Hamilton Attractions
You are spoilt for choice with things to do in Hamilton with a wide range of attractions and activities.
Events
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Hamilton is NZ's premier events city with local, national and international events staged throughout the year - from the V8 streetrace and balloons festival, theatre festival through to an ethnic soccer festival, craft & quilt fair and summer arts festival. |
Check out what events are happening:
Hamilton Gardens
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The most popular tourist destination in the Waikato with over a million visitors a year, Hamilton Gardens' unique experience offers the chance to experience gardens from around the world. Magnificent paths and passageways lead you to a diverse gallery of gardens each, with its own story to tell. The range includes, Te Parapara (Maori Garden), Italian Renaissance, Indian Char Bagh (the first of its kind in New Zealand), cottage England, tranquil Asia, modern America and more. Stroll through the Rose Gardens, snack at the Cafe or enjoy one of the many events the Gardens host. Guided tours available. Information Centre on site. |
Waikato Museum
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Visit the city's acclaimed Waikato Museum which showcases arts and culture from the region. Also take the time to visit the cafe, restuarant, ArtsPost galleries and museum shop. |
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.
Hami
lton Zoo
The Zoo with personality is home to over 600 exotic native NZ and exotic animals set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings.
Visit Australasia's largest free-flight walk-through aviary, book a close encounter of the animal kind, meet the keepers or enjoy a nibble at the zoo cafe.
Also unique education programmes are on offer.
Waterworld
Waterworld hosts one of the largest indoor/outdoor aquatic facilities in NZ. Features include: Python hydroslides and Screamer speedslides, Splashpad, the ultimate water playground for under eight year olds, indoor and outdoor pools, children's playground, bbq and picinic areas, a cafe and gym facilities.
History & heritage
Visit and find out more about the city's rich history and heritage buildings by taking yourself on a tour.
Hamilton East Heritage Trail leaflets are available from the i-SITE, Hamilton City Council, Waikato Museum, all libraries and The Cook Cafe & Bar in Hamilton East.
Experience the arts
Hamilton has a growing collection of public art, numerous art galleries, as well as an eclectic range of talented local artists.
The city has a wide range of theatres which cater for large shows to the more intimate, as well as being home to large cinema complexes and smaller independent art hou
se cinemas. Film and theatre festivals run at different times in the year.
- Public art information
- Hamilton art trail
- Waikato Museum and ArtsPost
- Art galleries
- Theatres
- Cinemas
Sporting acti
on
Take your seat at Hamilton's world class sporting venues - or take part yourself. The city hosts international, national and local sporting events at its premier facilities and sports fever is a big part of Hamilton life.
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.
Canoe & Kayak Waikato
Join two hour guided kayak tours through Hamilton. You will glide beneath the city's bridges on the Waikato River. No experience necessary, as the guides are trained professionals. Other tours available include magical spots around the Waikato region including Raglan, as well as Lake Karapiro incorporating Glow worm viewing at night (March to October). Canoe & Kayak offer day or night tours, self-guided trips, personalised group plans and more...
Phone: 07 847 5565
Cruise Waikato
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Generations of Maoris knew the Waikato as a capricious and venerated accomplice in survival; generations were buried within sight and sound of the river, which means' flowing water', but the name of the river in full was Waikato-taniwha-rau, 'the flowing water of a hundred water monsters'. Cruise Waikato offers a 1 hour general cruise, coffee/tea and muffin cruise and a sausage sizzle and coffee/tea cruise with commentary and music. All departures leave from Memorial Park Jetty.
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Kiwi Balloon Company
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The ultimate experience touched with serenity and romance. Imagine floating on the breeze above the earth without a care in the world, experiencing the peace and tranquility. The balloon flight is around one hour with a glass of bubbles and snacks to finish. The whole experience takes about 4 hours. This day will be remembered for a lifetime! |
- Mobile: 021 912 679
- Website
Wiseway Canoe Adventures
Wiseway Canoe Adventures offer freedom hirer trips down the Waikato River where you and your friends or family can enjoy the beauty of New Zealand's largest river.
Wiseway Canoe Adventures offer's a range of speciality tours; a romantic twilight tour for two or spear fishing carp with a group of friends.
Hamilton Lake
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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. |
Waikato River Walkways
A recently completed 11km walkway along both banks of the Waikato River which runs through the centre of Hamilton offers endless oppurtunitiesto 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 perfent place for that.
Heliworx Waikato
Heliworx Waikato is based at the foothills of Mt. Pirongia and offers a range of scenic flight options over the Waikato countryside, and the rugged west coast (beautiful Kawhia, Aotea and Raglan Harbours). Learn to fly trial flights with an experienced instructor also available
Fleet: 1 R44 Helicopter (4 seater), 1 R22 Helicopter (2 seater)
Phone: 07 825 9997
Address: 427 Te Pahu Road, RD5, Hamilton
Hinterland Adventures
Premier bush & speedball Paintball fields situated very close to town. Live ammunition & shotgun Clay Bird Shooting or Fun & interactive Team Days - all excellent options to liven up your event/conference & all fully relocatable. Easy access & parking available.
Location: 15 minutes N of Hamilton CBD, near the Waikato River
SKYCITY
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Hamilton's riverfront entertainment complex features a wide variety of bars and restaurants, ten pin bowling alley, Timezone, Megazone and ever popular Casino. |
Go gigging
Take in some Hamilton music and nightlife - there's plenty on offer to suit all tastes at bars and venues throughout the city
Shopping
Those in need of serious retail therapy are in good hands with a world of choice in Hamilton from boutiques and high-end fashion stores to large shopping malls. In particular the European inspired Cassabella Lane running between Barton and Anglesea Sts is a hidden shoppers gem with diverse boutiques and cafes.
Speciality markets can be found peppered around the outskirts of the city during weekends.
Golf
Hamilton is home to many golf courses - to suit all playing levels, and in some of the country's most beautiful and relaxing countryside. A well know golf course in Hamilton is the Hamilton Club (St Andrews), St Andrews gold course is know to be one of the best conditioned courses in the country and is very popular with Hamiltonians.
Waikato Equestrian Centre
Go and enjoy a wonderful horse trek alongside the beautiful Waikato River! Situated 15 minutes from Hamilton's central city, the Waikato Equestrian Centre offers horse treks to all ages and abilities from non-riders to the experienced on well cared for, well trained horses. Whatever your needs their frinedly trained professionals will look after you. Individuals, families, groups and businesses are all welcome. Bookings are essential, so please call first.
Phone: 07 849 6756
And more...
Other activities for those who love a challenge might be to visit an indoor climbing centre, challenge your friends to some go-carting or rent a kayak and hit the water!
Visit our Hamilton Business Directory to find listings for these activities - and more.
