Journey to the heart of New Zealand’s fountain of youth and largest inland city – Hamilton. A wonderful city set on the banks of the mighty Waikato River; Hamilton continues to shine through as one of the country’s most beautiful municipalities – winning the award in 2020. Once a highly decorated agricultural settlement has now blossomed into one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities and a fantastic holiday destination from Auckland. Featuring an events list as long as the stately Waikato River, Hamilton stands tall as the land of opportunity and the gateway to life on the North Island.
Experience life in the big smoke or discover the vast expanses of New Zealand’s sparkling Waikato region all within reach in your Hertz rental car. Affordable yet memorable, explore the country’s green thumb on the adventure of a lifetime from Hamilton Airport.
Explore the Ins and Outs of Hamilton in your rental car
The underlying beauty of New Zealand’s fourth largest city is palpable the second you grace its lavish lands. Bathe in the majesty of Hamilton’s verdancy and dazzling cityscape with a short drive to the award-winning – Hamilton Gardens. A historical masterpiece, explore the ornamental-themed gardens that have helped place Hamilton on the world map, earning the title of the international garden of the year in 2014. Four incredible garden collections elucidate the cultural and contextual meanings of countless civilisations over the last 4,000 years, with over 25 awe-inspiring themes to uncover. Experience the evolution of civilisation meticulously told through the art of horticulture.
Connecting with Hamilton Gardens to the south is the ever-popular Hamilton City River Walk. Soak up the splendour of Hamilton’s iridescent Waikato River and alluring riparian flora on a scenic stroll along the river. Walking, running, or cycling along the serene river path is one of Hamilton’s most underrated free activities. Other great walks include – Hamilton Lake Domain, Taitua Arboretum, Jubilee Park, Hakarimata Summit Walk and the Kauri Loop Track.
For a taste of Hamilton’s humble beginnings, head to the Waikato Museum at the southern end of Victoria Street. Adjacent to Hamilton’s iconic Riff Raff Statue (from the Rocky Horror Picture Show), the Waikato Museum is home to a wealth of significant Māori and Waikato heritage featuring over 38,000 historical artefacts. Immerse yourself in the culture, art and stories that helped shape this great nation from European settlement to life today through a range of wonderful provisional and permanent exhibitions.
Connect with mother nature on a spellbinding wildlife experience at Sanctuary Mountain. Just under an hour’s drive from Hamilton in your rental car, the eco-sanctuary houses many of New Zealand’s endangered bird species, plants, and the iconic Tuatara. An essential part of New Zealand’s relentless conservation efforts, the sanctuary presents a fantastic opportunity to spot some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable species in their natural habitat. Journey at your own pace through the enclosure or join a guided tour for a more defined wildlife experience.
Explore New Zealand’s North Island and Beyond in your rental car
Hamilton proudly stands as the gateway to greener pastures and New Zealand’s all-encompassing North Island. After seeing the sights in and around town, hit cruise control on your rental car and traverse to Middle Earth at the wonderfully wild – Hobbiton. Delve into the mystical realm of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies on an enchanting tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Experience life as it was on Middle Earth with a guided tour of the 12-acre movie set, including the Hobbit Holes on Bag End, the Mill, Double Arched Bridge, and a complimentary drink from the legendary Green Dragon Inn.
Chock-full of action-packed adventures gaze in awe at the beauty of mother nature’s essence, a sea of bioluminescent glow worms illuminating the Waitomo Caves on an exhilarating boat ride underground. Explore sections of the Waitomo Caves by foot and guided boat tour with the glow worms, your only source of natural light. Aim to take things up a notch with the option to go abseiling, ziplining or black water rafting through the darkness at the eerie Ruakuri Cave.
New Zealand’s North Island presents a bounty of treasures. From the bubbling hot springs of Rotorua’s Waiotapu to one the world’s highest flowing waterfalls – Huka Falls. Bungee jumping from Sky Tower in Auckland or a walk on the wild side on the Historic Walkway at Karangahake Gorge.
With a plethora of breathtaking attractions at your disposal, Hamilton is just the start. As the gateway to Auckland and the encompassing North Island, jet set off into the wilderness and discover everything this great country has to offer in your trusty Hertz rental car.
