Hamilton Lake Walkway

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).

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.

Need to Know

DOGS ON A LEASH

TIME & DISTANCE: 1hr; 3.8km

FITNESS: Walk to suit every fitness level

TERRAIN: Easy walking

Visit Hamilton Gardens

© Hamilton Gardens

Travel the entire world in one afternoon at Hamilton Gardens. With everything from Italian Renaissance shrubbery to atraditional 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.

Head to 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.

Hobbiton™ Movie Set © Destination Rotorua

Central North Island Top Spots

• MATAMATA, the land of the Hobbits

• The magnificent, themed HAMILTON GARDENS

• SANCTUARY MOUNTAIN MAUNGATAUTARI

• The WAIKATO RIVER TRAILS for walking/cycling

• The Bohemian surf village of RAGLAN

• Underground adventures at WAITOMO CAVES

• Te Aroha’s silky mineral HOT POOLS

• Ōtorohanga’s KIWIANA displays and Kiwi House

• Kāwhia’s beautiful HARBOUR and SURF BEACH

• Rotorua’s awe-inspiring GEOTHERMAL PARKS

Waikite hot pools, Rotorua © Destination Rotorua

• Adrenalin pumping thrills and spills in ROTORUA

• Take in Rotorua’s 18 STUNNING LAKES

• Experience a living thermal MĀORI VILLAGE

• ROTORUA FAMILY FUN: gondola, luge, wildlife

• Explore the immense LAKE TAUPŌ

• Be wowed by the exhilarating HUKA FALLS

• The pure natural beauty of the UNESCO Dual World Heritage Site – TONGARIRONATIONAL PARK

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

Main Image: Balloon over Hamilton Lake © Hamilton Tourism