everywhere in between. Tropical, herbal or conceptual; flamboyantly floral or wonderfully whimsical, there's a garden for everyone – not just the green-thumb gang! Join a group tour for fascinating insights into the gardens, refuel at the lakeside cafe, and browse the shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Get adventurous in Waitomo Cave
Marvel at the magical blue glow of the glow worms at Waitomo Caves.
Venture below the surface and experience the magic of the Waitomo Caves. Just an hour from Hamilton, this famous network of caves, subterranean rivers and sinkholes is tailormade for adventure. Go 'black water rafting' (the name says it all!) on a rubber tube or ride a zipline through the darkness. Join a walking tour or boat tour, and keep your eyes peeled for glow worms. Back above ground, don't miss neighbouring Ōtorohanga Kiwi House. A conservation-oriented wildlife park, it's home to a plethora of native birds, including the impossibly cute brown kiwi.
Wander around Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
The recently renovated Museum and Gallery is now even better than ever!
Lose track of time in Hamilton's magnificent Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. Open every day except Christmas, this much-loved local institution spans visual arts, science, social history, and Maaori history and heritage. Marvel at Te Winika, an exquisite carved warship gifted to the city by a Maaori queen. Join the kids in Exscite, an interactive space that's both educational and fun. Wander the permanent collection, with its wide-ranging, often quirky exhibits – including a 30-million-year-old giant penguin fossil discovered by schoolchildren!
More destinations
Looking for more inspiration? See everywhere we fly
Wellington
As the saying goes, you can't beat Wellington on a good day! This hilly harbourside capital offers outdoorsy fun, cultural kicks and all the great food and coffee you can consume.
Auckland
Auckland is a vibrant hub that combines the natural beauty of yacht-speckled harbours and wild, rugged beaches with multicultural galleries, museums and festivals that celebrate the city's diversity.
Queenstown
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of towering mountains, Queenstown is a playground for thrillseekers and nature lovers at any time of the year.
Christchurch
While perfectly placed to explore some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes, Christchurch's manicured gardens, stately architecture and rejuvenated centre make it a destination all on its own.
Dunedin
Dunedin, with its castle, breweries and windswept coastline, is a slice of Scotland Down Under. Get a taste of the city's vibrant student buzz or use it as a base to explore the rugged south coast.