Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Hamilton & Waikato Region, North Island

November 11, 2021 Phylicia Berquist

Discover the best top things to do in Hamilton & Waikato Region, New Zealand including Hamilton Gardens, Ruakuri Walk, Te Aroha i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Blue Spring, Hamilton Zoo, Alphra Lavenders, Maungakawa Scenic Reserve, Caveworld, Cambridge Farmers' Market, Swim Zone Te Aroha.
Restaurants in Hamilton & Waikato Region

1. Hamilton Gardens

Hungerford Crescent Cobham Drive, Hamilton 3216 New Zealand +64 7-838 6782 [email protected] http://www.hamiltongardens.co.nz
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,439 reviews

Hamilton Gardens

Explore an enchanting world of secret gardens. Transport yourself through time and to far-flung corners of the world. Meander through a lush tropical jungle, visit ancient China and indulge yourself in a Renaissance Prince's 16th century garden. Five garden collections have been created to delight the senses, with some garden concepts reaching back 4,000 years. Hamilton Gardens is a conceptual garden based in the Waikato that explores the context, history and meaning of gardens through time, and from around the world. It is internationally recognised for its unique concept and is the Waikato region's most popular tourist destination. Only five minutes drive from Hamilton's CBD, the Gardens is open 7 days a week during daylight hours and entry and parking is free. Access is off SH1, alongside Cobham Drive on the southern side of Hamilton.

Reviewed By Adamc7651

The gardens are a good activity to do for the whole family! Our friends and family enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and stunning gardens

2. Ruakuri Walk

Off Tumutumu Road, Waitomo Caves New Zealand +64 7-878 1050 [email protected] http://www.doc.govt.nz/link/3ec5bcbedf2d40f1bd345485931cb14b.aspx
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 374 reviews

Ruakuri Walk

Always check the website for changes that might affect your trip.

Reviewed By Lula444 - London, United Kingdom

Lovey short walk through beautiful forest with a couple of viewing decks - very well maintained paths, lots of steps

3. Te Aroha i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

102 Whitaker Street, Te Aroha 3320 New Zealand +64 7-884 8052 [email protected] http://www.tearohanz.co.nz
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 42 reviews

Te Aroha i-SITE Visitor Information Centre

Visit us and discover Te Aroha's rich history when 'taking the waters' was a fashionable pastime and a cure for everything. After a day walking the hills, cycling the Hauraki Rail Trail or simply relaxing in a hot mineral pool, we can help find the accommodation that best suits you, be it backpackers, motel, country cottage or luxury villa. And we can recommend somewhere to eat, book a massage and tell you 'what's on' in town. Let us help you make your stay the very best time ever. Visit us for expert local knowledge and a FREE booking service for accommodation, activities and transport - nationwide.

Reviewed By BrianMc43 - Auckland, New Zealand

The ladies here were really greatly helpful. Gave us good accurate info and even booked our mineral bath for us. Wonderful service.

4. Blue Spring

Leslie Road, Putaruru 3483 New Zealand http://www.hamiltonwaikato.com/experiences/walking-hiking-trails/blue-spring-te-waihou-walkway
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 55 reviews

Blue Spring

Reviewed By 83nikk - Auckland Central, New Zealand

I've driven past here so many times and never stopped, I'm so glad we finally did. There are 2 entrances, one is a 15 min walk and the other 1.5 hours - so make sure you get the right one. Beautiful river and springs, hopefully the sun ☀️ is shining when you visit to make the crystal clear water really glow.

5. Hamilton Zoo

183 Brymer Road, Hamilton 3289 New Zealand +64 7-838 6720 [email protected] http://hamiltonzoo.co.nz
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 842 reviews

Hamilton Zoo

The North Island's largest Zoo is home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings

Reviewed By gaysie2013 - Braidwood, Australia

Loved this zoo So clean and well maintained The animals have large enclosures and look healthy and happy Highly recommend

6. Alphra Lavenders

169 Brotherhood Road Rd5, Te Awamutu 3875 New Zealand +64 7-870 3212 http://www.alphralavender.co.nz/
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 37 reviews

Alphra Lavenders

Reviewed By NaliniG127

We enjoyed visiting this lavender farm. The owners were really friendly and even gave us a quick tour/info session. There are also a wide range of high quality lavender based products on sale at a very reasonable price. We were pleasantly surprised that there was no entry fee. It was worth the 40 minute drive from Hamilton.

7. Maungakawa Scenic Reserve

Maungakawa Rd, Cambridge 3496 New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-visit/waikato/waikato/maungakawa-scenic-reserve/
Excellent
48%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Maungakawa Scenic Reserve

Reviewed By 642ChrisW - Hamilton, New Zealand

If you love God's beautiful planet creation then you'll absolutely love this place, with it's natural beauty, charm, peace and tranquility. So natural and unspoilt by humans!

8. Caveworld

23 Waitomo Village Rd, Waitomo Caves New Zealand +64 7-878 6577 [email protected] http://www.caveworld.co.nz/tubeit
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 452 reviews

Caveworld

Caveworld offer two fantastic tours with the aim to create memorable caving and glowworm experiences for all our customers. Either choose our fun-filled black water rafting adventure Tube It, or bring your family and friends along and join our Footwhistle Glowworm Cave Tour, a relaxed one hour guided walk down through glowworm displays and formations. We are A family-run, locally owned and operated business, Cave World specialises in providing the personal and professional touch on our authentic Waitomo tours, with over 10,000 satisfied visitors experiencing our unique piece of New Zealand each year.

Reviewed By Paradise33065083454

The Footwhistle Cave is owned by a local family and is an excellent tour as well as being exceptional value for money. We were met at Waitomo Village by Ross (the Boss) and taken by van to the cave on private property. This is a very safe and educational tour with thousands of glow worms and a very good spoken history from Ross. The tour is followed by a refreshing cup of freshly brewed Kawakawa tea. We took three children with us and they thoroughly enjoyed the tour. I recommend it.

9. Cambridge Farmers' Market

Victoria Square, Cambridge New Zealand
Excellent
43%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 74 reviews

Cambridge Farmers' Market

Reviewed By 775gilvray - Cambridge, New Zealand

food....yummy food. great coffee... excellent cornish pasties.... fresh vegies...salmon and meat is top of the range and the saurcrout is just delicious.

10. Swim Zone Te Aroha

Off Boundary St Te Aroha Domain, Te Aroha 3320 New Zealand +64 7-884 4498 http://www.swimzonepools.co.nz
Excellent
57%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

Swim Zone Te Aroha

Set at the base of Mount Te Aroha in a natural bush setting, the outdoor heated leisure pools are the perfect place to relax or play. Swim Zone Te Aroha is perfect for a fun family day out, with a large pool, toddler's pool and water toys to cater for all ages. Or take time to enjoy a quiet soak in our outdoor spa.

Reviewed By MargaretG1897 - Auckland Central, New Zealand

We decide do try swim zone ,as hot pool at holiday camp closed. We were surprised , lovely place for children , I enjoyed the hotter spa, changing rooms lovely and clean with great heaters to keep you warm. Staff very helpful and friendly. It is a great place over the expensive mineral spas next door. Affordable.

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