If you regard Hamilton, New Zealand simply as the hallowed turf of rugby, you’re not wrong but you’re actually missing out on a lot. As the new home of the World Rugby Sevens, this city has a lot more to offer than just Waikato Stadium.
Conveniently situated on Sate Highway 21, the airport is located only 15 kilometers south of Hamilton city centre. Grab a rental car at Hamilton Airport and head down to Hamilton Gardens. Channel your inner anthophile and marvel at the sheer scale and ambition of the garden. Attracting more than a million visitors a year, Hamilton Gardens takes its visitors on a round the globe trip, paying homage to the various botanical wonders of the world. Its enclosed gardens boast jade pagodas from China, sienna columnades from Italy and even an ivory Taj Mahal. Truly Eden-like.
Our nature aficionados can truly never get enough of Mother Earth in the Tron. Get ready to hit the road in your rental car to reach Waitomo Caves in Hamilton. Hundreds of thousands of glowworms call this extensive underground cave network home. Go with the glow and traverse the glittering world of the Glowworm Caves; you’ll definitelybe dazzled. Want to get your heart pumping? Back Water Rafting proves exhilarating as you careen down waterfalls and glowworm-studded rapids, all in a dark subterranean world. Frolicking under a Milky Way of phosphorous never sounded better.
Of course, all nature and no play makes us dissatisfied tourists. Never fear, Hamilton definitely knows how to have a good time. Not one for boring bureaucracy, it has a Riff Raff public statue to commemorate the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Kiwi fact: Richard O’Brien worked in a Hamilton barbershop before creating and starring in the cult movie classic. Only 20 minutes from Hamilton Airport, rent a car and visit the bevy of unique restaurants and breweries around Victoria Street's south end. Known for their innovative creations and combinations, these eateries are most definitely worth a try. Better still, for the sports enthusiasts, it’s just a short walk from the stadium.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton is within striking distance of the surf mecca – Raglan. Only 42 minutes by rental car from Hamilton city centre, Raglan offers various beaches catering to surfers of all skill sets. Beginners can head over to Ngaranui beach, where its long, flat sandy bottom provides perfect waves for all levels. Cruise to Manu Bay, a rocky point break, if you have complete mastery of your board and want to experience its famous long peeling left. Whether you are a novice or expert, Raglan is sure to be on every surfer’s bucket list.
Of course, no trip to Hamilton is complete without taking on its countless bike paths. Prepare for thighs of steel because after this experience, you may be limping but satisfaction is guaranteed. Bush-covered hills and rolling farmland provide the absolute paradise for any biker. What’s more, the city is geologically sound, unlike its neighbours, and the only geological threats are the earth-shattering tries at Waikato Stadium. For the exercise-averse, rent a car and hit the trails from Hamilton Airport and explore the bush lands on four-wheel drives.
Hamilton is a city esteemed for rugby but has the potential to be known for so much more. From food to sports to fun; you name it, Hamilton’s got it. Rent a car and explore Hamilton for your next trip! We assure you that you won’t regret it.
