Hamilton

Hamilton Gardens is a must-visit, with its stunning themed gardens and exhibitions. The Waikato Museum is also worth checking out, as it features a range of exhibits including art, science, and social history. Another popular attraction is the Hamilton Zoo, where you can see a range of native and exotic animals. For the adventure seekers, a visit to the Waitomo Caves is a must-do, where you can take a guided tour through the underground caves and see the famous glowworms.

Hamilton has a range of outdoor activities to suit all levels of fitness and interests. For a leisurely walk, the Hamilton Lake Domain is a beautiful spot to take a stroll or have a picnic. For those who enjoy hiking, there are several trails in the nearby Pirongia Forest Park. If you're looking for something more adventurous, skydiving, bungee jumping, and ziplining are all available in the area. For water activities, kayaking down the Waikato River is a popular option.

The best time to visit Hamilton is during the summer months (December-February), when the weather is warmer and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events to enjoy. However, the shoulder seasons of spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) are also great times to visit, as the weather is still pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Winter (June-August) can be quite chilly, but it is still possible to enjoy indoor activities such as visiting museums and galleries.

For fine dining, Palate and Victoria Street Bistro are both highly recommended. If you're looking for something more casual, Gothenburg and Scotts Epicurean are great options for brunch or lunch. For dinner, Chim Choo Ree and Hayes Common are both popular choices. For a sweet treat, stop by Duck Island Ice Cream or the Donut Express.

The Novotel Tainui Hamilton is a popular choice for those who want to stay in the heart of the city. For something more boutique, the Sudima Hamilton is a great option, with its stylish decor and central location. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the VR Hamilton and the Microtel are both highly rated. For those who want to be surrounded by nature, the Hamilton Zoo offers glamping tents for a unique experience.

The best way to get around Hamilton is by car, as public transportation is limited. There are several car rental companies available in the city, and you can also rent a bike to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Taxis and Uber are also available, but they can be expensive if you need to travel long distances.

For a unique experience, take a day trip to Hobbiton, the movie set used for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. The Waitomo Caves are also a popular day trip from Hamilton, where you can see the glowworms and take a guided tour through the underground caves. Rotorua is another popular destination, with its geothermal activity and cultural attractions. The Coromandel Peninsula is also worth exploring, with its stunning beaches and forests.

The Balloons over Waikato festival in March is a must-see, with its hot air balloons and carnival atmosphere. The Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival in February is also highly recommended, with its range of performances and exhibitions. The Fieldays agricultural show in June is a popular event for those interested in farming and agriculture. The Waikato Show in April and the Christmas in the Park event in December are also worth checking out.

For boutique shopping, the Victoria Street area is a great place to start, with its range of local and international designers. The Chartwell Shopping Centre is also popular, with its range of stores and restaurants. The Base is another popular shopping destination, with its range of outlet stores and entertainment options.

The Waikato Museum is the largest museum in the city, with its range of exhibits including art, science, and social history. The Classics Museum is also worth checking out, with its range of classic cars and motorcycles. For a unique experience, visit the Riff Raff statue in the city center, which is a tribute to the Rocky Horror Picture Show.