Located approximately 130km south of Auckland, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city, situated on the banks of the Waikato River. Hamilton has a vibrant centre and cultural mix perfect to experience the quintessential Kiwi lifestyle. Hamilton is also an ideal base from which to explore the Waikato region in your rental car. Hit the road to experience some of these great attractions or head further a field on a road trip.
Hamilton Attractions
Hamilton’s location at the centre of the Waikato region makes it a gateway to the region and provides easy access to many iconic attractions. You can get up close and personal with the Waikato River, visit the Waikato Museum and explore the interactive centre and take in “Never a Dull Moment”, an exhibition which showcases the best of Hamilton’s stories from the past. Consider taking a picnic to Hamilton Gardens with its wide range of themed gardens and open spaces including picturesque Turtle Lake.
Hamilton Road Trips
About 25 minutes northwest of the city is the township of Cambridge. Here you can walk the historic and boutique trails set within heritage buildings and discover the hidden treasure of Lake Te Ko Utu. Drive 15 minutes to Maungatautari, a mountain sanctuary for native wildlife, now a beautiful home for reintroduced kiwi native birds. On the way to Maungatautari Ecological Island you will pass the beautiful Lake Karapiro, an international water sports venue.
Head 30 minutes north of Cambridge and there you’ll find Te Awamutu. The home of the world-renowned Rose Gardens, you can walk from the Sculpture Park to the Memorial Park to enjoy the spectacular outdoor setting or take a 90-minute walk around Lake Ngaroto, a stunning natural wetland area.
Drop by at Morrinsville, a one hour drive from Te Awamutu. Situated between Kaimai Ranges and the Waikato River, its rolling terrain reputedly provides some of the best farmland in New Zealand. Aside from a good cup of coffee, Morrinsville offers a variety of walks along the river or around the town. Then drive for 35 minutes to arrive at Matamata. Matamata is well known for its thoroughbred industry, dairy farming, and historic Firth Tower Museum. The Kaimai Ranges make a stunning backdrop to the town. Here you can enjoy a range of activities such as bush walking, hunting, 4×4 driving, and mountain biking, or gliding at the world’s renowned Waharoa Airfield.
When you visit this region don’t forget Putaruru, a 30-minute drive from Morrinsville. Check out Putaruru Water Park or go fishing in Putaruru’s more than 20 trout packed rivers. Take a drive to Te Waotu to see the robins or to Arapuni to cross the swing bridge.
These are just a few places of interest in the vicinity of Hamilton. It is a superb location from which to explore the central North Island in your rental car.
Hamilton Travel
Getting around Hamilton is easy with a rental car and there are plenty of options for you to choose from.
New Zealand Rent A Car has car rental locations throughout New Zealand and the North Island, including a handy Hamilton car rental depot, offering a wide range of reliable affordable rental cars to suit all budgets.
