Hamilton Central Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

The Waikato River flowing through central Hamilton
The Waikato River flowing through central Hamilton
I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.
It's just a jump to the left...and then a step to your right. Tucked away off Victoria Street, you'll find the unlikely statue of Riff Raff from The Rocky Horror Picture Show in downtown Hamilton. Apparently it's creator, Richard O'Brien, lived and cut hair here in the spot of the now gone Embassy Theatre, which housed the Late Night Double Feature Picture Show. It's astounding!
Waikato featuring fishing and a lake or waterhole

Popular places to visit

I would not usually consider a garden a must-see experience, but I am really glad a local told us to visit Hamilton Gardens. The experience of wandering through a maze of hedges that open into perfectly cultivated gardens plucked complete from other countries and other eras was quite possibly the closest I will ever come to feeling like Alice in Wonderland come to life. You never know what magical sight waits around the next bend in the path.

Hamilton Central Business District

3.5/5(197 reviews)

Hamilton Central Business District is just one of the places to see in Hamilton, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the riverfront or visit the casinos in the area.

Hamilton Central Business District
Hamilton Gardens showing a bridge and a pond as well as a small group of people

Hamilton Gardens

4.5/5(223 reviews)

This man-made paradise offers everything from the peaceful tranquillity of the Japanese Zen Gardens to the lively Indian Char Bagh Gardens.

Hamilton Gardens
the closeup image of auckland new zealand temple. A temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple

4/5(6 reviews)

Find out about the history of Hamilton when you take a trip to Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple. While in this relaxing area, find time to visit its spas.

Hamilton New Zealand LDS Temple

SkyCity Hamilton

4/5(119 reviews)

Why not roll the dice with a visit to SkyCity Hamilton during your visit to Hamilton? Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

SkyCity Hamilton

Hamilton Centre Place

4/5(241 reviews)

You can enjoy retail therapy at Hamilton Centre Place during your stay in Hamilton. Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

Hamilton Centre Place

Waikato Museum of Art and History

With over 3,000 exhibits, this outstanding collection of art and history teaches visitors about the regions rich Māori history.

Waikato Museum of Art and History

Activities

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

NZ$149
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience
Escape Room Experience Area 54

Escape Room Experience Area 54

NZ$30
per adult
Escape Room Experience Area 54
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

NZ$149
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour
See all activities in Hamilton

Our pick of the best Hamilton Central Hotel Deals

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street Hamilton
The price is NZ$105 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$105
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions ArtsPost and Waikato Museum of Art and History are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (823 reviews)
The size of the room was HUGE. The best bathroom on my trip. A EV charging station.

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

3.5 out of 5
287 Victoria Street Hamilton
The price is NZ$138 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$138
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay overall, good location, lovely breakfast. Car parking limited and tight spots but ok.

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre

4.5 out of 5
36 Liverpool Street Hamilton
The price is NZ$117 per night from 16 Feb to 17 Feb
NZ$117
16 Feb - 17 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Founders Theatre and FMG Stadium Waikato are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (448 reviews)
clean and modern nice place

Reviewed on 1 Feb 2026

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

4.5 out of 5
7 Alma Street Hamilton
The price is NZ$319 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
NZ$319
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Really nice hotel in Hamilton. The room was very clean and comfortable, and the staff were great. Within walking distance of lots of great restaurants. Our only complaint was the parking -- we were unable to use any of the parking spots allocated to the hotel, and instead had to find street parking ...

Reviewed on 9 Feb 2026

Novotel Tainui Hamilton
VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street Hamilton
The price is NZ$82 per night from 12 Feb to 13 Feb
NZ$82
12 Feb - 13 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
6.6/10 (1,004 reviews)
Fridge needing defrosting

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

VR Hamilton
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street Hamilton
The price is NZ$190 per night from 13 Feb to 14 Feb
NZ$190
13 Feb - 14 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (429 reviews)
Staff was great, Really comfortable bed

Reviewed on 5 Feb 2026

Quest on London
See all 302 properties in Hamilton Central
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Hamilton Central

Aerial drone panoramic view looking at Whitiora Bridge over the Waikato River as it cuts through the city of Hamilton, in the Waikato region of New Zealand

Whitiora

When in Whitiora, you can plan a visit to FMG Stadium Waikato and Hamilton Centre Place, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Whitiora
Seamless 360 degree aerial drone panoramic view over the city of Hamilton, captured over the Waikato River in Fairfield, in the Waikato region of New Zealand.

Fairfield

Fairfield might not have many top sights, but Globox Arena and Claudelands Park are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fairfield
Aerial drone view, from Claudelands Bridge, over Hamilton City

Claudelands

4/5(30 area reviews)

While visiting Claudelands, you might make a stop by sights like Globox Arena and Waikato River.

Claudelands
Dusk along the Waikato River in Hamilton, New Zealand

Frankton

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

While visiting Frankton, you might make a stop by sights like FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park.

Frankton
Default Image

Hamilton Lake

4/5(62 area reviews)

While Hamilton Lake isn't home to many top sights, Lake Rotoroa and SkyCity Hamilton are some notable places to visit nearby.

Hamilton Lake
Te Parapara Garden #hiking

Hamilton East

4/5(68 area reviews)

While visiting Hamilton East, you might make a stop by sights like Hamilton Gardens and Waikato River.

Hamilton East

Hamilton Central Travel Guide

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