Things to do in Hamilton

Activities, attractions and tours

New Zealand
New Zealand
Hamilton Gardens featuring a pond and a bridge as well as a small group of people
Hobbiton Movie Set featuring a garden
Hamilton showing a park

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What to do in Hamilton

Popular places to visit

Hamilton Gardens showing a bridge and a pond as well as a small group of people

Hamilton Gardens

From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of color in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise.

Hamilton Gardens
I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.

Hamilton Central Business District

Hamilton Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Hamilton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in the area.

Hamilton Central Business District

University of Waikato

Enjoy the student vibe when you visit University of Waikato during your travels in Hamilton. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas.

University of Waikato

SkyCity Hamilton

Why not roll the dice with a visit to SkyCity Hamilton during your visit to Hamilton? Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

SkyCity Hamilton

Waikato Hospital

If Waikato Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Hamilton.

Waikato Hospital

FMG Stadium Waikato

Catch an event at FMG Stadium Waikato during your trip to Hamilton. Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

FMG Stadium Waikato

Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple

Find out about the history of Hamilton when you take a trip to Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas.

Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple

Hamilton Centre Place

You can enjoy retail therapy at Hamilton Centre Place during your stay in Hamilton. Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

Hamilton Centre Place

Globox Arena

Catch an event at Globox Arena during your trip to Hamilton. Visit the shops and spas in this family-friendly area.

Globox Arena

Areas of Hamilton

I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.

Hamilton Central

While visiting Hamilton Central, you might make a stop by sights like Hamilton Centre Place and SkyCity Hamilton.

Hamilton Central
Te Parapara Garden #hiking

Hamilton East

While visiting Hamilton East, you might make a stop by sights like Hamilton Gardens and Waikato River.

Hamilton East
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Claudelands

While visiting Claudelands, you might make a stop by sights like Globox Arena and Waikato River.

Claudelands
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Frankton

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Frankton, you might make a stop by sights like FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park.

Frankton
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Hamilton Lake

While Hamilton Lake isn't home to many top sights, Lake Rotoroa and SkyCity Hamilton are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hamilton Lake
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Hillcrest

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hillcrest and surrounding area, you can visit Hamilton Gardens and Globox Arena.

Hillcrest

Frequently asked questions

Is Hamilton worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to experience the cultural attractions and local charm or sample regional foods and explore in nature, there are plenty of things to do in Hamilton.
How do I spend a day in Hamilton?
Start your day with a visit to Hamilton Zoo and Waterworld. Then, tour different parts of Hamilton for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Hamilton?
Hamilton Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Hamilton and deserves a place on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Hamilton?
Three days in Hamilton is more than enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend two days on average. Hamilton Zoo, Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple and Globox Arena are among the most popular sights. Want to see more? Hang around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots like Cambridge.
Is Hamilton a walkable city?
Some major attractions in Hamilton, including Globox Arena and Claudelands Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.32 kilometres from the city centre of Hamilton is Hamilton Central and Whitiora is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Hamilton with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all the family, take a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in Hamilton with kids.

What to do in Hamilton for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Hamilton, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Prodrive Golf.
Are there free things to do in Hamilton?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Hamilton. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.