Must-see attractions in Hamilton

  • Facade of the Waikato Museum, a regional art museum and cultural center in Hamilton, New Zealand.

    Waikato Museum

    Hamilton

    The excellent Waikato Museum has several main areas: an art gallery; interactive science galleries; a Waikato River exhibition; and Tainui galleries…

  • A greenhouse and a pond in Hamilton Gardens.

    Hamilton Gardens

    Hamilton

    Spread over 50 hectares southeast of the city centre, Hamilton Gardens incorporates a large park, a cafe, a restaurant, and extravagant themed and…

  • Waikato River

    Hamilton

    Bush-covered walkways run along both sides of the river and provide the city’s green belt. Jogging paths continue to the boardwalk circling Lake Rotoroa,…

  • Riff Raff

    Hamilton

    One of Hamilton’s more unusual public artworks is a life-sized statue of Rocky Horror Picture Show writer Richard O’Brien, aka Riff Raff, the time-warping…

  • Classics Museum

    Hamilton

    Travel back through time amid this collection of more than 100 classic cars from the first half of the 20th century. Even if you’re not a motorhead, you…

  • Hamilton Zoo

    Hamilton

    Hamilton Zoo houses 500-plus species including wily and curious chimpanzees. Guided-tour options include Face2Face opportunities to go behind the scenes…

  • ArtsPost

    Hamilton

    This contemporary gallery and gift shop is housed in a grand former post office. It focuses on the best of local art: paintings, glass, prints, textiles…

  • Zealong Tea Estate

    Hamilton

    Interesting tours learning about the only tea plantation in NZ, located around 10km northeast of Hamilton. Delicious high-tea experiences offering tea…

  • Riverbank Lane

    Hamilton

    Explore this laneway with good restaurants and cafes and interesting shopping. To the right of the lane, a recently developed outdoor area has good views…

  • Turangawaewae Marae

    Hamilton

    Ngaruawahia (population 4940), headquarters of the Māori King movement, is 19km north of Hamilton on SH1. The impressive fences of Turangawaewae Marae…

  • Taupiri

    Hamilton

    About 26km north of Hamilton on SH1 is Taupiri (287m), the sacred mountain of the Tainui people. You’ll recognise it by the cemetery on its slopes and the…