© Hamilton Gardens
HAMILTON LAKE WALKWAY 1
Balloon over Hamilton Lake © Hamilton Tourism
From gentle strolls to lakeside jogs with dogs in tow, picnics under your arm and bread for the ducks, Hamilton Lake provides an inner-city walk that everyone can enjoy.
Where is it? In the very heart of Hamilton city and 1.5km from the CBD.
Terrain Flat boardwalks and open pathways with toilets, bins and water fountains.
Good to Know The walkway can be accessed from various points, with the main car parks situated by Ruakiwi Rd and Lake Crescent (Innes Common).
1hr; 3.8km Walk to suit every fitness level Easy walking Dogs on a leash
HOBBITON Take a tour of the film set and sit down for a drink that would quench even a Hobbit’s thirst at Green Dragon™ Inn.
TRACK OVERVIEW Hamilton Lake, or Lake Rotoroa as it’s officially known, welcomes every visitor. A huge playground and waddling ducks are always a big hit with children, while the flat walkway won’t tax little legs. Over the course of one hour you’ll pass vast, treedotted parkland on the western side and a bustling café and covered picnic area on the east. Dogs are also welcome, although they need to be on a lead. There is a small off-lead space near the yacht club, and the café’s alfresco area is a favourite hangout for canines. Whether you escape here for an hour or spend the entire day by the water, Hamilton Lake is the ideal option for an easy walk in the heart of Hamilton city.
Hobbiton™ Movie Set © Destination Rotorua
HAMILTON GARDENS Travel the entire world in one afternoon at Hamilton Gardens. With everything from Italian Renaissance shrubbery to a traditional English garden and Indian Char Bagh Garden, it’s a sensation for the senses. The latest addition is the Surrealist Garden, a trippy, Alice-in-Wonderland-style arrangement. Better yet, entry is free.
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND TOP SPOTS Waikite hot pools, Rotorua
© Destination Rotorua
• MATAMATA, the land of the Hobbits
• Rotorua’s awe-inspiring GEOTHERMAL PARKS
• The magnificent, themed HAMILTON GARDENS
• Adrenalin pumping thrills and spills in ROTORUA
• SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN MAUNGATAUTARI
• Take in Rotorua’s 18 STUNNING LAKES
• The WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS for walking/cycling
• Experience a living thermal MĀORI VILLAGE
• The Bohemian surf village of RAGLAN
• ROTORUA FAMILY FUN: gondola, luge, wildlife
• Underground adventures at WAITOMO CAVES
• Explore the immense LAKE TAUPŌ
• Te Aroha’s silky mineral HOT POOLS
• Be wowed by the exhilarating HUKA FALLS
• Ōtorohanga’s KIWIANA displays and Kiwi House
• The pure natural beauty of the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Site – TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
• Kāwhia’s beautiful HARBOUR and SURF BEACH
WALKING MUST-DO’S 41
