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Waikato, North Island
New Zealand’s mighty river city
MIGHTY WAIKATO with Hamilton, one of New Zealand’s largest cities wrapped around the majestic flow of the Waikato river. Hamilton’s Waikato River is a grand sweep of water, waterways and verdant green. The Waikato is the city’s calling card. The temptation to slip outdoors and explore the fabulous river walks makes Hamilton a great destination. One minute at a cafe next weaving your way through the quiet of the Waikato River walks. Green spaces galore.
Hamilton is defined by green spaces galore where the countryside has been invited into the urban spaces. While Hamilton is undoubtedly a service town supporting the massive dairy industrial heartland of the North Island it’s also pleasant walkable city.
One of the world’s great gardens resides in Hamilton.
Year round.
For outdoors activities the best time of the year to visit is between late December to early March. Winter river fog makes for those misty atmospheric moments, layer up and enjoy the outdoors.
Hamilton Weather Forecast and Observations
In Hamilton, the summers are between 20°c to 28°c. Summers are comfortable. In winter the damp humidity and fog creates cloudy conditions. Always carry a waterproof layer and admire the verdant green pasture and gardens; the result of temperate climate.
Hamilton is part of the Waikato with plenty of attractions and things to do nearby.
Check out the top 5 activities to brighten up your Hamilton trip.
Walk along the majestic Waikato River on the Riverside Walkway. The walkway is extensive, over 11 km of boardwalks and wide easy tracks accessibles at multiple points along the city centre. The walkway embraces native bush, planted parks and gardens and residential areas where communities could be part of our walk exploration. The walkway is a shared cycle / walk / jogging area. Check out Hamilton great short city walks in the Waikato – Best Bits for more information about walking trails in the city.
Public artworks and installations:
The above information is from Public Art & Heritage, VisitHamilton online resource.
The city centre has a number of second hand shops especially in the city centre. They are clustered around Liverpool Street, Ulster Street, River Road and Te Aroha Street in Hamilton Central.
The Base on Te Rapa Road. This huge shopping centre is a large retail mall where pretty much everything you would want can be found there. Dress-Smart Outlet Shopping Centre is located at The Base. Other major retail centres are Chartwell Shopping Centre & Centre Place, part of the CBD.
Hamilton has the requisite Farmers Market Waikato Farmers Market and Food Night Markets (venue The Base). Check online for up to date information for opening hours and venues.
Check out Hamilton shopping and market guide for more information.
Hamilton Zoo has individual face2face encounters and keeper talks. The Zoo has an extensive younger person programme as well as school holiday programme.
Commercial galleries are flourishing in Hamilton due to its proximity to Auckland, its local vibrant arts scene and the support offered to the central North Island art communities from Raglan to the Coromandel.
There are over 20 galleries within the Hamilton area alone.
Check with our upcoming festivals page for details:
For more information check out Hamilton families & kids top attractions, places to go.
This section covers the central North Island with major attractions less than 1 hour driving time.
Day trips to Rotorua / Taupo:
A private vehicle is the easiest way to get there as the Waitomo Caves are in the countryside, outside the small rural town Otorohanga. What’s so great about Otorohanga: what to do.
The Waikato region is dominated by one large urban area (Hamilton) with key attractions such as Waitomo Caves in a rural setting. Either a guided tour bus or private / rental vehicle is required for top attractions such as Hobbiton or Waitomo Caves
Ensure you have allowed sufficient time between attractions to arrive at your destination in time to enjoy the experience. Remember always check opening hours to avoid disappointment.
Distances
Hamilton city is serviced by Intercity bus and has its own urban bus network. Hamilton buses – BUSIT has a number of routes to the regions, Regional buses – BUSIT. For visitors who are using public transport the regional bus network connects to Taupo, a visitor hot spot.
There are no regional trains however the Auckland to Wellington once daily train service stops in Hamilton as well there is a commuter train service between Auckland and Hamilton. The profitability of the commuter Auckland to Hamilton service means it is advisable to check its timetable and whether it is continuing to operate.
Check Timetable – Te Huia train Auckland to Hamilton for up to date information. Note: Commuter train stops in Huntly.
The Waikato is a local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato District, Waipa District, Matamata-Piako District, South Waikato District and Hamilton City, as …Wikipedia
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BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE
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