Hamilton Central

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

From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of colour in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise.

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 walkable 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 travels in Hamilton? Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

SkyCity Hamilton

Hamilton Centre Place

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Hamilton Centre Place during your visit to Hamilton. Visit the area's spas or amble around its riverfront.

Hamilton Centre Place

ArtsPost

You can spend time exploring the galleries in ArtsPost during your travels in Hamilton. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the spas in the area.

ArtsPost

Things to do

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience

P5,239
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Raglan: Sunset Canyoning Tour and Glowworm Experience
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour

P5,239
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour
Escape Room Experience Area 54

Escape Room Experience Area 54

P1,055
per adult
Escape Room Experience Area 54
The best of Hamilton walking tour

The best of Hamilton Private walking tour

P125,548
per adult
The best of Hamilton Private walking tour
Romantic tour in Hamilton

Romantic Private tour in Hamilton

P123,241
per adult
Romantic Private tour in Hamilton
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise

P5,168
per adult
Cambridge, Matamata, Waitomo: 1-Hour Ecological River Cruise
See all activities in Hamilton

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 WiFi, room service, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions ArtsPost and Waikato Museum of Art and History are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (817 reviews)
Very clean and tidy. Great spa bath Have everything we needed. Easy check-in and check-out process

Reviewed on Feb 2, 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 P4,235 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P4,235
P4,871 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
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! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay overall, good location, lovely breakfast. Car parking limited and tight spots but ok.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 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 P3,227 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
P3,227
P3,711 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
includes taxes & fees
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! (448 reviews)
clean and modern nice place

Reviewed on Feb 1, 2026

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

4.5 out of 5
7 Alma Street Hamilton
The price is P9,777 per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
P9,777
P11,243 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
Very convenient, lovely location by the river and very friendly and helpful staff

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

Novotel Tainui Hamilton
VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street Hamilton
The price is P2,452 per night from Feb 9 to Feb 10
P2,452
P2,820 total
Feb 9 - Feb 10
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 (1,004 reviews)
Good place nice and clean

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2026

VR Hamilton
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street Hamilton
The price is P5,834 per night from Feb 13 to Feb 14
P5,834
P6,709 total
Feb 13 - Feb 14
includes taxes & fees
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! (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 Jan 23, 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

While Whitiora isn't home to many top sights, FMG Stadium Waikato and Hamilton Centre Place are some notable places to visit nearby.

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

While Fairfield might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Globox Arena and Claudelands Park.

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

Claudelands

If you're spending some time in Claudelands, Globox Arena and Waikato River are top sights worth seeing.

Claudelands
Dusk along the Waikato River in Hamilton, New Zealand

Frankton

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