Tourist Activities in Hamilton, NZ
Sights Events and and Attractions in the Waikato
Hamilton, nestled in the centre of the North Island of New Zealand, is more than just a popular hub for tourists wishing to explore the Waikato region.
While Hamilton's domestic airport and central location make it a convenient base of operations for wider sightseeing, the city itself has much to offer. The fourth-largest city in NZ, Hamilton looks deceptively rural with its large parks, broad river and masses of trees. Yet in recent years the city has begun to develop a thriving and artsy cultural identity.
The Hamilton Gardens and Summer Festival
Possibly the city's most famous attraction, the public gardens contains five collections of individual themed gardens, including the Paradise Gardens, Landscape Gardens and Fantasy Gardens. Hamilton Gardens are a popular wedding and function venue, and are open to the public free of charge, year round.
Each summer the Gardens hosts an eclectic Summer Festival, which contains such activities as dance, choral performances, children's entertainment and the annual Summer Shakespeare performance—one showing of which is performed at dawn for the truly dedicated!
Exscite and the Waikato Museum of Art and History
The modestly-sized Waikato museum hosts collections and exhibitions relating specifically to the Waikato region. Entry is by koha or donation, although Exscite requires tickets.
Exscite, attached to the museum, is a science-oriented, interactive display particularly loved by children. The permanent exhibit allows children to experiment hands-on with weights, shapes, mirrors, shadows and sounds, while featured exhibits downstairs have covered such topics as cars, space and the human body. Exscite is a wonderful activity for a rainy Hamilton day, not least because of the museum cafe next door.
Balloons Over Waikato
The Easter period in Hamilton is usually marked by dozens of hot air balloons flying overhead each morning. Rides are available, for those who can get up early, at the Hamilton Lake when weather permits. The hot air balloon activities culminate in the 'Night Glow', an evening of fireworks, tethered flights and food.
The Hamilton Zoo
Hamilton's zoo is child-friendly, with its more exotic species usually overlooked in favour of the periodic litters of kune-kune pigs. The zoo has an emphasis on conservation and showcasing native species, and is set in pleasant rural surroundings. It is a popular place to picnic and walk.
The Waipa Delta
Hamilton's iconic replica paddle-steamer, built in 1985, hosts tours on the Waikato River along with meals and functions.
V8 Supercar Racing
From 2008, Hamilton is hosting the annual V8 races for seven years. The event date changes from year to year in order to coincide with the school holidays and avoid other festivities, but the V8s will always be held in March or April.
Fieldays
NZ's largest agricultural show, Fieldays is held in Mystery Creek, just outside Hamilton, every June. Fieldays is not just for farmers—the event includes sheep-shearing demonstrations, handcrafted items for sale, fencing and tractor-pulling competitions, and the ever-popular Rural Bachelor of the Year competition.
