Hamilton Central Travel Guide

Hamilton

I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.
I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.
It's just a jump to the left...and then a step to your right. Tucked away off Victoria Street, you'll find the unlikely statue of Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show in downtown Hamilton. Apparently it's creator, Richard O'Brien, lived and cut hair here in the spot of the now gone Embassy Theatre, which housed the Late Night Double Feature Picture Show. It's astounding!
Waikato featuring fishing and a lake or waterhole
Waikato which includes general coastal views, a sunset and landscape views

Popular places to visit

I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.

Hamilton Central Business District

4/5(2 reviews)

Hamilton Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Hamilton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in the area.

Hamilton Central Business District
Hamilton Gardens showing a bridge and a pond as well as a small group of people

Hamilton Gardens

5/5(10 reviews)

From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of color in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise.

Hamilton Gardens

SkyCity Hamilton

4.5/5(2 reviews)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to SkyCity Hamilton during your visit to Hamilton? Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

SkyCity Hamilton

Hamilton Centre Place

4/5(5 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Hamilton Centre Place during your stay in Hamilton. Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

Hamilton Centre Place

Waikato Museum of Art and History

Learn about the area’s rich Māori history, take in over 3,000 works of art and interact with the wonders of science in this ever-changing cultural center.

Waikato Museum of Art and History

ArtsPost

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at ArtsPost during your trip to Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

ArtsPost

Things to do

Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

฿2,714
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

฿2,714
per adult
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

฿2,678
per adult
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
Cambridge: Waikato River 45-Minute Extreme Jet Boat Ride

Cambridge Waikato New Zealand: Tour -45 Min Extreme Jet Boat

฿2,678
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cambridge Waikato New Zealand: Tour -45 Min Extreme Jet Boat
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

฿9,291
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland
Native Tuatara at Sanctuary Mountain

Sanctuary Mountain (Mt Maungatautari) & Waitomo Luxury Day tour from Auckland

฿11,841
per adult
Sanctuary Mountain (Mt Maungatautari) & Waitomo Luxury Day tour from Auckland
See all activities in Hamilton

Top hotels in Hamilton Central

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street Hamilton
The price is ฿2,047 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿2,047
฿2,354 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions ArtsPost and Waikato Museum of Art and History are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (803 reviews)
The air conditioning was needed on such a warm night. The room was clean and well looked after.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

3.5 out of 5
287 Victoria Street Hamilton
The price is ฿2,037 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿2,037
฿2,342 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
Great stay overall, good location, lovely breakfast. Car parking limited and tight spots but ok.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street Hamilton
The price is ฿1,260 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
฿1,260
฿1,449 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (1,002 reviews)
The hotel met my needs.

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

VR Hamilton
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street Hamilton
The price is ฿2,424 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿2,424
฿2,788 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Clean room, will book again

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

4.5 out of 5
36 Liverpool Street Hamilton
The price is ฿1,657 per night from 21 Jan to 22 Jan
฿1,657
฿1,905 total
21 Jan - 22 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Founders Theatre and FMG Stadium Waikato are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (443 reviews)
We had two bedrooms with 3 beds and the room was huge and comfortable. Plenty parking spots on the property. Walking distance to the store and restaurants. The only things we did not like were toiletries. Everything in the bathroom was commercial grade that reninds you of the public restroom.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

4.5 out of 5
7 Alma Street Hamilton
The price is ฿4,861 per night from 27 Jan to 28 Jan
฿4,861
฿5,591 total
27 Jan - 28 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Clean room . Comfy bed. Hot powerful shower. Good buffet breakfast . Plus very friendly staff from reception to housekeeping

Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026

Novotel Tainui Hamilton
See all 307 properties in Hamilton Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Hamilton Central

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Whitiora

When in Whitiora, you can plan a visit to FMG Stadium Waikato and Hamilton Centre Place, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Whitiora
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Fairfield

Fairfield might not have many top sights, but Globox Arena and Claudelands Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fairfield
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Claudelands

While visiting Claudelands, you might make a stop by sights like Globox Arena and Waikato River.

Claudelands
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Frankton

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Frankton, you might make a stop by sights like FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park.

Frankton
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Hamilton Lake

While Hamilton Lake isn't home to many top sights, Lake Rotoroa and SkyCity Hamilton are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hamilton Lake
Te Parapara Garden #hiking

Hamilton East

While visiting Hamilton East, you might make a stop by sights like Hamilton Gardens and Waikato River.

Hamilton East

Hamilton Central Travel Guide