JUBILEE GARDENS - Cambridge
Jubilee Gardens is a tribute to England. A British lion guards the cenotaph, with a plaque that reads, ‘Tell Britain ye who mark this monument faithful to her we fell and rest content’. Worth a look on your way through.
Location: Victoria St, Cambridge.
Hours: 24
Price: free
Web: http://www.cambridge.co.nz/things-to-do/parks-gardens/public-gardens
Photo courtesy of geoff-inOz
TURANGAWAEWAE MARAE - Ngaruawahia
Tūrangawaewae Marae was built in 1921 by Tainui leader Te Puea Herangi. Te Puea Herangi's mother was the daughter of the second Māori King, Tāwhiao Te Wherowhero of Ngāti Māhuta, and his senior wife, Hera. The Marae's name "Tūrangawaewae" means ‘a place to stand’.
The marae has hosted countless dignitaries and world leaders throughout the years some of which include Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II.
Tūrangawaewae is the headquarters for the Māori King Movement (Te Kīngitanga).
Location: 29 River Road, Ngāruawāhia
Photo courtesy of wakamaori
MAUNGATAUTARI ECOLOGICAL ISLAND - Pukeatua
Maungatautari consists of 3400 hectares of pastureland enclosed in 47kms of predator proof fencing. It is the largest ecological island on mainland New Zealand.
The predator proof fencing allows for the native bird populations surrounded by NZ ferns to thrive, providing a surprising environment where you can see nearly extinct species in their natural enviroment uninhibited by their predators.
Location: Manu Tioriori - 99 Tari Road, RD 1, Pukeatua
Hours: 10am till 4.30pm, guided tours from 10.30am till 2.30pm
Price: Adults $15.00, Child $6.00 entry to Te Tui a Taane, Southern Enclosure, Tours; Adult $30.00, Child $17.00
Photo courtesy of Tari Marshall
CAMBRIDGE MUSEUM - Cambridge
The Cambridge Museum is situated in the former courthouse and consists of a military history room, pioneer relics, and a small display on the local Te Totara Pa before it was destroyed.
Location: 22 Victoria Street, Cambridge
Price: admission by donation
Hours: 10am till 4pm
VINEYARDS
There are a selection of vineyards throughout Hamilton & Surrounds where you can taste their selections of wines.
Always an enjoyable day out, spend your day relaxing in the Waikato climate whilst sipping many a delectable option of wine, just be sure to either choose a tour guide or find an alternative option to driving.
The best way to find winery tour service providers is to visit the local information centre.
ST ANDREWS ANGLICAN CHURCH - Cambridge
St Andrews Anglican Church was constucted in 1881 on the 31st of August.
As stories tell, upon the completion of its construction the whole town had a holiday.
The church is styled in gothic architecture and worth a look.
Location: 85 Hamilton Rd, Cambridge
Hours: Holy communion Sun 8am & 9.30am, Wed 10am - otherwise 7 days 10am-4pm.
Price: free
HAMILTON ZOO - Hamiton
Hamilton Zoo houses 500-plus species (including NZ's only tapir) and takes part in conservation breeding projects. There are various guided-tour options available, plus daily ‘Meet the Keeper’ talks for interesting insights from the critters’ caregivers. The zoo is 8km from Hamilton's city centre: take Norton Rd off Tristram St, then SH23 west towards Raglan, turn right at Newcastle Rd and then left onto Brymer Rd.
Location: 183 Brymer Rd, Dinsdale, Hamilton
Price: Adult $19.00, Child $9.00, Family $56.00, Seniors $14.50
Hours: 9am till 5pm 7 days, last entry 3.30pm
Web: http://www.hamiltonzoo.co.nz
ARTSPOST - Hamilton
ArtsPost is situated near the Waikato Museum and consists of a contemporary gallery and gift shop housed in the former post office building. Its focus is local artists work and comprises: prints, paintings, glass, photography and textiles.
The buildings decorum itself is worth the look.
Location: 120 Victoria Street, Hamilton.
Hours: 10am till 4.30pm 7 days.
Price: free
Web: http://www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/page/pageid/2145842692/ArtsPost
Photo courtesy of The Museums of New Zealand
WAIKATO MUSEUM - Hamilton
The Waikato Museum consists of five main areas: Interactive Science Galleries, an Art Gallery, Tainui Galleries housing Maori treasures which include Te Winikawaka - the carved waka taua (war canoe), the Hamilton history exhibition ‘Never a Dull Moment’, and a Waikato River exhibition.
New exhibits are frequently added.
Location: 1 Grantham St, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Hours: 10am to 4.30pm 7 days (except Christmas).
Price: free, exhibits may charge.
Photo courtesy of The museums of New Zealand
RIFF RAFF STATUE - Hamilton
In the city of Hamilton you'll find a life-size statue of Rocky Horror Picture Show writer Richard O’Brien as his character Riff Raff, the time-warping alien from the planet Transsexual. The statue looks over a small park from which you can relax. The statue also offers free wifi.
Location: Victoria St, Hamilton.
Hours: 24
Price: free
Photo courtesy of Ruckyboy
HAMILTON GARDENS - Hamilton
Hamilton Gardens offers a variety of experiences for you to enjoy, whether its exploring the stunning Paradise Garden Collection or visiting Te Parapara - New Zealand's first traditional Maori garden, here you're able to picnic with the family or enjoy one of the many events staged here each year.
Location:State Highway 1, just south of central Hamilton, Access from Cobham Drive
Hours: Garden Collections: 7.30am-8pm Summer, till 5pm Winter. Victorian Flower Garden Display Houses; 10am-5pm Summer, till 4pm Winter. Information Centre & Shop; 9am-5pm. Hamilton Gardens Cafe; 9am-6pm Summer, 9.30am-5pm Winter.
Prices: free
Photo courtesy of Jardin à l'italienne, Flickr
Hamilton, Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Morrinsville, Te Aroha, Paeroa
Te Kauwhata, Tainui, Mokau, Tamahere, Matamata, Waitomo, Waikino, Cambridge
Ohaupo, Te Awamutu, Tirau, Taumarunui, Putaruru, Te Kuiti, Otorohunga, Raglan
Hamilton & Surrounds
Absolute Adventure
Hamilton city, in the heart of the Waikato region is New Zealand’s fourth largest urban area.
Hamilton, known as the university city and situated on the banks of the Waikato River is home to the regions major sporting and agricultural events some of which include 'Fieldays' - the southern hemisphere's largest agricultural show as well as the ITM 400 Hamilton V8's supercar street race. Hamilton has a reputation as a business hub for creativity and innovation including a strong background in dairy and agriculture.
The north island's Hamilton and surrounds offer varied nature and wildlife experiences. Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve consists of 3,400ha of restored land. The reserve is protected by a 47km pest-proof fence where endangered New Zealand native species such as Kiwi, Kaka and Takahe exist in their natural environment. The reserve consists of walking tracks, a forest canopy tower and daily kaka feeding.
Hamilton Gardens is thought of as one of the most popular attractions in the Waikato region. The gardens span an area of 58ha and are arranged in themes and collections which present a wide variety of flora and garden styles from around the world.
The Waikato River is renowned as a fly-fishing haven and for its leisurely boat or kayak excursions. For fishing and beaches your best to visit Kawhia Harbour near Raglan. Raglan, famed for its surf beaches is a little coastal town with a relaxed bohemian vibe. Situated just 45 minutes west of Hamilton, Manu Bay in Raglan offers left hand breaks which attract surfers from around the world.
For relaxation try Te Puia Springs on Ocean Beach where you can dig natural spas in the black sands and enjoy hot spring waters bubbling to the surface. For those who prefer the aerial view. hot air ballooning offers a peaceful aerial perspective of the region's countryside and waterways.
Hamilton & surrounds offers varied experiences for the visiting tourist, whether its deep underground, high in the air or on waters wide and rapid.