Hamilton Central Travel Guide

Hamilton

The Waikato River flowing through central Hamilton
The Waikato River flowing through central 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.
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

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
the closeup image of auckland new zealand temple. A temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple

Find out about the history of Hamilton when you take a trip to Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas.

Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple

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

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

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

Rp1.436.450
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

Rp1.436.450
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour
Escape Room Experience Area 54

Escape Room Experience Area 54

Rp289.218
per adult
Escape Room Experience Area 54
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

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

Rp1.417.169
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

Rp1.417.169
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cambridge Waikato New Zealand: Tour -45 Min Extreme Jet Boat
Forest of Ruru in the morning

Full-Day Rainforest Getaway in Northland

Rp1.507.983
per adult
Full-Day Rainforest Getaway in Northland
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 Rp1.318.581 per night from 5 Feb to 6 Feb
Rp1.318.581
Rp1.516.368 total
5 Feb - 6 Feb
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! (810 reviews)
Clean room. Great value for money.

Reviewed on 23 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 Rp1.137.270 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
Rp1.137.270
Rp1.307.861 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
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 Rp760.399 per night from 3 Feb to 4 Feb
Rp760.399
Rp874.459 total
3 Feb - 4 Feb
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 (1,000 reviews)
The hotel met my needs.

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

VR Hamilton
Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

4.5 out of 5
36 Liverpool Street Hamilton
The price is Rp917.178 per night from 29 Jan to 30 Jan
Rp917.178
Rp1.054.755 total
29 Jan - 30 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! (447 reviews)
Room was immaculate

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street Hamilton
The price is Rp1.515.572 per night from 31 Jan to 1 Feb
Rp1.515.572
Rp1.742.908 total
31 Jan - 1 Feb
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)
Room was clean and comfortable

Reviewed on 22 Jan 2026

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

4.5 out of 5
7 Alma Street Hamilton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.691.390 per night from 6 Feb to 7 Feb
Rp2.691.390
Rp3.095.064 total
6 Feb - 7 Feb
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! (1,004 reviews)
Great location, walking distance to the new Bnz Theater 5 mins,.lots of restaurants on the way.

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026

Novotel Tainui Hamilton
See all 308 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

Aerial drone panoramic view looking at Whitiora Bridge over the Waikato River as it cuts through the city of Hamilton, in the Waikato region of New Zealand

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
Seamless 360 degree aerial drone panoramic view over the city of Hamilton, captured over the Waikato River in Fairfield, in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Fairfield

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

Fairfield
Aerial drone view, from Claudelands Bridge, over Hamilton City

Claudelands

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

Claudelands
Dusk along the Waikato River in Hamilton, New Zealand

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