New Zealand TravelHamilton is the Waikato’s largest city and a fantastic place to visit any time of the year, nestled next to the Waikato River that flows through the city adventure awaits.
Hamilton provides a wide range of activities to indulge in from surfing at Raglan on the west coast, to the many cycle trails and walks available in the area.
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens is like no other gardens in New Zealand, showcasing an impressive range of cultural garden displays from around the world this place is a must do while in Hamilton.
Hamilton Gardens are all themed collections showcasing the likes of Italian Renaissance gardens, gardens from India, China and Tudor Gardens with art inspired conceptual and modernist gardens thrown in.
The best time to visit the Hamilton Gardens is in the spring and Summer time when all the stunning colors of flowering plants just light the place up, make Hamilton Gardens a must do on your bucket list next time your in the Waikato.
Zealong Tea Estate
The Zealong Tea Estate is located right outside of Hamilton’s CBD and in the only large scale tea plantation available in New Zealand, for tea lovers this is a fantastic place to relax and unwind.
You can indulge yourself in there famous High Tea at the Zealong Tea Room located on the property, served with hand crafted sweets and savories this is a great place to stop for lunch located at 495 Gordonton Road in Hamilton make sure to stop by when passing through Hamilton.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Looking to get back to nature make sure to visit Sanctuary Mountain located a short drive from Hamilton CBD, Sanctuary Mountain is an untouched ancient forest surrounded by a predator proof fence.
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, is a great place to view wildlife that you may never see any where else in the region you can walk to the observation tower a short distance from the gate, and a 16 meter climb to the top of the tower commands a stunning view over the forest canopy.
There are many endangered species of birds in Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, these include the flightless Kiwi, Takahe and Kaka a walk through the forest tracks and you may be lucky to spot these endangered birds Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is located at 99 Tari Road, Pukeatua.
Hamilton Cycle Trails
For the adventurous there are endless cycle trails dotted all through the Hamilton area, the Waikato River Trails is one of the most popular cycle trails that starts north of Hamilton city and stretches for 100 km following the Waikato River, with river views and bush sections this is a great ride to do.
The Great River Ride from which the name inspires, passes through several settlements on the journey along the Waikato River, Arapuni, Mangakino and Atiamuri all these settlements were formed from power generation when the dams were built and are great places to explore on your journey along the Waikato River Ride.
Raglan Surfing
A short drive West out out of Hamilton will take you through to Raglan a small settlement on the West Coast of New Zealand, here you can learn to surf at the popular Manu Bay surf break a world famous surfing spot on New Zealand’s West Coast.
Raglan is also home to Mount Karioi which is located right beside Raglan Harbor, here you can take a walk to the summit with stunning views down both sides of the West Coast, there is kayaking available in the Raglan Harbor with kayak rentals located in the Settlement, there are also a few cafes and art shops to keep everyone busy for the day.
