Hamilton Hotels: browse accommodation in Hamilton

Why visit Hamilton

Hamilton is well known around the world as a destination for international and national sporting events. With some of the most state-of-the-art sports stadiums and facilities that host rugby, cricket, boxing, as well as concerts and festivals. The central precinct of the city is chock full of exciting places to eat and drink and plenty of vibrant bars for you to dance the night away. Hamilton is also located in the Waikato Region, which is home to scenic highlights from rolling green hills and black sand beaches to villages of Middle Earth.

When to visit Hamilton

If you are holding out for the warmest weather, the months of January through to March with regular highs of around 25°C before getting down to 15°C in the evening. Make sure you bring the layers for the winter months as temperatures can drop to 5°C or below in July and only reach a high of 14-15°C.

Getting around Hamilton

The city has many modes of transport to help you get around, including the BUSIT service, which provides your standard public transport to and from the Hamilton Transport Centre. The Te Huia train is the rail service that can be taken from the suburb of Frankton and connect you to Auckland and Huntly. Make sure you apply for a Bee Card to save on fares. If you are heading for a night out on the town, the Flex city bus is a rideshare service that can provide you with a comfortable ride around the CBD.

Things to do in Hamilton

When you are in town, the Hamilton Gardens are an almost fantasy-like world with 54 hectares of sprawling gardens which include recreations in a Japanese and Te Parapara style. Car lovers will admire the Classics Museum, a personal collection of automobiles, while the kids will enjoy visiting the animals at the Hamilton Zoo. Going beyond the city opens you up to the vastness of Waikato, where you can learn to surf at Raglan, be awed by the glowworms at Waitomo cave or take a tour through the Hobbiton set in Matamata.

Where to eat and drink in Hamilton

Being New Zealand's fourth-largest city, Hamilton offers plenty of culinary choices. The restaurant scene provides a great range of fine dining with Gothenburg, or if you prefer something more casual, the spots on Victoria Street in the CBD like the Chilli House are the places for you. Hamilton is also dotted with vibrant bars.

Where to stay in Hamilton

Spend the night in some of Accor's best accommodation with the Novotel Hamilton Tainui located in the CBD. You'll enjoy elegant styling and comfort while being moments away from the must-see attractions. And on the banks of the Waikato River, stay at the ibis Hamilton Tainui for fantastic views and close proximity to and from the airport.