Hamilton (New Zealand)

Hamilton (Kirikiriroa in Māori) is an inland city in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island. In 2020, Hamilton was awarded the title of most beautiful large city in New Zealand. Hamilton Gardens is the region's most popular tourist attraction.

Understand
The area now covered by the city was originally the site of several Māori villages, including Kirikiriroa, from which the city takes its Māori name. By the time English settlers arrived, most of these villages, which sat beside the Waikato River, were abandoned as a result of the Invasion of Waikato and land confiscation (Raupatu) by the Crown.

The settlers developed the city as an agricultural service centre, but it now has a diverse economy and is the third fastest growing urban area in New Zealand, behind Pukekohe and Auckland. In 2023, it was home to 185,000 people.

The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, flows through the middle of the city. This effectively cuts the city in half, with Hamilton West containing the central business district and main shopping areas, and Hamilton East home to the University of Waikato and a large student population.

By bus
Long-distance buses can be sometimes full, and sometimes empty, so it can pay to book a few days in advance. Booking in advance (particularly on the internet) can also save money - up to half the fare in some cases. In any case, travelling by bus is generally a cheap option, albeit a bit slow at times.


 * InterCity Coachlines,, is New Zealand's national coach company and operates over 150 services to more than 600 destinations nationwide.
 * BUSIT services from towns in the region.

By car
Because New Zealand's major highway (SH 1) skirts the city, getting to Hamilton is simple. Drive south down State Highway 1 (SH 1) from Auckland. Drive northbound on SH 1 from Taupo, or connect to SH 1 from Rotorua or the Bay of Plenty.

By train
The Northern Explorer train runs 3 days a week from Auckland to Hamilton (departs 7:45AM, arrives 10:15AM), at $48 per person one way, then continues to Wellington. It runs from Wellington to Hamilton on 3 other days a week (departs 7:55AM, arrives 4:30PM), costing from $139, and providing an opportunity to take in some beautiful New Zealand scenery, and the famous Raurimu Rail Spiral. See also: Rail travel in New Zealand.

The Te Huia passenger service runs between Hamilton and Papakura in South Auckland, where connections to central Auckland are available. There are two round trips on weekdays and one on Saturdays.



By plane
Hamilton Airport hosts only domestic flights. Air New Zealand has regular direct flights from:


 * Palmerston North – 50-minute flight
 * Wellington – fares start at $70 one way for a 70-minute journey
 * Christchurch – fares start at $135 one way direct for a 1 hr 50 minute journey (fares start at $70 if you stop in Wellington for half an hour)

There are often limited specials available to/from Hamilton available on Grab-a-seat, Air NZ's website for its specials.

The airport is 14 km (9 mi) from town, so allow time for airport transfers. Taxis and shuttle buses are available. Passengers who arrive on flights late in the evening on Fridays and Saturdays should arrange transport in advance as taxis can be scarce. Fog can close the airport on winter mornings.

Get around
A bus service is provided by Environment Waikato. Routes and times are available online, and cover the whole city. If you intend to use the bus service frequently, it may be worth getting a Bee Card, an electronic card that can be used in most small NZ towns. The card costs $5, but will possibly save you money due to the discounts it provides on fares – a single way ticket with a Bee Card inside the city costs just $2 per trip, capped at a maximum of $18 per week or 10 trips. All travel after this cap is free.

Buy

 * Casabella Lane is located on Barton St and contains many boutique stores, and many cafes.
 * Casabella Lane is located on Barton St and contains many boutique stores, and many cafes.
 * Casabella Lane is located on Barton St and contains many boutique stores, and many cafes.
 * Casabella Lane is located on Barton St and contains many boutique stores, and many cafes.

Make your way to the developing vibe of Hamilton East's Grey Street. A place to find a unique store or funky café or bar.

Drink
Most of Hamilton's clubs are with easy walking distance of each other, in the Victoria/Hood/Alexandra Street area.



Go next

 * Cambridge
 * Matamata is about 45 minutes away - follow SH 1, turning off towards Tauranga onto SH 29, and then turning off towards Matamata onto SH 27. A small rural community of about 12,000 people, its main claim to fame is that it was the filming site for the Lord of the Rings - in particular the Shire. Visitors are able to visit Hobbiton, though reservations need to made in advance.
 * Pirongia
 * Raglan is a beachside town about 50 km (31 mi) away. Simply follow SH 23 out of Hamilton to get there. The town is well known for its excellent surf beaches, including Indicators, Whale Bay, and Manu Bay. There are several buses a day here.
 * Rotorua is a major destination roughly an hour and a half away. Follow SH 1 and then turn onto SH 5 at Tirau.
 * Waitomo