Top Things to do in Hamilton & Waikato Region
Top Hotels in Hamilton & Waikato Region
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Hamilton & Waikato Region, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand including Hamilton Gardens, Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, Ruakuri Walk, Wildcoast Ruapuke Horse Riding, Te Awa The Great New Zealand River Ride, Footwhistle Glowworm Cave, Blue Spring, Hamilton Zoo, Aranui Cave, Maungakawa Scenic Reserve.
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. Wildcoast Ruapuke Horse Riding
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By marktG1878KF
Amazing afternoon ride with Wayne and the team. Epic scenery and great hosts. The horses were in great condition and well behaved. We stayed at one of the cabins on site as well and it was awesome as well. Such a magic spot. Highly recommended!
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. Footwhistle Glowworm Cave
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
We are a locally owned and operated glowworm cave tour based in the heart of the Waitomo Caves Village. Footwhistle Glowworm Cave is located on our private farm and was developed over many years. Our family run tour company ensures that your experience of Waitomo's unique ennvironment is a memory to treasure. We take a maximum of 11 guests per tour and we also allow photography
Reviewed By 84jeannetteb
‘Ross the Boss’ was our awesome guide for the Footwhistle Glowworm Cave experience. His mix of passion, knowledge and humour made this one of the best local sites to visit in Waitomo. A private family run business that is truly about making this a perfect, intimate experience. The visit is topped off with kawakawa education and tea. The caves themselves are a real delight and the family’s understanding and work towards the ecology of them is a credit to them. Highly recommended.
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. Hamilton Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 842 reviews
The North Island's largest Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings
Reviewed By gaysie2013 - Braidwood, Australia
Loved this zoo So clean and well maintained The animals have large enclosures and look healthy and happy Highly recommend
9. Aranui Cave
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By 29Kathie - Christchurch, New Zealand
Enjoyed our cave tour, very pretty inside, great tour guide, we did 2 caves including the glowworms boat tour
10. 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!
