Hamilton is one of the not-so-popular travel destinations in New Zealand. The city doesn’t have much to boast about on paper but when you actually visit it, you will come to know its real charm. From surf-friendly beaches to black sand and limestone caves to green hills, there is a lot to explore here. If you are searching for best places to visit in Hamilton then here is an all-inclusive travel guide. Check out this Hamilton travel guide to know about some of the top things to do in Hamilton:

• About Hamilton Lake: An excellent place for water-based sports such as boating, windsurfing, kayaking, paddle ship, model boats, and a range of informal activities, Hamilton Lake Domain has a great foundation. Without any doubt, it is one of the best tourist attractions in Hamilton. In the center of Hamilton, this lake also attracts activities such as fairs, kitesurfing days, family days, etc. Festival Waikato Balloon, guiding, and the like. An opulent café by the lake, Verandah Cafe is the perfect spot to sip coffee in Hamilton, New Zealand, and to enjoy magnificent views of the lake at its front.

• Skycity Hamilton: Skycity Hamilton is home to several restaurants, pubs, bowling alley, live shows, and much more, from games, casinos, food options to a wide range of entertainment alternatives. This premiere entertainment location in Hamilton NZ is located on the banks of the River Waikato, where everything enjoyment in one spot is offered. Eat Burger was elected best burger at the venue and tasting it is one of the fun things to do in Hamilton.

• Dundurn Castle: Built-in 1835, Dundurn Castle is the nearest manor home in Canada to the genuine Regency style. Comprising more than 1.700 square meters of living area and about 40 rooms, the stupendous neoclassical design and the four gigantic pillars at its main entrance are its most outstanding feature. The building was bought by the town of Hamilton in 1900 and was sorgfältigly repaired in 1855 and recognized as one of the popular tourist spots in Hamilton. The most outstanding features of a visit are the original decoration and furniture as well as history and anécdotes that the well-informed guides provide.

• Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum: The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is home to one of Canada’s greatest historical military collections and known as one of the top places to visit in Hamilton. Located on Hamilton’s International Airport, Hamilton has 47 military airliners, which range from WWI-era prop jobs to the latest jet fighters, and are, many of them completely repaired and operational. The show headliner, though, is its Avro Lancaster, one of just two WW2 bombers still capable of flying. A Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire are other uncommon aircraft, both widely known as their Battle of Britain roles.

• Hamilton’s Waterfalls: Many of the more than 100 recognized waterfalls on the Niagara Escarpment are found inside Hamilton’s city boundaries. The top tourist attractions of Hamilton are the beautiful Albion Falls which are also referred to as the lover’s leap. This waterfall is around 20 meters high where Red Hill Creek runs quickly down the steep slope and over a lot of downhill stairs that considerably add to the charm. Some of King’s Forest Park’s nicest vistas may be found.

• Bayfront Park: Hamilton’s waterfront has been the focus of an ambitious rehabilitation program throughout the past decade or so, formerly believed to be a wasteland of the industry – yet in certain sections, it still is home to heavy industry. Bayfront Park, located at the Western end of Hamilton Harbour, is key to this rejuvenation and has been converted into one of the most stunning green areas in the city from an earlier waste site. It is one of the best places to visit in Hamilton, surrounded by a network of highway pathways (including some for bicycles), connecting with another six hectares of natural space at Pier 4 Park (including the Waterfront Trail).

• Spencer Gorge Conservation Area: After a tour of the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area, it is evident why Hamilton is often called the City of Waterfalls. Although less well-known than the iconic feature of Ontario, Tew’s Falls are only a few meters shorter than Niagara Falls, which makes it the highest waterfall in Hamilton at 41 meters. Because of Canada’s damp environment, drops are best seen in the spring because they dry up often through the warmer months.

• HMCS Haida National Historic Site: During the Second World War and the Cold War the legendary cruiser, the last of the tribal class, served. Constructed in 1942, it was converted into a destroyer in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1952. In 1963, it was then shut down. And it was opened to the public at least 15 years ago. Now, while envisioning the scenes of conflict, you may explore this iconic ship. The quarters of officers and the old decks are visible. Listen carefully to the veterans who will be your volunteer guides. You’ll have a clearer idea of what transpired throughout the battle. They are far superior to history books, as they had battlefield tales in their own hands. It is one of the best places to see in Hamilton. 

• Sam Lawrence Park: On the high hills with a view over Hamilton and the shoreline, is Sam Lawrence Park. The lovely park is just a short drive from the city center. Parking is free, but public transit to reach the destination if you do not have a car. The park contains meandering roads, walks, rocky gardens, and footpaths. You may sit and relax and perhaps see Toronto from a distance during clear days. The abundance of flowers in the summer offers a photographic scene all around and it is one of the best things to do in Hamilton. The luxuriant plants make it a cool place while you roam. Interpretation signs assist you to understand the area’s history and geology.

• Devil’s Punchbowl Falls: One of the finest places in Niagara Escarpment features two cascades, the lower and the higher. It is called The Devil’s Punchbowl. The Silurian rock is also located here, and you would have to start at this place if you were traveling through Stoney Creek. The falls seem remarkable. If you are searching for some of the natural places to visit in Hamilton then you must come to this waterfall at least once in your lifetime.

• Hamilton Gardens: When it comes to New Zealand travelling, the first thing that comes to mind is dense gardens. Hamilton Gardens is one such innovative destination that boasts about its unique concept. Some of the key highlights of gardens include the Italian Renaissance Garden, Chinoiserie Garden and Victorian Flower Garden which are known for their unique style. If you are planning to visit Hamilton tourist attractions with your entire family then it is worth visiting this series of gardens.

• Waikato Museum: After taking even a small walk from ArtsPost, you will come across this magnificent museum. It was established in the year 1987 and since then visited by millions of travelers who come from different corners of the world. Some of the key features of the museum include the Waikato WWI Story exhibit, Te Winika waka and a range of science galleries especially dedicated to children. The museum features more than ten different galleries that organize events on regular basis. National Contemporary Art Award is one such function featured at this museum since the year 2000.

• Hamilton Zoo: New Zealand boasts about its unique flora and fauna and Hamilton Zoo is one such destination where you can experience unique wildlife of the country. It features more than 600 different animal species which have made their residents in local plants along with dense forest of zoo. Here you can spot several exotic animals along with an amphibian of the Nation known as Hochstetter’s frog. Follow the instructions of guide to get best out of your tour in the zoo.

• Hamilton Night Market: If you are done exploring the natural wonders of Hamilton, it’s time to indulge in its vibrant nightlife market. It is an underground market that is a must-visit destination for shopaholic people, especially during weekends. Here you can spot several local shop selling art pieces which you can consider buying as a sovereign. The market opens at 5 PM and closes at late night. In the vicinity, you can also spot several restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes made from local ingredients.

• ArtsPost Galleries: It is situated in one of the luxurious heritage buildings of Hamilton. It is a destination that promotes the creative work of artists all across the country. Here you can spot three different exhibition centers that feature amazing art collections. The gallery shop also offers a fantastic collection of arts and crafts that you can take home as a souvenir. The gallery features so many creative things that will make you stunned. No matter what your age is, this place will never make you bore.

Dine like a hobbit, Admire Waitomo’s twinkling glow-worm, Learn Raglan surfing, Hamilton Gardens, Walkthrough Zealong Tea Estate high tea experience, Visit Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain, Day at the Museum of Waikato and the Zoo Hamilton, Ride on a bike path of Waikato, Take a hot air balloon excursion in the wonderful sights, Enjoy Waikato with the adventures of Lake District is the top 10 things to do in Hamilton. 

What’s next waiting for you?

Apart from some of the popular tourist attractions of Hamilton discussed above, you will find out several other important travel destinations to explore in the city. The choice completely depends upon the amount of time you have and the way you plan your journey. If you are planning to explore the best places to visit near Hamilton then check out our New Zealand travel guide to get all details.