Roadside lovely
Often forgotten in the pursuit of more exciting destinations, Hamilton reveals its delights to those who look
03-Nov-2014
A Japanese-style garden in the Hamilton Gardens • Getty Images
Some places in New Zealand have developed a reputation to be proud of. Others, less so. Ask any New Zealander about the worst city in New Zealand, and the answer is likely to be the same. Sneered at, disparaged and mocked, that city is Hamilton. Most people simply drive through, either north to Auckland, or south to Rotorua and Cambridge.
But is that reputation deserved? Not at all. In fact, there is much to love about this charming, farming-oriented town. It may not be the liveliest city or the most party-oriented, but it contains many delights, particularly in summer. The region around Hamilton offers some of the best adventure tourism opportunities in the country, which, indeed, is the reason why many people come to New Zealand. And no matter what they say about the city, even the most hardened cynic would admit that the people of Hamilton are friendly, welcoming and down to earth.
Currently about 180,000 people call Hamilton home, with almost as many in the surrounding small towns and rural areas. A growing population gives the city economic and cultural momentum. The hub of the Waikato region and surrounded by rich farm lands, the city is located on the banks of the Waikato river. About an hour south of Auckland, and right in the centre of North Island, Hamilton has a large student community.
In the middle of Hamilton is Seddon Park, a small cricket ground that is the home of the sport in central North Island. Seddon Park is about a kilometre to the west of the Waikato river. Running alongside the river on the stadium side is Victoria Street, where many of the best restaurants, cafés and bars are located. Across the river and to the south are the beautiful Hamilton Gardens. Abundant parklands are a feature across Hamilton.
What to pack: The best months of the year in New Zealand are February and March, and Hamilton is no exception. Expect warm, dry days, gentle breezes and sunlight late into the evenings. Average summer temperatures range between 20 and 30 Celsius. Sunburn is a risk, so make sure you wear sunscreen. Dress like the locals, in t-shirts, shorts and jandals (aka thong footwear), and you will fit right in.
Getting around
The bus system in Hamilton is usable, and if you are planning on spending more than a few days in the city a Busit card will allow you to make significant savings on buses. Busit cards cost NZ$5 (US$4) upfront, and have to be preloaded with credit, but once you have done that the savings add up quickly.
Another great way of getting around is to hire a bike, as it is a very flat city and easy to cycle. Try
If you are planning on making any day trips, which is highly recommended, hiring a car will open up the region. Budget Car Rental is located at the airport and in the city, and is a good value option.
Where to stay
High-end: If you fancy something luxurious, look no further than Titoki. A boutique space that accommodates very few guests at a time, Titoki is highly recommended for the romantically inclined. The friendly couple who operate the place will make you feel right at home. For a more corporate style of accommodation, look in at the Novotel Tainui, located right next to the Waikato River.
Mid-range: The Argent Motor Lodge is a bit of a distance from Seddon Park, but has an excellent reputation. North of Seddon Park is the Barclay Motel, which has room options perfect for families. If you are planning on staying for a while, booking an apartment room could be a good idea. Hamilton Apartments has a range of options on location and prices.
Budget: Forty Winks B&B is one of the cheapest places to stay in Hamilton, and within easy walking distance of Seddon Park. If you are just in town for a game, this is your best bet. Look here first if you are planning on bringing a big group on tour. The Microtel is another inexpensive option, billing itself as ideal for those in town for a game.
Where to eat
High-end: One restaurant stands out above all others in Hamilton. Gothenburg has a reputation built on perfectly crafted artisanal tapas, with each mouthful bringing together rich flavours, matched in elegant and interesting ways. Take your time, luxuriate in the experiemce. The Eatery in Rototuna, a north-eastern suburb of Hamilton, serves high-quality Italian food, matched with excellent Italian wine, and is worth a visit if you are nearby.
Mid-range: Jaipur on Victoria St serves the best Indian food in Hamilton, and the owners are knowledgeable about cricket. Stop in for a curry and a chat. If you feel like driving 20 minutes south to the charming town of Cambridge, Paddock serves arguably the best coffee in the Waikato region, and excellent bagels.
Budget: Babaganush Turkish Café is a charming eatery, located on the east of the river in the city centre. It's a great spot both for those in a hurry or those who want to sit down and have a casual, relaxed meal. The lamb kofta is a highlight.
Where to party
Hamilton is not renowned as a party city. However, there are plenty of places where at the very least you can have a drink. The best way to experience the nightlife is to walk through the city centre and see what looks good on the night.
High-end: Good George in Frankton, an eastern suburb of Hamilton, is the finest craft brewery in the city. The beers are pricey but worth every penny. Wonderhorse, off Victoria Street, serves an ever-changing and ever-interesting menu of cocktails.
Budget: If you're in the mood for a covers band belting out classic rock, Diggers Bar in the centre of town is the best place to start. The Nivara Lounge is another spot for live music, located in a basement on Victoria Street. Here, though, you can never be quite sure what you style of band will be playing. Surprise yourself.
Don't leave Hamilton without...
Wandering around the Hamilton Gardens. Walk through the spacious, green lawns and the themed gardens, dip your toes in the river, or watch one of the many events that take place within the gardens. On a warm summer day, there is nowhere better in Hamilton than here.
Watching a live show at the Founders Theatre. A modern space with excellent acoustics, it is the premier venue for stage shows and theatrical productions in Hamilton.
Making a day trip to Raglan. A small surfing beach town less than an hour's drive from Hamilton, Raglan is a friendly, somewhat eccentric, community, with interesting second-hand shops with clothes, books and assorted oddities to browse through and some great coffee spots.
Visiting Hobbiton. Tourism in New Zealand is often focused around the Lord of the Rings films. The best example of this is Hobbiton, where you can take a tour of the set made famous by Frodo and friends. Located in Matamata, just 45 minutes away from Hamilton, Hobbiton is a popular attraction for international visitors.
Going blackwater rafting at Waitomo Caves. Involving careering through darkness, often in a completely enclosed section of the cave, blackwater rafting is not for the faint of heart. But for thrill seekers, a visit to the Waitomo Caves should be top of the list. Located an hour from Hamilton, with a drive through breathtakingly beautiful scenery, a day trip to Waitomo will be worth every minute.
Visiting the Classics Museum. Especially if you love cars. This is paradise for lovers of beautifully preserved and restored cars.