For free and natural attractions
Going out and having fun in and around Hamilton doesn't need to cost. There's plenty on offer for free which will keep you, your family and friends entertained and having fun - from river walks, bike rides and bush walks to arts and heritage trails around the city.
Events
Hamilton is NZ's premier events city with local, national and international events staged throughout the year - and many of these are free. Fom the world rally car champs, and balloons festival, through to NZ's ethnic soccer festival, and summer arts festival - check out what events are happening today and in the future through our what's on website.
Alphra Lavenders
Go and share the passion for lavender. View the lavender oil distillery and the range of export quality products. The peaceful rural setting is a joy year round. Flowering Nov- Jan. Shop and gardens open Wed-Sun all year.
Phone: 07 870 3212, Fax 07 870 3217
Website
H
amilton Gardens
Deservedly the most popular tourist destination in the Waikato, this unique and amazing 58 hectare garden experience offers a different way of looking at plant collections, telling the garden story.
Enjoy the living Persian carpet in the Indian Char Bagh garden, the tranquility of the Japanese and Chinese gardens, the romantic English garden, t
he artful American Modernist garden and the grand Italian renaissance garden.
Waikato Museum
In the heart of Hamilton's cultural precinct in the south of the city is Waikato Museum offering a rich experience of arts and culture of the city and region.
Eight galleries exhibit a range of permanent and touring exhibitions, as well as featuring the majestic 200 year old carved waka taua Te Winika. A revolving and interactive science experience for children of all ages is a popular destination, as is the Museum's restaurant and cafe. Next door to the museum is ArtsPost which boasts 3 galleries of regularly changing exhibitions showcasing outstanding work by local artists, as well as offer local artist's work for sale.
Waikato River walkways
A recently completed 11km walkway along both banks of the Waikato River, which runs through the centre of Hamilton offers endless opportunites to walk, ride bikes, 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.
Lake Rotoroa walkway
A popular Hamilton walk is to circle Hamilton's Lake Rotoroa. At around 4km, the off-road walkway with nothing between you and the lake takes you around its edge on boardwalks and paths, through stands of bush and past myriads of wading and free flight birds.
A cafe and extensive children's playground lie at the eastern end of the lake, while many types of boating from yachting to waka paddlers enjoy being on the lake.
Visit the city's libraries
Hamilton city is well supplied with libraries with one in the centre of the city in Garden Place and 5 community libraries.
They offer free membership to people living in the city and provide access to books, DVDs, CDs, archives, magazines, and more.
Taitua Arboretum
If you're looking for a new picnic spot or scenic walking route, Taitua Arboretum offers a tranquil setting in the country. Hamilton's Taitua Arboretum is a collection of mature trees covering 20 hectares of open pasture, lakes and woodland gardens linked by a network of walking tracks and bridges.
The park - which is particularly attractive in autumn - also features great views and wonderful bird life.
Open 7 days from 8am to half an hour before dusk. Admission is free.
Bush walks, tramping & hiking
The Waikato has a huge range of bush walks and tramps varying in length and degree of fitness required.
Outside the city leisure walkers enjoy the Bridal Veil Falls (Raglan), Marokopa Falls (Waitomo), Lake Ngaroto (Te Awamutu), Waikato River Trail (South Waikato) and the Te Waihou Walkway.
The largest forest park, Mount Pirongia (959m), has tracks to satisfy all fitness levels. Other common destinations for trampers are Mount Te Aroha (952m), Hakarimata Range and the Kaimai-Mamaku Range, where the 153m Wairere Falls are found. All are administered by the Department of Conservation.
Mount Maungatautari (797m) has a track to its summit. Similar to many bush reserves in NZ, only a fraction of the native wildlife (eg kiwi) can be observed today, because introduced pests have destroyed them. The Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust is building a 47-kilometre pest-proof fence around the mountain, and bringing the native species back to their home.
Lake Arapuni (9.4 km²) is often used for trout fishing, water skiing, boating and swimming, and Lake Karapiro (7.7km²), formed by the last of eight hydroelectric dams on the Waikato River, is now a premier venue for kayaking, rowing, dragon boat racing, hydroplanes, swimming and water skiing.
The Department of Conservation provides information on walking and tramping/hiking tracks. Local tramping clubs also run day and overnight bush walks and tramps and welcome new members.
- Department of Conservation Waikato tracks
- Maungatautari Ecological Trust
- Waikato Tramping Club
- Hamilton Tramping Club
- Wanderers Tramping Club (contact Carol Davies , phone 07 855 5684)
IMPORTANT: Always check the weather forecast and the track conditions at the local DOC office before you start a tramp/hike. Conditions in the New Zealand bush can change dramatically in a short space of time. Ensure you have suitable survival gear.
History & heritage
Visit and find out more about Hamilton city's rich history and heritage buildings by taking yourself on a tour.
Hamilton East Heritage Trail free leaflets are available from the i-SITE, Hamilton City Council, Waikato Museum, all libraries and The Cook Cafe & Bar in Hamilton East.
New Zealand Temple Visitor Centre
Situated in
The
The well attended Temple Christmas Lights display is held annually from December 13-31, with more than 150,000 Christmas lights turned on each evening at 9:15pm.
For further information contact the Temple Visitor Centre on (07) 846 1780.
Our Patch Lavender
Mike and Marion Alspach run this 12 acre Lavender Farm located just north of Hamilton off the main Whatawhata-Pirongia Road. Our Patch grow and distill on-site.
The amazing property incorporates miles of lavender garden, distilled oils and products, handcrafted gifts, nursery and accommodation. The Bed and Breakfast can sleep up to 4 guests.
Sharing breakfast with the hosts, this is a tranquil experience framed by large glass sliding doors that open out to the front garden.
6 Goile Road
RD 10 Hamilton
07 829 3161
