2 minute read
Hamilton Must-Do's
Lovegrove Lane, Hamilton © Hamilton Waikato Tourism
Lovegrove Lane
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Easily missed, which only adds to its appeal, Lovegrove Lane hosts a charming row of gentrified sheds, repurposed into a yoga studio, frame shop, florist and GG’s retro café. Located just off Grey Street – keep your eyes peeled. If you see murals, you’re close.
The Riverbank Lane
A gorgeous pocket of shops and hangouts, combining the fabulous Browsers bookshop (literally packed to the rafters with second-hand literature), a café, burger joint, Duck Island ice cream and a bar boasting elevated river views from its deck.
Hamilton Gardens
An exceptionally beautiful maze of fascinating gardens that cover everything from Indian temples to an Italian villa. Look for big yellow doors and a surrealist garden with moving trees. Free entry.
© Hamilton Gardens
Sunday Farmers’ Market
Every Sunday, fresh farm produce direct from the growers. Held at Claudelands Arena.
Zealong Tea Estate
New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate is open for plantation tours, tastings and a decadent high tea.
Hamilton Mountain Bike Track
Great for beginners and seasoned pros alike, tackle 10km of single track and Grade 2-3 terrain.
Classics Car Museum & 1950s Diner
Grab yourself a burger and shake then head next door to an enormous collection of classic cars and vintage petrol pumps.
Hamilton Lake Domain
Walk the lake’s 3.8km perimeter, passing lovely little spots for a sit down, as well as the lake fronting Verandah Café, covered picnic area and playground.
Waikato River Cruises
The river is large and fast-flowing, carving a wide and striking route through the heart of Hamilton. A two-hour cruise shows off the best of both the river and city.
Duck Island
A nationwide success story; Kiwis go crazy for ice cream flavours like Fairy Bread and ice-cream ‘sammies’. The flagship store sits on Grey Street and there’s a second scoop shop on Riverbank Lane.
Hamilton Zoo
Say hello to 600-plus native and exotic animals including four new cheeky cheetahs that arrived April 2021. Daily keeper talks and animals in immaculate grounds are not to be missed.
Waikato Museum
From the enormous waka that dominates the main floor to a series of nooks and staircases leading to an endless supply of artefacts, the museum is free and fascinating.
ArtsPost Galleries & Shop
A mere hop from Waikato Museum (so combine both), this striking building, a former post office, celebrates artists from across the region over three galleries. Entry is free.
Fieldays
Play farmer for the day and browse over 1000 farming exhibitors. This is the southern hemisphere’s largest agricultural event, occurring annually over four days in June.
Balloons Over Waikato
A week-long hot-air balloon bonanza in the skies above Hamilton, culminating in a nightglow event with stationed balloons choreographed to music. With food stalls, fair rides and fireworks. Held every March, every event is free.
Cornerstone Alpacas
Make friends with dozens of playful alpacas, 20 minutes from Hamilton. Following an alpaca presentation, head into the paddocks. Alpacas are generous receivers of hugs (and food) and boy do they love a selfie.
