Dubbed The Tron, Hamilton is a vibrant city with countless experiences to uncover. From adventurous activities and epic eats to natural wonders and zen retreats, there’s something for locals and visitors alike.
Strap in for our round-up of the very best Hamilton attractions.
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Jump to:
- Where To Eat And Drink In Hamilton
- Immersing In Arts And Culture In Hamilton
- Family-Friendly Things To Do In Hamilton
- Hamilton’s Best Outdoor Experiences
- Hamilton After Dark: Dancefloors, Drinks and Club Energy
Where To Eat And Drink In Hamilton
Smash Back Pretzels And Soft Serve
Mr Twist | 401 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton
Image credit: Mystery Creek Ceramics | Instagram
Mr Twist will send your tastebuds, well, 'round the twist. Soft and salty hand-rolled pretzels are how this former food truck got its name, but you best believe they also sling a solid bagel, along with hand-squeezed lemonade and soft serve ice cream. Sold.
Sip On The Best Brews Around
Brown Lightning Bros (Raglan Roast) | 539 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton
You don't have to be from the Tron to know about Raglan Roast (they have 11 sites natiowide, and counting). Their Te Rapa roastery-slash-coffee-joint, known as Brown Lightning Bros, is an absolute vibe and by that, we mean they make perfectly-extracted brews from beans roasted on the daily. For coffee lovers, put this at the tippy top of your Hamilton things to do list.
Stock Up On Local Goodies
Hamilton Farmers' Market | The Barn, Claudelands Event Centre, Gate 3, Brooklyn Road, Hamilton
There's only one place you should be on a Sunday in Hamilton, and that's the bustling Hamilton Farmers’ Market. Stock up on the region's finest artisanal food, plants and produce, whilst sipping on something hot (and preferably caffienated). From breads and pastries to butchery goods and seafood plus locally harvested honey and handcrafted cheeses, there's no better way to experience the Hamilton food scene. Open from 8am-midday.
Carb-Load To You Heart's Content
Volare | 45 Gallagher Drive, Hamilton
If you're in the mood to smash carbs (always!), Volare's got you. This long-standing bakery has been churning out some of the city's best bakes since 2009, with four more stores and distribution to cafes and food stores across the wider North Island, to prove it. Buy up large on their signature sourdough breads, pastries, cookies and the Best Custard Square in New Zealand, official. If only all Hamilton cafes were this epic.
Go Scoop Silly
Duck Island | 300A Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton
No list of Hamilton things to do would be complete without a visit to Duck Island's flagship parlour on Grey Street, which this year turns 10. As pretty and pink as its four Auckland stores, with 24 largely vegan and gluten-free scoops to choose from (pecan butterscotch for the win), this is the crème de la crème of Hamilton attractions.
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Taste Test Teas
Zealong Tea Estate | 495 Gordonton Road, Gordonton, Hamilton
Image credit: Zealong Tea Estate | WaikatoNZ
On the outskirts of Hamilton, you’ll find New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate, Zealong. The Gordonton estate is famed for its organic, award-winning tea that is grown, processed, and packed on-site before being enjoyed throughout the world. Book in for a tour and be guided through the tea trail before participating in a ceremonial tea tasting where you’ll learn to appreciate aroma, appearance, and taste. Alternatively, book in for Zealong’s signature high tea overlooking the beautiful estate.
Immersing In Arts And Culture In Hamilton
Enjoy The Arts, In The Great Outdoors
Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa | Various Locations
Image credit: Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa | Facebook
Wondering what to do in Hamilton when autumn rolls around? How about the annual Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa. This vibrant outdoor eventshowcases the best of Waikato’s creative community and a curated selection of national and international talent. The festival is predominantly hosted within the magical setting of the Hamilton Gardens, as well as much-loved venues in the CBD. The jam-packed line-up includes music, theatre, dance, comedy, and interactive family events.
Family-Friendly Things To Do In Hamilton
Travel The World, One Garden At A Time
Hamilton Gardens | Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton
Take A Walk On The Wild Side
Hamilton Zoo | 183 Brymer Road, Rotokauri, Baverstock
Image credit: Hamilton Zoo | WaikatoNZ
Providing a nurturing home for more than 600 native and exotic animals, Hamilton Zoo is the place to go for some animal spotting. The zoo has dozens of inhabitants, including New Zealand’s largest walk-through aviary dedicated to native birds and plants. Other species include chimpanzee, meerkat, Sumatran tiger, and a herd of six rhinos. Aside from wandering the zoo, there are meet-the-keeper talks and daily animal encounters. Get face-to-face with lemurs, giraffes, and those ginormous rhinos. This is Hamilton entertainment, at its most wild.
Visit The Shire
Hobbiton | 501 Buckland Road, Matamata
Image credit: Hobbiton | WaikatoNZ
Hamilton is a hop, step and a jump to none other than Hobbiton. In 1998, Peter Jackson and his team scouted the country for the perfect location to build Hobbiton and, luckily for us, he stumbled upon a farm in Hinuera (a ten-minute drive from Matamata). Embark on a walking tour and be guided around The Shire, which remains largely intact from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Channel your inner Frodo as you wander the paths, knocking on doors of hobbit holes and—of course—having a refreshing drink at the iconic Green Dragon Inn. When it comes to cool things to do in Hamilton NZ, this is the one activity to rule them all.
Hamilton’s Best Outdoor Experiences
Lace Up Your Walking Shoes
Various Locations
Image credit: WaikatoNZ
One of the best ways to explore Hamilton and the wider Waikato is by foot. The most famed track is undoubtedly the Waikato River Paths. Along the western side of the river, the path runs from Cobham Bridge to Horotiu bridge—essentially the length of the city. On the eastern side, the path has links to the likes of the Hamilton Gardens and Memorial Park. Alternatively, Taitua Arboretum also offers a leisurely walk on the outskirts of the city. This enchanting escape boasts a collection of towering trees spread across 20 lush hectares. Wander the network of walking tracks as you discover lakes, woodland gardens, and open pastures home to friendly farm animals. And to really get the heart pumping, tackle the ever-popular Hakarimata Summit Track. The Ngāruawāhia walk gives your glutes a hearty workout as you scale the 1349 steps to the summit. The views from the top are worth it though, with 360-degree views of the Waikato Basin and beyond.
Touch The Sky In A Hot Air Balloon
Balloons Over Waikato | Innes Common, Hamilton Lake, Hamilton
Image credit: Balloons Over Waikato | WaikatoNZ
It wouldn’t be autumn in Hamilton without Balloons Over Waikato. The five-day hot air balloon festival sees the morning skies dotted with colourful balloons and wraps up with the famed Nightglow balloon and firework display. The festival also offers 30-minute balloon rides through Kiwi Balloon Company. The latter also does longer year-round flights over the Mighty Waikato. The experience begins at dawn as you gently ascend to catch the sunrise from above. You’ll be able to see views of the city, farmland, and the Waikato River. On a clear day, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Taranaki. Those looking for Hamilton date ideas won't find a more grandiose gesture than this.
Explore Hamilton By Bike
Various Locations
Cyclists are spoilt for choice with an abundance of bike trails in Hamilton and the wider Waikato. Close to home, the Waikato River Paths double as a walkway and cycleway along the banks of the Awa. For a bit more thrill, the Hamilton Mountain Bike Park in Pukete has beginner and advanced tracks surrounded by native tree plantings. Further afield, there’s the 70km Te Awa River Ride that starts in Ngāruawāhia and ends in Horahora (20km south of Lake Karāpiro). You can hire a bike through River Riders with three conveniently located pick-up and drop-off points along the cycleway (Ngāruawāhia, Hamilton and Cambridge). They’re equipped with standard bikes, e-bikes, and kids' bikes.
Get Active (Or Relax) On The Lake
Hamilton Lake | Hamilton
Whether you like to get active or kick back and relax, Hamilton Lake is an epic destination for all. Pack a picnic lunch and laze on the grass or grab a takeaway coffee from The Verandah Cafe before wandering around the lake. Whatever day or time you visit, the perimeter of the lake is bustling with walkers, runners, and dogs alike. Loop the 3.8km path as it winds past lakeside greenery, playgrounds, and fields. On Saturday mornings, the lake is home to a weekly Parkrun event where participants take part in a free 5km run or walk.
Soak In Some Underground Beauty
Waitomo Glowworm Caves | 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo
Image credit: WaikatoNZ
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are one of many Hamilton hidden gems. The world-renowned caves are home to an extensive underground river system, stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, and—the best part—countless twinkling glowworms. Discover the magic with the Waitomo Glowworm Tour that sees you gliding silently by boat through the starry wonderland. Meanwhile, thrill seekers can experience Waitomo’s spectacular caves and underwater rivers with Waitomo Adventures. Take the plunge with Blackwater Rafting and wade, swim and tube your way through the spectacular Tumu Tumu cave. There’s also the Lost World all-day adventure that sees you abseiling 100 metres underground before swimming, jumping and climbing along the Mangapu Streamway. The perfect Hamilton weekend activity, are we right?
Enjoy The Sounds Of Birdsong
Sanctuary Mountain | 99 Tari Road, Pukeatua
Image credit: Sanctuary Mountain | WaikatoNZ
Sanctuary Mountain is a mainland ecological ‘island’ surrounded by one of the world’s longest pest-proof fences—it runs for a staggering 47km. Inside, the ancient forest is a sanctuary for some of New Zealand’s most endangered species including birds, bats, reptiles, and insects. There are guided and self-walking tours around the sanctuary with different tracks and enclosures to discover. Daytime tours will introduce you to species like the tuatara and takahē, while dusk-til-dark tours will give you the chance to hear—and possibly see—kiwi up close.
Hamilton After Dark: Dancefloors, Drinks and Club Energy
Treat Yourself To A Pint
Good George Dining Hall | 32A Somerset Street, Frankton, Hamilton
Image credit: Good George Dining Hall | Facebook
Another much-loved Hamilton spot is the Good George Dining Hall, home to Good George Brewing Co. Grab a drink and something to eat at this—the brand's very first bar, located inside a transformed church in Frankton—or take a tour of the brewery itself if you wanna see behind-the-scenes. This is hands down, pints up one of the best Hamilton bars and pubs around.
Dance The Night Away
Nivara Lounge | 266 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Introducing Nivara Lounge aka the best place to experience some authentic Hamilton nightlife and another of those Hamilton hidden gems we touched on earler. This basement venue will put you well and truly in the groove with its rotating sched of local and international artists (along with burlesque, film, and comedy acts). Enjoy in the company of craft brews and even cake, plus vinyls that you can purchase for your at-home collection.
Looking for more things to do in Hamilton New Zealand? Check out:
- Must-Visit Hamilton Markets
- The Best Spots In Hamilton To Catch A Sunrise
- Boujee Airbnbs For Your Next Hamilton Getaway
Main image credit: Hamilton Gardens | Roy Javier
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