10 things to do in Hamilton that won't break the bank
10 things to do in Hamilton that won't break the bank
Hamilton is the North Island's coolest little city. Its beautiful riverside location in the Waikato Region allows visitors to enjoy its quaint culture and the nearby beaches, trails and caves all in just a few days.
It's really easy to travel the city and its surroundings by car – with gardens, walks and nearby natural beauty just waiting to be explored. What's more, did you know that so many of Hamilton's best sights are completely free – so you won't have to spend a penny.
Tailor your trip by renting a car in Hamilton and maximise everything the city has to offer. By choosing a rental car you have the freedom to jump in the driver's seat and cruise to some of the region's most stunning locations – including New Zealand's largest shopping mall...
1. Riverside Walkway
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 17 mins/17km
See the waters of the Waikato River by taking to the city's Riverside Walkway, an 11-km-long boardwalk of pretty bush trails, parks and houses. You can drive out to nearby car parks (which have access to the walkway) and spend the day absorbing the refreshing air of the river and its natural surroundings. The walkway also has a number of awesome spots for picnics, so bring your sandwiches!
2. Waikato Museum
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 7 mins/3.1km
The Waikato Museum is one of the city's most dynamic cultural spots. The museum features tales of its colonial past and some quirkier stories, including a whole exhibition on why Hamilton is the dairy capital of New Zealand. With ever-changing exhibitions about Maori history and art, the museum is not only a must-see in Hamilton, but it's also completely free!
3. Hamilton Gardens
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 8 mins/5.9km
More than 50 hectares of Hamilton's city centre are dedicated to the beautiful and peaceful Hamilton Gardens. The International Garden of the Year has four themed gardens that take you through different worlds using an array of magnificent flora. The gardens include New Zealand's first and only traditional Maori Garden, Te Parapara, which features Maori materials and showcases ceremonies and practices from local Maori tribes. You can also travel the world by visiting the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, the Italian Renaissance Garden, the Indian Char Bagh Garden, the English Flower Garden and the Chinese Scholar's Garden. Entry is free and you will need a few hours to explore the grounds, and contemplate...
4. Victoria Street
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 6 mins/3.1km
Head to Victoria Street to find some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, including the Victoria Street Bistro, which has won many awards for its cuisine. Speights Ale House and the Local Taphouse are also popular cosy pubs serving local New Zealand-made craft beers alongside a casual bite to eat – New Zealand style. This lively street usually gets pretty busy on the weekends, and after hours clubbing is also an option when the bars have closed.
5. City parks
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: Garden Place: 7 mins/2.9km, Hamilton Lake Domain: 2 mins/1km
Hamilton is known for its many green spaces throughout the city. Spend some time relaxing at the calming water features of Garden Place and its many eateries and bars. And in just a two minute drive from our Hamilton branch you will reach the edges of Lake Rotorua, and the beautiful Hamilton Lake Domain. One of the most pristine and beautiful parks in the city, the park offers uninterrupted views of the lake and a chance to get outdoors with some recreational activities,including windsurfing, canoeing and paddle boats.
6. Te Awa @ The Base (Shopping Mall)
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 14 mins/3.5km
Hamilton has a great shopping scene, with many affordable vintage and op shops offering some take-home bargains and excellent window shopping opportunities. The Base and Te Awa indoor shopping mall is the biggest mall in New Zealand - with 36 food outlets and 183 retail stories. This innovative award-winning centre features some original carved poles (pou) that represent traditional guardianship, as well as plenty of food, dining and entertainment spots. It also has 3,000 FREE parking spaces, and is a great place to wander and window shop on a chilly NZ day.
7. Hamilton Farmers' Market
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 14 mins/3.5km
Every Sunday morning Claudelands comes alive with fresh produce and locally-made goods at the Hamilton Farmers' Market. Spend a relaxing Sunday (between 8am and 12pm) wandering around the stalls and grabbing a bite to eat from local food trucks. The market is entirely indoors so is open all-year round, and offers local vendors, events, live music and places to sit and devour your food. It's also the best place in Hamilton to try some awesome New Zealand fruit and veggies!
8. Raglan
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 37 mins/43km
Drive just under 40 minutes outside of the city and you will reach the beautiful beaches of Raglan. Known as the “Jewel of Waikato”, Raglan is the laidback cousin of nearby Hamilton – with an amazing selection of coffee-serving cafes to fulfil every caffeine fix. You can also extend your relaxing to the shorelines of New Zealand, with sunbather-ready beaches at Raglan Domain and Ngarunui Beach – both of which are also ideal for swimming. Surfers can enjoy the wild waves of the coast, adrenaline-seekers can try some sea kayaking and those that prefer to take it easy can simply soak up the town's quaint seaside atmosphere.
9. Pirongia Forest Park
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 1 hr 13 mins/61km
Experience the wild volcanic terrain around Hamilton by visiting the Pirongia Forest Park. The bush here actually covers over an ancient volcano, and is the perfect place for a day of hiking. You can choose from a range of trails from more difficult ascents to easy short walks. There are also overnight tracks to Mt. Pirongia, a stunning peak with a hut for sleeping near the summit that makes for impressive views and some uniquely Kiwi accommodation. A more unusual 2-hour trek takes into the Kaniwhaniwha Caves, two small caves that do require crawling... Make sure you bring your torch!
10. ArtsPost
Distance from Rite Price Rentals Hamilton: 8 mins/2.8km
Discover some of the city's most compelling art at this contemporary art gallery and shop located on Hamilton's popular Victoria Street. Housed in a heritage post office, ArtsPost has a strong emphasis on local art, prints, glass and features a variety of work from Hamilton and New Zealand artists. The exhibitions are always changing, and entry is free to the post's three galleries and shop.
Don't miss any of these amazing sights by choosing a car rental with Rite Price Rentals. As the number one car rental company in Hamilton, Rite Price Rentals offers some of the best car hire prices in New Zealand. Book your NZ car hire today and make Hamilton happen!
