Hamilton Central Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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


Our pick of the best Hamilton Central Hotel Deals

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street Hamilton
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$101 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
AU$101
22 Mar - 23 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this motel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions ArtsPost and Waikato Museum of Art and History are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (854 reviews)
Room was immaculate. Didnt use any amenities except room, but overall above average.

Reviewed on 8 Mar 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
The price is AU$109 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$109
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
Good central hotel to utilise in Hamilton.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 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
The price is AU$88 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$88
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and room service. Popular attractions Founders Theatre and FMG Stadium Waikato are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (458 reviews)
Staff were very friendly and the rooms are spotless. A very nice motel best so far in New Zealand

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2026

Anglesea Motel and Conference Centre
ibis Hamilton Tainui

ibis Hamilton Tainui

3.5 out of 5
18 Alma Street Hamilton
The price is AU$184 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$184
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), valet parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,008 reviews)
Air conditioning good. Bathroom.ckean but very dated and very small. Bed good. Toom small. Should be complimentary water in the fridge. Didn't use bar. Breakfast was good. Was not happy to pay for valet parking even though the valet service was good.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

ibis Hamilton Tainui
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street Hamilton
The price is AU$133 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$133
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Beds were very comfortable and rooms were clean. Staff were friendly.

Reviewed on 7 Mar 2026

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
Quest on London

Quest on London

4 out of 5
51 London Street Hamilton
The price is AU$160 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$160
18 Mar - 19 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Hamilton. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (438 reviews)
Poor check in experience, staff member didn't know what she was doing and it took ages. Car park is small, very tight and cars are up on hoists, felt the parking charge was excessive. Room was mostly clean but tired. Old single glazed windows meant the outside noise was quite loud even when closed. ...

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

Quest on London
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.

The Annual Holiday Sale

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Other neighbourhoods 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

When in Whitiora, you can plan a visit to FMG Stadium Waikato and Claudelands Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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

Fairfield might not have many top sights, but Claudelands Park and Globox Arena are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Fairfield
Aerial drone view, from Claudelands Bridge, over Hamilton City

Claudelands

4/5(30 area reviews)

While visiting Claudelands, you might make a stop by sights like Globox Arena and Claudelands Park.

Claudelands
Dusk along the Waikato River in Hamilton, New Zealand

Frankton

4.5/5(30 area reviews)

While visiting Frankton, you might make a stop by sights like FMG Stadium Waikato and Seddon Park.

Frankton
Default Image

Hamilton Lake

4/5(62 area reviews)

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(68 area reviews)

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

Hamilton East


Hamilton Central Travel Guide

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