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 color 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

$86
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

$86
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Lake Karapiro: Evening Kayak Glowworm Tour
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves

Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland

$293
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Small-Group Hobbiton and Waitomo Day Tour with Lunch from Auckland
See all activities in Hamilton

Hamilton Central Hotel Deals

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street Hamilton
$56 nightly
The price is $65 total per night from Feb 8 to Feb 9
$65 total
Feb 8 - Feb 9
Total with taxes and fees
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! (811 reviews)
The room........a Studio...... was very roomy and beautifuly clean Large Bed was super comfortable and spotlessly clean. Proprietors were very pleasant and helpful. Very reasonably priced.

Reviewed on Jan 28, 2026

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
$81 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Feb 17 to Feb 18
$93 total
Feb 17 - Feb 18
Total with taxes and 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
$55 nightly
The price is $63 total per night from Feb 3 to Feb 4
$63 total
Feb 3 - Feb 4
Total with taxes and 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! (447 reviews)
Room was immaculate

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2026

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

4.5 out of 5
7 Alma Street Hamilton
$162 nightly
The price is $186 total per night from Feb 6 to Feb 7
$186 total
Feb 6 - Feb 7
Total with taxes and 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! (998 reviews)
Friendly staff at the front counter and bar. Nice clean room and comfortable bed. Parking is limited so we had to wait for a spot to open up.

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2026

Novotel Tainui Hamilton
VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street Hamilton
$42 nightly
The price is $49 total per night from Feb 4 to Feb 5
$49 total
Feb 4 - Feb 5
Total with taxes and 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
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street Hamilton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$90 nightly
The price is $104 total per night from Feb 22 to Feb 23
$104 total
Feb 22 - Feb 23
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Handy to restaurants

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2026

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
See all 307 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 neighborhoods 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

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

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

4/5(1 area review)

While visiting Hamilton East, you might make a stop by sights like Hamilton Gardens and Waikato River.

Hamilton East
See our Where To Stay guide

Hamilton Central

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