Hamilton, what to see and do — travel guide & itinerary

Best time to visit 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.

Weather in Hamilton

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.

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.

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.

• Indoors, visit Classic Museum or Waikato Museum with its excellent younger person programmes
• Visit Hamilton Zoo with a walk through the largest aviary in Australia and New Zealand
• Picnic at Hamilton Gardens and explore Turtle Lake
• Visit Claudelands playground and sports fields
• Find out what nature has on show at Taitua Arboretum

For more information check out Hamilton families & kids top attractions, places to go.

Is it easy to get from Hamilton to the Waitomo Caves?

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

Waikato bus network

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.

• Hamilton City Traverse – Pukete Rd to Taitua Rd. A 16.5km city section of the Te Araroa Trail, the northern entrance is Braithwaite Parkand finishes at the Taitua Arboretum in Hamilton West. The walk takes about four hours. Passing through the centre of town, it’s a great combination of urban and rural.
• ArtsPost online shop is a great way to scroll through the vibrant Waikato art scene and plot your next visit to the gallery, let your fingers do the scrolling here, Latest Stock.