Fun Things To Do in Hamilton

Located in the Waikato region on New Zealand's North Island, occupying the land on either side of the Waikato River, Hamilton—or Kirikiriroa in Maori—is one of New Zealand's most well-known cities. A recipient of an award for the Most Beautiful Large City in New Zealand, Hamilton delivers a well-balanced experience of big city events and attractions with a small-town feel, and plenty of fun things to do.

Starting its life as Hilldale Game farm in 1969, Hamilton Zoo is one of the landmark attractions of the area. Home to over 600 native and exotic animals with 25 hectares of habitat to enjoy, Hamilton Zoo has you covered with anything from American Bison to the African Zebra and Giraffes as well. You'll also find the largest walk-through aviary in the country, dedicated to the amazing native birds and fauna that call the Hamilton area home. 

For a more up-close animal experience you can buy a ticket to an Animal Encounter with animals such as the Sumatran Tigers and Ring-tailed Lemurs. Hamilton Zoo is committed to the conservation of animals and their environment, participating in various conservation and research projects and contributing to breeding programmes for endangered species. 

​​In keeping with many of New Zealand's most popular destinations, Hamilton is also an ideal spot to enjoy dining out. Whether it's a quick coffee and a bite or a celebratory sit-down, Hamilton has plenty of dining options. Try The River Kitchen for all your breakfast needs and a pristine view of the nearby Waikato River. The cuisine is designed to celebrate the river that gives its name, life, and flavours to this conscious establishment.

If you're looking for a local place to eat lunch, look no further than Gothenburg, whose eclectic tapas menu takes inspiration from the owner's Carl and Susanna's travels across Sweden, Spain, Thailand, South America, Belgium and Canada.

For your evening dining delights, check out Smith & McKenzie for an elevated steakhouse experience,​​ try Adriana's for Hamilton's oldest Italian restaurant, or grab a table at Palate and enjoy their seasonal curation of excellent produce paired with stunning New Zealand wines. 

One of Hamilton's most popular and well-known attractions, Hamilton Gardens is a must-visit for garden enthusiasts, international travellers, and casual visitors. Owned and managed by Hamilton City Council, the gardens were initially created after the Hamilton Beautifying Society lobbied for a public garden in the 1950s, remaining primarily unchanged until 1980 when the gardens began to take their current shape.

In contrast to many public gardens, which may focus on native or exotic flora, Hamilton Gardens is unique, with a mission of showcasing the meaning and context of gardens within human culture over the past 4,000 years. This concept has seen the creation of a vast range of curated garden and landscape experiences that transport visitors thousands of miles away, to anywhere from Japan, China, India, England, and more.

Visit the Ancient Egyptian Garden to return to the land of the Pharaohs, be transported to the equator in the Tropical Garden, or relax and rewind in the Italian Renaissance Garden. Hamilton Gardens is open all year round, but there are also guided tours for those looking for a more educational experience. 

One of the most exciting ways to see the beautiful sights of the Waikato Basin is to take on your very own hot air balloon ride. Head down to one of Hamilton's picturesque lakes at dawn before floating off into the clouds to enjoy the view, where you'll be able to take in the surrounding city, farmlands and the mighty Waikato River. On clear sunny days, you'll even get to see the mountains of Ruapehu, Pirongia, Te Aroha, and Taranaki. 

With the only commercial balloon rides available in Hamilton, Kiwi Balloon Company is your go-to operator. Flights last approximately one hour, where the wind will decide the exact route of your balloon. Once back on the ground, you'll help pack the balloon away before returning to the launch site for a celebration with complimentary snacks and beverages.

Zealong Tea Estate holds the title of New Zealand's only commercial tea plantation, growing their unique brand of tea organically in the rich soil provided by the Waikato area, finishing in some of the purest tea products in the world. 

Zealong is also home to one of the most elevated High Tea experiences available. They combine their unique Kiwi hospitality with the purest tea and delicious bites to create a genuinely unmissable day for keen tea drinkers and cake lovers. 

An absolute must-visit for any travelling automotive enthusiasts, Classics Museum in Hamilton boasts an extensive collection of over 100 classic cars of yesteryear, all with their own unique story, as well as hundreds of pieces of automotive and antique memorabilia.

Owned by Hamilton entrepreneur Tom Andrews, Classics Museum came from humble beginnings, starting many years ago with Tom constructing a shed to house his expanding collection.

Fast-forward to today, and the museum is now one of Hamilton's top tourist attractions. With its very own 1950s themed Jukebox Diner and amazing collection of cars such as the 1969 McLaren M6 GT, the 1906 Allday & Onions, and the 1959 Messerschmitt K200, it's a great destination for travellers looking for something unique and historical.

Hamilton is a great family holiday destination with plenty of fun-filled activities for kids. 

Hamilton Lake Domain is the perfect spot for a picnic by the lake, offering a playground, birdlife encounters, and paddle boats to keep the young ones engaged. For an immersive educational experience, head to Waikato Museum where kids can delve into interactive exhibitions about science, arts, and Maori culture.

Waterworld, a large outdoor water park, guarantees a day filled with thrill and excitement with its wave pool, hydro slides, and diving boards. And for the little adventurers, Raglan Rock provides an array of outdoor activities such as caving, rock climbing, and canyoning.

We could go on and on about all the fun things you can do and see in Hamilton. Whether you're visiting with friends, family, or partners, there's always something new and exciting in this unique city.

We could go on and on about all the fun things you can do and see in Hamilton. Whether you're visiting with friends, family, or partners, there's always something new and exciting in this unique city.

 
Now that you're prepared to enjoy your time in Hamilton, start planning your Hamilton accommodation. And if you want to explore more, these are our top New Zealand holiday ideas for your Kiwi adventure.