Title: Visit Hamilton: Best of Hamilton Tourism | Expedia Travel Guide - Expedia.ca [Hotels in Hamilton](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels.d6048121.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Vacation Rentals in Hamilton](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Vacation-Rentals.d6048121.Travel-Guide-VacationRentals)[Flights to Hamilton](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Hamilton.d6048121.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Hamilton](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Hamilton.d6048121.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Hamilton Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Hamilton.d6048121.Car-Rental-Guide)[Hamilton Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton.d6048121.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Hamilton ## Travel Guide ![New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320368/cbfda71a-3d86-4a45-988f-3cca0d216b57.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![New Zealand](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320368/cbfda71a-3d86-4a45-988f-3cca0d216b57.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hamilton Gardens featuring a pond and a bridge as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111820/fa36b28c-f739-4c81-9f4c-664e9a3061b5.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hobbiton Movie Set featuring a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6320368/58afe942-a3fd-4d9d-94dd-b11b403eb4cd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Hamilton showing a park](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048121/b81ca8c9-9f28-4375-b532-3419aee0552b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Hamilton Where to stay Things to do #### Hamilton has the appeal of a country town and the cultural attractions of a city, and is close to many of New Zealand’s popular attractions on the North Island. The stunning coast of the Coromandel and Mount Maunganui, Rotorua’s hot springs, the caves of Waitomo and Raglan’s perfect surf are all within easy reach of Hamilton. The inland city also has its own charming attractions, including gardens and museums.Even though it’s the fourth largest city in New Zealand, Hamilton has less than 150,000 residents. It’s a laid-back place with a vibrant café culture, along with a thriving art and music scene. The North Island city also has a proud sporting history centred around the rugby union team The Chiefs.Hamilton is situated along the the Waikato River, the longest river in the country. You can enjoy its jade green waters by boarding the Waikato River Explorer. This cruise will take you through Hamilton and into the countryside.Visit the Waikato Museum, with detailed displays of the area’s settler past, both Māori and European. Admire the comprehensive collection of visual art and explore science. The free Hamilton Gardens showcase a superb collection of New Zealand’s native plants and international garden designs. Hamilton is close to the deep, majestic Waitomo Caves, which are lit up by thousands of glowworms. Abseil into the caves and tube the rest during an exhilarating “black-water rafting” tour. For a calmer day out, head to leafy Cambridge, with its elegant boutique stores and cafés, or take the kids to the Kiwi House and Native Bird Park in Otorohanga or Hamilton Zoo.After seeing all the nearby highlights, explore more of the North Island’s stunning natural beauty by visiting beaches, white-capped mountains and forests with hot springs. Hamilton’s compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot. There’s also a free shuttle bus that runs a circuit of the city every 10 minutes. The climate is mild year-round, though winter nights can get very cold ### Where to stay in 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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048121/94ce94f0-4df2-4db3-9869-24bc78847870.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Hamilton Central If you're spending some time in Hamilton Central, Hamilton Centre Place and SkyCity Hamilton are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hamilton-Central.dx693039871457718272) ![Te Parapara Garden #hiking](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048121/6ac208a6-64f6-4f88-8941-8f4589f5cad7.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Hamilton East 4/5(1 area review) While visiting Hamilton East, you might make a stop by sights like Hamilton Gardens and Waikato River. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hamilton-East.dx553248635974587169) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Claudelands If you're spending some time in Claudelands, Globox Arena and Waikato River are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Claudelands.dx553248635974587250) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Frankton While visiting Frankton, you might make a stop by sights like FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Frankton.dx553248635976008248) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Hamilton Lake 4/5(2 area reviews) While Hamilton Lake isn't home to many top sights, Lake Rotoroa and SkyCity Hamilton are some notable places to visit nearby. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hamilton-Lake.dx553248635976007712) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Hillcrest If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hillcrest and surrounding area, you can visit Hamilton Gardens and Globox Arena. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hillcrest.dx693039121230950400) - Hamilton Hotel Deals - Vacation Rentals in Hamilton ![Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5970000/5960700/5960694/229d6e44_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge 16 Thackeray Street Hamilton CA $91 CA $105 total Jan 28 - Jan 29 includes taxes & fees Stay at this motel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions ArtsPost and Waikato Museum of Art and History are ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (808 reviews) The room was large with all the amenities you need. Everything was spotless and our 2 night stay was the best we have had so far. The reception staff are friendly and helpful. You can walk to plenty of bars and restaurants and we find New Zealanders to be very friendly. Highly recommended. Reviewed on Jan 19, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F01%2F2026&endDate=29%2F01%2F2026&selected=5960694&PinnedHotelID=5960694&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6048121) ![VR Hamilton](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1770000/1762900/1762825/f33a6bb7_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### VR Hamilton 237 Victoria Street Hamilton CA $63 CA $73 total Jan 28 - Jan 29 includes taxes & fees Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ... 6.6/10 (1,002 reviews) The hotel met my needs. Reviewed on Jan 15, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=28%2F01%2F2026&endDate=29%2F01%2F2026&selected=1762825&PinnedHotelID=1762825&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6048121) ![Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4480000/4478500/4478409/dbcaffd8_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center 287 Victoria Street Hamilton CA $88 CA $101 total Feb 1 - Feb 2 includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ... 7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews) Great stay overall, good location, lovely breakfast. Car parking limited and tight spots but ok. Reviewed on Jan 18, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F02%2F2026&endDate=02%2F02%2F2026&selected=4478409&PinnedHotelID=4478409&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6048121) [See all 522 properties in Hamilton](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=24%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026®ionId=6048121) 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. ![Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/860000/851300/851265/ae9e6115_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre 36 Liverpool Street Hamilton Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Founders Theatre and FMG Stadium Waikato ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (446 reviews) Clean room, large with good amenities. Close to supermarkets & the best Thai restaurant Reviewed on Jan 20, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Anglesea-Motel-And-Conference-Centre.h851265.Hotel-Information) ![Quest on London](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/5000000/4890000/4880500/4880404/1463e6e0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Quest on London 51 London Street Hamilton Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (426 reviews) Staff very friendly,clean room,comfortable King bed,walk to a lot of restaurants as it’s right in the middle of town,staff park car in elevator lift Reviewed on Jan 14, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Quest-Hamilton.h4880404.Hotel-Information) ![Avon Apartments](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102700000/102691000/102690927/c3e0ec35_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Avon Apartments 14 Avon St Hamilton Waikato Stay at this apartment in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions FMG Stadium Waikato and Founders Theatre are located ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (165 reviews) everything was really good. Reviewed on Jan 9, 2026 [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Hotels-Avon-Apartments.h102690927.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Hamilton](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6048121&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Hamilton hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048121&startDate=2026-01-23&endDate=2026-01-24)[Jan 23 - Jan 24](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048121&startDate=2026-01-23&endDate=2026-01-24) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048121&startDate=2026-01-24&endDate=2026-01-25)[Jan 24 - Jan 25](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048121&startDate=2026-01-24&endDate=2026-01-25) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048121&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026)[Jan 23 - Jan 25](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048121&startDate=23%2F01%2F2026&endDate=25%2F01%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Hamilton Gardens showing a bridge and a pond as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6111820/b6f83733-5baa-47a6-95a1-5a5d7ba79bd8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Hamilton Gardens From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of color in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Gardens-Hamilton-East.d6111820.Vacation-Attraction) ![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.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6048121/94ce94f0-4df2-4db3-9869-24bc78847870.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### 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. [](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Central-Business-District-Hamilton.d3000664945.Vacation-Attraction) #### University of Waikato Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Waikato, during your travels in Hamilton. While in this walkable area, find time to visit its spas. [](https://expedia.ca/University-Of-Waikato-Hillcrest.d6110770.Vacation-Attraction) #### SkyCity Hamilton Why not roll the dice with a visit to SkyCity Hamilton during your travels in Hamilton? Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront. [](https://expedia.ca/SkyCity-Hamilton-Hamilton-Central.d6294027.Vacation-Attraction) #### Waikato Hospital Though Waikato Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Hamilton while you are here. [](https://expedia.ca/Waikato-Hospital-Hamilton.d6249514.Vacation-Attraction) #### FMG Stadium Waikato Catch an event at FMG Stadium Waikato during your trip to Hamilton. Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront. [](https://expedia.ca/Waikato-Stadium-Frankton.d6111814.Vacation-Attraction) ### Things to do ![Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4565462/02b06aa0-3f82-4162-acfc-4545b47c3407.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience CA $119 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/raglan-sunset-canyoning-tour-and-glowworm-experience.a4565462.activity-details) ![Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4524151/595ea38e-9f80-45b3-8cef-cfa98ebdd031.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour CA $119 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/lake-karapiro-evening-kayak-glowworm-tour.a4524151.activity-details) ![Waitomo Glow Worm Caves](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1395243/22b176f5-1d78-4ae6-b313-eaabc1f15c89.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland CA $406 per adult **100%** of travellers recommend [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/small-group-hobbiton-and-waitomo-day-tour-with-lunch-from-auckland.a1395243.activity-details) ![Native Tuatara at Sanctuary Mountain](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/45276550/b23f6d9b-9bd3-43a3-aeb7-68ad48e06b58.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sanctuary Mountain (Mt Maungatautari) & Waitomo Luxury Day tour from Auckland CA $518 per adult [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/sanctuary-mountain-mt-maungatautari-waitomo-luxury-day-tour-from-auckland.a45276550.activity-details) ![Romantic tour in Hamilton](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3350731/3af913ce-340e-476f-a4cf-060a0d31684d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Romantic tour in Hamilton CA $748 per traveller [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/romantic-tour-in-hamilton.a3350731.activity-details) ![The best of Hamilton walking tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3350732/798dcd66-d645-488b-9fb3-470e86903fdf.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### The best of Hamilton walking tour CA $746 per traveller [](https://expedia.ca/things-to-do/the-best-of-hamilton-walking-tour.a3350732.activity-details) [See all activities in Hamilton](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Hamilton.d6048121.Travel-Guide-Activities) ### Other places like Hamilton - Cities near Hamilton - Places of interest [Burbush](https://expedia.ca/Burbush.dx692486188715433984) - [Hamilton Gardens ](https://expedia.ca/Hamilton-Gardens-Hamilton-East.d6111820.Vacation-Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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