Guide to Hamilton New Zealand
- Local Guide
- October 7, 2019
- 9:37 pm
- No Comments
Are you planning on traveling to Hamilton, New Zealand and need a guide on where to stay while in Hamilton, what to see and do? You’ve come to the right place.
Hamilton, also known as Kirikiriroa in Maori, is New Zealand’s largest inland city situated in the Waikato Region on the banks of the Waikato River. The city has a young, indigenous population of around 129,000.
Hamilton City has a rich history with a variety of local attractions that a visitor simply must see. There is so much to do and enjoy in Hamilton’s parks and gardens. There are extensive options for leisure, lifestyle, and numerous enjoyable activities from surfing, crawling through caves, tasting wine to following heritage trails! Let’s have a closer look at some of these intriguing opportunities.
Interesting Things to Do in Hamilton
Underground Adventure
The region’s ancient caves, including the well-known Waitomo caves, offer a unique underground adventure. A 45-minute tour shows you the wonders of the subterranean world through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You also get to enjoy a fantastic boat ride and historical commentary on the Glowworm Grotto caves’ history.
A Driving Tour of the Waikato War
This truly enchanting tour commences from Auckland to Pirongia featuring 13 major sites; 5 prominent locations complete with 3D imagery and illustrated signage. All this gives you a proper feel of what the sites actually might have looked like in the 1860s when the Waikato War was going on.
Water Activities
You can’t possibly pay a visit to the region without engaging in any type of water activity like rowing, boating, fishing, cruising, and kayaking. Kayaking can be enjoyed anywhere from the Waikato River with its hydro lakes to the peaceful Raglan Harbor. You can get offers of guided as well as self-guided packages which includes the alluring option of night-time kayaking to see glowworms!
Mokena Geyser
You discover this famous geyser at the foot of Mt Te Aroha at the rear of the Te Aroha Mineral Spa. When you first see the geyser, it looks like an ordinary body of water, but if you stay long enough (about 45 minutes), you’ll see exactly why this small mound is just so popular. In case you’re still wondering, yes, it sprouts hot soda spring water! The Te Aroha Mineral Spa is fed by the Geyser and people have been visiting the place for more than 100 years now to benefit from the water’s rejuvenating effects.
Haggas Honking Holes
This is particular adventure is great fun but is certainly not for the faint of heart. You will be flushed down the Haggas Honking hole viewing stalactites, stalagmites, famous glowworms and other astounding things. You don’t need any prior experience and all training and equipment will be supplied. It’s perfectly safe; you just have to be brave and fit!
Now that we’ve piqued your interest, you might be thinking of hopping onto a flight to Hamilton right now, but don’t quite know where to stay. Well here are the best places to stay in Hamilton, depending on your budget.
Best Places to Stay on a Budget in Hamilton
Hotel.com is a great resource that’ll help you contrast and compare where to find some of the cheapest places to stay in the city. There is a wide range of cheap Hamilton hotels starting from price offers of $23 per night. The most popular ones are as follows:
Opal Hot Springs and Holiday Park
North End Motel
Hakarimata Lodge
Kelly Rd Cambridge Lodge
Ascot Lodge Motel
Even if you just happen to be sightseeing and all you require is a basic hotel; its location will still be an important consideration. Hotel.com will provide you with all the information ranging from detailed maps to transportation options; enabling you to book hotels within your budget and close to the attractions you are aspiring to visit. So make haste and book yourself a room to enjoy all of Hamilton’s wonderful offers.
Luxurious places to Stay in Hamilton
Do you like the idea of being treated like a celebrity – being pampered by aestheticians and receiving room service with delicious culinary creations? If your answer is yes, then you’ll be glad to know that there are some luxurious accommodation options for you in Hamilton. Here’s a look at Hamilton hotels and their star ratings to know the best places to book.
5 Star hotels: Quantum Lodge Motor Inn, Huntington Stables Retreat Accommodation.
4 Star hotels: Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge, Novotel Tainui Hamilton, VR Hamilton, Camelot on Ulster.
3 Star hotels: Ibis Hamilton Tainui, Sails Motor Inn, Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton.
2 Star hotels: Manhattan Lodge Motel, Park Lodge Motel, Uni Motel.
Weirdest Places to Stay in Hamilton
Perhaps you’d rather stay at some out-of-the-way place while in Hamilton. Here are some of the more exciting places you can opt for.
Underhill Valley Earthhouse
Chattan Farm, Bay of Plenty
Kahikatea Farm, Bay of Plenty
Kauri tree hut, Kaipara
Best Way to Travel Around Hamilton on a Budget
Now that you’ve got a place to stay, and have things to do, how do you get around the city?
If you want to travel by train resort to the “Go System” for the entire western side of Lake Ontario.
For the bus service, there’s the Greyhound, InterCity, Nakedbus and the Megabus available.
For highway travel, there’s Community CarShare, Autoshare, and Kangaride.
Cheapest Way to Get to Hamilton
You’re almost ready now! All that’s left is to book your flight. Compare airlines and ticket prices at Skyscanner and discover flights with the cheapest fares. Make your selection from a variety of airlines including Qantas, Emirates, and Air New Zealand.
Hamilton - A City to Remember
Visiting Hamilton will definitely be an exciting experience with its natural beauty and its breath-taking location on the famous Waikato River. The city gives you an easy, comfortable lifestyle with short traveling times around the city. The whole atmosphere is relatively relaxed and secure. You get all you want here, whether it’s just a day out on the beach, touring the Waikato War ruins, or just partying it up in the vibrant city!
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