43a Russleigh Drive Guidebook
Sightseeing
Featuring lakes, woodland gardens, birdlife and ample picnic spots, all linked by a network of walking tracks, the arboretum is perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll, family picnic, or a more active outing.
If you are looking for a longer walk you can start at Till’s Lookout on Melva Street for great views of Hamilton and follow the path for a 30-minute walk to the arboretum.
23 locals recommend
Taitua Arboretum
55 Taitua RdFeaturing lakes, woodland gardens, birdlife and ample picnic spots, all linked by a network of walking tracks, the arboretum is perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll, family picnic, or a more active outing.
If you are looking for a longer walk you can start at Till’s Lookout on Melva Street for great views of Hamilton and follow the path for a 30-minute walk to the arboretum.
Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour.
Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.
44 locals recommend
Waitomo
Discover your moment of magic in the Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour.
Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glow worm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history.
Raglan has recently become a favorite for travelers from all walks of life to New Zealand. The small, but eclectic Raglan town center will draw you in with its funky cafes and lively restaurants. Yet, the main draw to Raglan is the beautiful beaches, waterfall hike, and world famous surf.
107 locals recommend
Raglan
Raglan has recently become a favorite for travelers from all walks of life to New Zealand. The small, but eclectic Raglan town center will draw you in with its funky cafes and lively restaurants. Yet, the main draw to Raglan is the beautiful beaches, waterfall hike, and world famous surf.
Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.
193 locals recommend
Hamilton Gardens
Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.
Experience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
161 locals recommend
Hobbiton Movie Set station
501 Buckland RdExperience the real Middle-earth™ at the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire™, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Home to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings, Hamilton Zoo is the ideal destination for a memorable day out.
64 locals recommend
Hamilton Zoo
183 Brymer RdHome to over 600 native and exotic animals and set amidst 25ha of lush and tranquil surroundings, Hamilton Zoo is the ideal destination for a memorable day out.
On the banks of the Waikato River, in the heart of Hamilton's south-end cultural precinct, Waikato Museum's 13 galleries feature more than 25 new exhibitions and 100 public events annually. Through this interactive programme we aim to engage and inspire our local and international visitors.
72 locals recommend
Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato
1 Grantham StOn the banks of the Waikato River, in the heart of Hamilton's south-end cultural precinct, Waikato Museum's 13 galleries feature more than 25 new exhibitions and 100 public events annually. Through this interactive programme we aim to engage and inspire our local and international visitors.
Food scene
Mr. Pickles is a casual bar and eatery developed by a team of hospitality professionals. With a focus on serving food and beverage that we want when we go out.
Instead of narrowing it down to one cuisine, Mr. Pickles is a forever changing menu. Dishes are presented in a way that very much encourages family style dining.
17 locals recommend
Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery
298 Victoria StMr. Pickles is a casual bar and eatery developed by a team of hospitality professionals. With a focus on serving food and beverage that we want when we go out.
Instead of narrowing it down to one cuisine, Mr. Pickles is a forever changing menu. Dishes are presented in a way that very much encourages family style dining.
Duck Island is a small batch ice cream producer from the Waikato. Their ice cream is made using the freshest, best quality, seasonal ingredients we can source.
They offer an extensive dairy free/vegan range also, made with coconut milk and a multitude of gluten free and allergy considerate choices.
You will find a rotating choice of 50 flavours in their scoop shops, located in Hamilton East & Riverbank Lane.
25 locals recommend
Duck Island Ice Cream
300a Grey StDuck Island is a small batch ice cream producer from the Waikato. Their ice cream is made using the freshest, best quality, seasonal ingredients we can source.
They offer an extensive dairy free/vegan range also, made with coconut milk and a multitude of gluten free and allergy considerate choices.
You will find a rotating choice of 50 flavours in their scoop shops, located in Hamilton East & Riverbank Lane.
Camarosa uses fresh, local and seasonal ingredients in its menu with a focus on incorporating as much of their home-grown berries as possible.
7 locals recommend
Camarosa
11 Davison RdCamarosa uses fresh, local and seasonal ingredients in its menu with a focus on incorporating as much of their home-grown berries as possible.
Carl and Susanna had just moved to Hamilton after years of living and travelling in places like Sweden, Spain, Thailand, South America, England, Belgium and Canada. The dream of Gothenburg had grown from loving the international influences and personable service they had experienced in their travels, and a desire to bring that to Hamilton.
37 locals recommend
Gothenburg Restaurant
17 Grantham StCarl and Susanna had just moved to Hamilton after years of living and travelling in places like Sweden, Spain, Thailand, South America, England, Belgium and Canada. The dream of Gothenburg had grown from loving the international influences and personable service they had experienced in their travels, and a desire to bring that to Hamilton.
Widely regarded as a Waikato icon, Zealong Tea Estate is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand, producing 100% organic award-winning tea, and a world-leading destination for tea, art and hospitality.
31 locals recommend
Zealong Tea Estate
495 Gordonton RdWidely regarded as a Waikato icon, Zealong Tea Estate is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand, producing 100% organic award-winning tea, and a world-leading destination for tea, art and hospitality.