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

4/5(2 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

5/5(10 reviews)

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

4.5/5(2 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(5 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

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Waikato Museum of Art and History in Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

Waikato Museum of Art and History

Top hotels in Hamilton Central

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street Hamilton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is 1.702.652 ₫ per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
1.702.652 ₫
1.958.050 ₫ total
23 Feb - 24 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! (836 reviews)
Room was perfect, clean and tidy. Great place and location great close to the Lake

Reviewed on 15 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 1.696.168 ₫ per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
1.696.168 ₫
1.950.593 ₫ 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)
Room was clean and comfortable. Staff courteous and efficient

Reviewed on 9 Feb 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 1.679.492 ₫ per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
1.679.492 ₫
1.931.416 ₫ total
2 Mar - 3 Mar
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! (452 reviews)
Clean rooms

Reviewed on 16 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 4.345.146 ₫ per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
4.345.146 ₫
4.996.941 ₫ total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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! (1,000 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
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street Hamilton
The price is 2.365.323 ₫ per night from 26 Feb to 27 Feb
2.365.323 ₫
2.720.121 ₫ total
26 Feb - 27 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! (433 reviews)
Room was fantastic

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

Quest on London
ibis Hamilton Tainui

ibis Hamilton Tainui

3.5 out of 5
18 Alma Street Hamilton
The price is 2.684.741 ₫ per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
2.684.741 ₫
3.087.452 ₫ total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Room was spotless, staff friendly and helpful

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

ibis Hamilton Tainui
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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 Claudelands Park and Globox Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fairfield
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Maeroa

While there might not be top attractions in Maeroa, you can explore the larger area and discover places like FMG Stadium Waikato and Waterworld.

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

Claudelands

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

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

Hamilton Central Travel Guide

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