Top Things to do in Hamilton
The 10 Best Things to do in Hamilton, North Island
Discover the best top things to do in Hamilton, New Zealand including Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton Zoo, Hamilton Lake Domain, Waikato Museum, Taitua Arboretum, Classics Museum, Parana Park, Ye Olde Berry Farm, Ruakura Berry Farm, Waterworld.
Restaurants in Hamilton
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. 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
3. Hamilton Lake Domain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 565 reviews
Reviewed By JocelyneW35
The Hamilton Domain is catered or all ages and all degrees of fitness.Superb playground for children,ans easy walk around the lake with great views of the bird life that live on and around the lake in their natural habitat.Cafe if you just want to sit and relax and enjoy your surroundings.An absolute must if in Hamilton.
4. Waikato Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 364 reviews
Haere mai! Welcome to Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you. Open daily 10am-5pm.
Reviewed By D7543NEandread
We had an 18 month old we needed to entertain on a rainy day during a visit to Hamilton. A lot of the activities are for older children but the kids area kept him entertained for hours.
5. Taitua Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Taitua Arboretum is a 20-hectare (49-acre) tree collection just out of Hamilton City. The Arboretum has several lakes and a good network of walking tracks. It is a popular spot for Sunday afternoon picnics and weekend weddings.
Reviewed By N9387EJsusanb - Hamilton, New Zealand
On a very windy the Aboretum walk was well protected from wind and sun and much enjoyed by my leashed dog and I. I was lovely to meander amongst the gardens. It is well sign posted and a reasonably easy walk. Loved seeing a pair of free roaming rabbits, along with many chooks.
6. Classics Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Something Classic for the Whole Family! A classic car museum with something to cater for every member of the family. Come and have a look at the cars of yesteryear which are sure to bring back memories. We have over 60 cars on display and an extensive collection of petrol memorabilia - signs, tins, petrol pumps, pedal cars and vintage pin ball machines. Plenty of free parking onsite. We have a 1950's diner in the building too! The Jukebox Diner, serving American classics, modern fare, child friendly options and of course great coffee!
Reviewed By akmcbean - Cambridge, New Zealand
Drove past the Classic Car Museum for years thinking “we must go in”. Finally took kids during school holidays and what a lovely surprise it was. Beautifully presented and very clean. Full of history and interesting pieces even for the non-car enthusiast. 5 Kids aged 4-11 and all really enjoyed the experience. Diner had a lovely variety of a la-carte and cabinet meals. Good selection and prices for kids food. Play area for little ones and a cool car for the older kids to sit and play in. Well done Classics Museum.
7. Parana Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 775gilvray - Cambridge, New Zealand
This place is a hidden gem...right in the middle of the city. On a hot day day with a picnic lunch this place is wonderful....we had a refreshing lunch there in the middle of a busy day, we picked up a sandwich from a local supermarket and enjoyed a budget lunch in a gorgeous setting with well cared for gardens. Well done Hamilton City Council.
8. Ye Olde Berry Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
The Olde Berry farm is a pick-your-own experience, with a shop facility that has own grown fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, boysenberries. We also have real fruit icecreams, smoothies, drinks, locally sourced honeys, sauces & spreads.We also have locally sourced fruit and vegetables! We run pick-your-owns on selected weekends.
Reviewed By Brycee10 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
The old berry farm on Tauwhere road is great Wonderful place to pic your own berries Also has a great ice cream shop.... great on a hot day in summer
9. Ruakura Berry Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By kiwicowgirl - Hamilton, New Zealand
Great berry farm with it's own icecream shop. They do delicious freshly mixed berry icecreams and sell a variety of products. Nice place for a quick treat on a hot day.
