Hamilton Central Travel Guide

Hamilton

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

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

Explore the great outdoors at Hamilton Gardens, a lovely green space in Hamilton. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas.

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

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

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

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

ArtsPost

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at ArtsPost during your trip to Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

ArtsPost

Top hotels in Hamilton Central

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street Hamilton
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

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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 1.877.224 ₫ per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
1.877.224 ₫
2.158.808 ₫ total
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 1.430.376 ₫ per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
1.430.376 ₫
1.644.932 ₫ total
9 Feb - 10 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 4.333.238 ₫ per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
4.333.238 ₫
4.983.247 ₫ total
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! (999 reviews)
Very convenient, lovely location by the river and very friendly and helpful staff

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

Novotel Tainui Hamilton
VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street Hamilton
The price is 1.086.711 ₫ per night from 9 Feb to 10 Feb
1.086.711 ₫
1.249.718 ₫ total
9 Feb - 10 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 (1,001 reviews)
Good place nice and clean

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2026

VR Hamilton
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street Hamilton
The price is 2.585.692 ₫ per night from 13 Feb to 14 Feb
2.585.692 ₫
2.973.546 ₫ total
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! (427 reviews)
Overall, a lot of things stood out, especially the clean bathroom and how they managed to fit both a washer and dryer in it. Had kitchenette but as only staying two nights did not use as had a good choice of well priced cafes only a stones through away.

Reviewed on 23 Jan 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

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(1 area review)

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

Frankton
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Hamilton Lake

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

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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