Hamilton
A region where culture, nature, and adventure come together. From the vibrant heart of Hamilton and the magic of Middle-earth to the rugged west coast and the world's longest left-hand surf break, the Waikato offers something unforgettable for every traveller.
Straddling the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton is a city of rich diversity, from its thriving cultural precincts, lush gardens and sweeping parklands, to award winning eateries, vibrant nightlife and colourful street art.
Also known by its Māori name Kirikiriroa, Hamilton is the fourth largest city in the country with a young, smart and innovative population of some 180,000 – about half of whom are under 30 years of age. It is the gateway not only to the Waikato with its abundance of leisure and activity experiences, but also to the central North Island region.
Just an hour and a half south of Auckland, Hamilton is readily accessed thanks to its central geographical location and excellent transport links including an extensive expressway as well as rail and Hamilton Airport’s flight schedule that provide direct connections with Sydney, Gold Coast, Wellington and Christchurch.
There’s so much to see and do in the Hamilton and the Waikato. To get you started, here are a few recommended sights and day trips for when you visit.
Hamilton Gardens
Hungerford Crescent, Cobham Drive, Hamilton
Hamilton Gardens is a must-see attraction all year around, offering 45 hectares of gardens and parklands to explore. Uncover the delights of 18 beautiful and inspiring Enclosed Gardens, each with stories spanning 4,000 years.
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Hobbiton
501 Buckland Road, Matamata
Experience the magic of the Hobbiton movie set where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies were filmed. When location scouts found the Alexanders' spectacular 1250 acre sheep and beef farm just outside of Matamata, it was clear this would be the perfect setting for Sir Peter Jackson's adaptation of these classic works by J.R.R. Tolkien.
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Classics Museum
11 Railside Place, Hamilton
A classic car museum with something designed to cater for every member of the family. There are over 100 cars for display and an extensive collection of petrol memorabilia – signs, tins, petrol pumps, pedal cars and early pin ball machines. The Jukebox Diner is situated inside the museum, a themed 1950s diner, the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or a coffee.
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Waitomo Caves
39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo
Waitomo’s stunning scenery extends beneath the surface to a great subterranean network of caves. More than 300 of them are scattered across this sleepy farming district, carved out of limestone by underground streams over thousands of years. While the caves attract hundreds of visitors eager to explore, abseil, and raft among the caverns, their main allure lies with millions of tiny glowworms, twinkling like the night sky.
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