City Highlights

Garden Place

Vibrant, active cosmopolitan, the city heart of Hamilton is host to many prime activities and events and a great place to stop, have a rest, and take it all in!
Central City

Website

Visit Riff Raff

Located at the south end of Hamilton's main Victoria Street is a statue of the iconic Riff Raff character from the cult status movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The statue commemorates the development of the idea and the writing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show by Richard O'Brien - who lived in Hamilton and worked next door to the site of the now demolished Embassy Theatre where the statue is on Victoria Street.

Riff Raff statue website

Waikato River Walkways

A recently completed 11km walkway along both banks of the Waikato River which runs through the centre of Hamilton offers endless oppurtunities to walk, ride bikes and watch boats on the river. Whether you want to relax and unwind, or burn off some energy with a run or walk, this is the perfect place for that.

The mighty Waikato River which flows through the middle of Hamilton and much of the Waikato, is the life force of the region. See below for some key facts:

The name 'Waikato' comes from Maori and translates as 'flowing water'
The river runs from Lake Taupo to Port Waikato (approx. an 18 hour journey)
It is the longest river in New Zealand at 425km/264 miles
The river flows through 8 hydro-electric dams
Located on the banks of the river are: Wairakei geo-thermal station and the Huntly coal & fuel station
The river generates approx. 4,000 gigawatt hours of electricity per year - about 13% of New Zealand's total electricity
The 8 artificial lakes created by the power stations are popular recreation areas for fishing, boating and swimming

View Cycleways and Walkways

Victoria Bridge

Victoria Bridge (1910) is one of six bridges linking the east and west of the city. Take a short walk over Victoria Bridge, turn left, continue to Memorial Park. Originally dedicated to soldiers after WW1, the Cenotaph has three memorials honouring the NZ navy, airforce and army.
Memorial Drive

View more information about Hamilton Bridges

P.S Rangiriri

The Waikato has been home to the P.S Rangiriri since 1864. Though the construction of the vessel was ordered by the colonial government during the Waikato wars, she arrived too late to be engaged in any hostilities. Instead she spent her life transporting goods and people up and down the Waikato River. The Rangariri ran aground in 1889, and her engines and other mechanical components were removed. She would remain abandoned in the River for over 90 years, becoming part of the Hamilton landscape and legend.
Parana Park., Memorial Drive

Hamilton Lake

Hamilton Lake, or Lake Rotoroa (Long Lake), situated in the heart of Hamilton, is used for a wide variety of recreational activitiesand is an important habitat for wildlife. Edged with a wonderful 3.8km path creating an approximate 45 minute circular walk around one of the city's hidden paradises. Relax in the picnic area, enjoy the playground, or choose a bench and enjoy the scenery.
Ruakiwi and Lake Road

Earth Blanket (Nga Uri O Hinetuparimaunga)

Incorporating the Maori heritage of the Hamilton Gardens site, this breathtaking sculpture adorns the entrance to the Gardens and features an earth blanket, a woven pebble cloak designed to protect and honour the wonder of Mother Earth.
State Highway 1, Cobham Drive

Parks

Hamilton has a huge number of lovely recreational parks and gardens within the city, many with a wide range of facilities. Review our Parks Directory below to find out about parks and gardens waiting for you to explore.