11 Things to do in Hamilton

HAMILTON, THE TRON, THE CITY OF THE FUTURE: THIS BOOM TOWN DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION.

1. VISIT ZEALONG TEA ESTATE

Tea lovers can’t resist this one; it’s the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand. Enjoy plantation tours and tastings as well as a distinguished high tea.

2. GO MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Hamilton Mountain Bike Track is great for beginners or rusty cyclists: tackle 10km of single track and Grade 2-3 terrain.

3. ADMIRE CLASSIC CARS

The Classics Museum mesmerises with its huge collection of gleaming classic cars and vintage petrol pumps. Should you not be the biggest petrol head in the group, head to the on-site 1950s diner for burgers and thickshakes.

4. GO GREEN

Hamilton has plenty of green spaces. Walk the 3.8km perimeter of Hamilton Lake and have a picnic, or visit Hamilton Gardens. Tucked away by the Waikato River with several themed gardens, the latest addition is the Surrealist Garden, a trippy, Alice-in-Wonderland-style arrangement.

5. CRUISE WAIKATO RIVER

Spend a leisurely hour on the water with Waikato River Explorer. Departing from the Hamilton Gardens and Waikato Museum every 90 minutes, the boat is fully covered for rainy days and has an on-board café and bar.

6. GO TO DUCK ISLAND

The flagship store of this famous ice cream parlour is on the corner of Cook and Grey Streets. Flavours are proudly Kiwi inspired, including feijoa crumble and fairy bread, but with 26 options in total, there's a scoop for every palette.

7. ZOO SOMETHING FUN!

There are 600-plus native and exotic animals at Hamilton Zoo as well as daily keeper talks and premium animal experiences for up-close encounters.

8. GET LEARNED IN WAIKATO MUSEUM

This is the kind of museum all other museums strive to be. It’s got everything for everyone. Thirteen galleries are packed with exhibits on the region, Aotearoa, the wider world, art, science and Māori culture. Like wildlife? They’ve got that too. World War history? Of course. Enhanced by floor talks and the annual National Contemporary Art Award exhibition, it’s loved by all.

9. CHANNEL YOUR INNER HIPSTER

Don’t miss the eclectic store, Needle in the Hay for eccentric arts, homeware and vinyl records. Nearby, Sisters on London is the kind of funky fashion store where you'll want to spend a lot of hours, if not a lot of money!

10. FEILDAYS

Play farmer for a day. With over 1000 exhibitors, this is the southern hemisphere’s largest agricultural event.

11. CHECK OUT LOVEGROVE LANE

Find a collection of charming shops and wellness studios on Hamilton’s gentrified east side. With a strong community spirit and plenty of nooks for a coffee, it’s delightfully neighbourly.

Lovegrove Lane, Hamilton

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

Looking for a place to stay? Find a huge range of accommodation options, including discounts for AA Members, at travel.aa.co.nz/Hotels