Intro

Hamilton

The city of Hamilton gets a bad name among most Aucklanders but if you want to do something different one weekend why not check it out. Hamilton is one of the fastest growing places in NZ and has a large University population. And what do students do best? They party - so get a crew together and head to Hamilton and check it out. On another note Hamilton is a pretty nice place, nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, with excellent cafes and gardens.

Many people will pass through Hamilton on their way somewhere else but don't discount this city as a destination in its own right. For those of you in Auckland an excursion to Hamilton is not your typical weekend away, but if you are looking for a different and fun place to go out on the town, then give it ago. A trip to Hamilton could easily be combined with a mission to Raglan. Maybe Friday night in Hamilton and Saturday in Raglan. Two great contrasts.
 
Highlights

• Lots of bars.
• Lots of drunk students!
• Hamilton gardens.
• Waikato River.

Travel times:

It is just over 1.5 hours to Hamilton from Auckland.

Travel Tips

Accommodation

Hamilton is not overly well set up for backpacking visitors but J's Backpackers is in a pretty good spot close to the river and the Hamilton gardens. You could walk to town from here. There are also a number of commercial camping grounds.

Food and drink

Hamilton is NZ's fourth biggest city so you wont have a problem finding things to eat and drink. For a more comprehensive list of drinking options check out the What to DO section.

What to DO

Hamilton is not really know as a tourist destination but it is still a good place to visit. Here are a few suggestions of things to do:

Options

There are plenty of bars and clubs in Hamilton so you will be able to find your own fun. Here's a couple to get you started:

• Head down to the river and check out the Hamilton Gardens area - lots of open spaces, trees, duck ponds and some pretty impressive gardens. No joke the themed gardens are actually quite interesting. The Japanese one is pretty sweet, as is the Chinese and the Italian. The American one is well kind of strange ;).
• You can hire canoes and paddle on the Waikato River or grab a bike and go for a ride.
• For something completely different you could try hot air ballooning. This is popular in Hamilton and although expensive balloons can hold up to 10 people which helps to keep costs down.
• Hamilton itself is littered with good cafes and has some pretty good shops too.

Hitting the town

Students from Auckland will often head down to Hamilton for a change of scene. This University town has lots of bars and clubs and can get pretty hectic. Everything is pretty well centrally located so head to the corner of Hood and Victoria Street and you will find:

• The Outback Inn - popular with the younger crowd. Big place often with drink specials and a long queue.
• Bar101 - always popular with the students.
• The Bank - slightly older crowd and where the rugby boys tend to hang out.
• Altitude - an upstairs night club. Sometimes has bands.
• CBD Corner Pub - a good place to meet for a drink, which can pick up later on.
• Bahama Hut
• Diggers Bar
   

Note: Unfortunately The Hillcrest Tavern, otherwise known as the "Hilly" has been down graded in size. This was the classic student pub. RIP. 

 

GO (further)

What is next?

• While you are here go and check out Raglan - it is just down the road.
• Or if you have more time head further south to Kawhia.
   

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