Top Things to do in Hamilton & Waikato Region
Top Hotels in Hamilton & Waikato Region
10 Free Things to do in Hamilton & Waikato Region That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand including Hamilton Gardens, Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, Ruakuri Walk, Adrian Worsley Historic Creations, Te Awa The Great New Zealand River Ride, Te Aroha i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Blue Spring, Alphra Lavenders, Maungakawa Scenic Reserve, Mount Te Aroha.
Restaurants in Hamilton & Waikato Region
1. Hamilton Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,439 reviews
Explore an enchanting world of secret gardens. Transport yourself through time and to far-flung corners of the world. Meander through a lush tropical jungle, visit ancient China and indulge yourself in a Renaissance Prince's 16th century garden. Five garden collections have been created to delight the senses, with some garden concepts reaching back 4,000 years. Hamilton Gardens is a conceptual garden based in the Waikato that explores the context, history and meaning of gardens through time, and from around the world. It is internationally recognised for its unique concept and is the Waikato region's most popular tourist destination. Only five minutes drive from Hamilton's CBD, the Gardens is open 7 days a week during daylight hours and entry and parking is free. Access is off SH1, alongside Cobham Drive on the southern side of Hamilton.
Reviewed By Adamc7651
The gardens are a good activity to do for the whole family! Our friends and family enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and stunning gardens
2. Hakarimata Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By TeodoraMt - Auckland, New Zealand
A very easy walk to the old dam, then 1300-1400 steps, with amazing views at the top. It's not very difficult, it's not easy either. As long as you take your time and enjoy the bush, anyone can do it. People are friendly and encouraging each others. A lot of visitors with various levels of fitness are walking (or running!) up to enjoy the views. The stairs are REALLY well maintained. There are plenty of native birds (I've seen several kereru, tui, pīwakawaka 2 days ago, mid day!) and amazing kauri trees. I found the first half of the steps more steep and difficult than the last half. There are several sections with handrails (really useful!). Muscle soreness is very possible after climbing up the steps, but so worth it! Overall I love the place, I will definitely be back!
3. Ruakuri Walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 374 reviews
Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.
Reviewed By Lula444 - London, United Kingdom
Lovey short walk through beautiful forest with a couple of viewing decks - very well maintained paths, lots of steps
4. Adrian Worsley Historic Creations
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Unique sculptures made form recycled, reused and reclaimed materials and scrap metal. Adrian's gallery is one where you can touch and explore, even traipsing the board walks through the artists workshop. Be prepared to be amazed.
Reviewed By shumonk - Abbotsford, Australia
Adrian Worsley’s gallery and shop is something that needs to just be experienced. The moment you step into the inventory of all the scrap metal it sets the tone of the story he tells through his sculptures. Totally worth it.
5. Te Awa The Great New Zealand River Ride
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Te Awa is a free, accessible walk/cycleway that has an overarching positioning of lushness, water, rural green landscape & pockets of native bush. When complete, the Great NZ River Ride will travel 70 kms along the shoreline of New Zealand’s largest & longest river – the mighty Waikato
Reviewed By JulietR760
We loved our ride along the mighty Waikato. The bike trail is really well serviced and signposted. Rent your bikes from Electrify River Riders - they’re awesome!!
6. Te Aroha i-SITE Visitor Information Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 42 reviews
Visit us and discover Te Aroha's rich history when 'taking the waters' was a fashionable pastime and a cure for everything. After a day walking the hills, cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail or simply relaxing in a hot mineral pool, we can help find the accommodation that best suits you, be it backpackers, motel, country cottage or luxury villa. And we can recommend somewhere to eat, book a massage and tell you 'what's on' in town. Let us help you make your stay the very best time ever. Visit us for expert local knowledge and a FREE booking service for accommodation, activities and transport - nationwide.
Reviewed By BrianMc43 - Auckland, New Zealand
The ladies here were really greatly helpful. Gave us good accurate info and even booked our mineral bath for us. Wonderful service.
7. Blue Spring
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By 83nikk - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I've driven past here so many times and never stopped, I'm so glad we finally did. There are 2 entrances, one is a 15 min walk and the other 1.5 hours - so make sure you get the right one. Beautiful river and springs, hopefully the sun ☀️ is shining when you visit to make the crystal clear water really glow.
8. Alphra Lavenders
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By NaliniG127
We enjoyed visiting this lavender farm. The owners were really friendly and even gave us a quick tour/info session. There are also a wide range of high quality lavender based products on sale at a very reasonable price. We were pleasantly surprised that there was no entry fee. It was worth the 40 minute drive from Hamilton.
9. Maungakawa Scenic Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By 642ChrisW - Hamilton, New Zealand
If you love God's beautiful planet creation then you'll absolutely love this place, with it's natural beauty, charm, peace and tranquility. So natural and unspoilt by humans!
10. Mount Te Aroha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By jojoho68 - Auckland, New Zealand
Went for a mountain bike ride ( ebike) to the top of mount te aroha 952 metres Took 45 mins from tui road . Back Down 13 minutes Good ride
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