Premium Tours in Hamilton
Treat your loved ones, your other half or, well, just yourself with one of the luxury activities in Hamilton. From fine dining at exquisite restaurants or a tea plantation to soaring the skies in a hot air balloon, the premium experiences in Hamilton are vast and varied. There’s plenty of room in this central hub of the Waikato region for luxurious adventures, boutique shopping and pure indulgence.
For more advice on planning the ideal getaway, see The Luxury Guide to Hamilton and the 5 Best Luxury Accommodation in Hamilton.
1. Indulge in a Tea Tour and High Tea at Zealong
Visit New Zealand’s only tea plantation for a guided tour and even a luxury high tea experience. Zealong Tea Estate offers informative guided tours of its flourishing plantation. Learn how the plantation got started and how the tea is picked and processed before indulging in a ceremonial tea tasting with the optional extra of treating yourself to high tea. See more experiences like this in the 10 Things to Do in Hamilton for Foodies.
Location: 495 Gordonton Road, approximately 11km (7 miles) from Hamilton city centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Experience the Rural Side of Hamilton with a Horse Trek
Saddle up and enjoy the rural lifestyle that so many Kiwis are fortunate enough to live. Choose from a couple of fantastic horse treks nearby, such as Stone Hill Horse Trek in Pukeatua. You’ll get to ride among 1,500 acres (607ha) of rolling green farmland with treks to suit all skill levels. All of their tours are available as private tours should you want to make the experience extra special. Alternatively, Karamu Trail Track offers horse trekking on their farm with native bush, rolling pastures, streams and even glowworms that you can see on a night trek.
Location: Stone Hill Horse Trek – 156 Perrott Road, Pukeatua. Karamu Trail Track – Smith Road, RD5, Karamu.
© Unsplash3. Play Golf Alongside the Mighty Waikato River
Break up your getaway with a game of golf on some outstanding golf courses around Hamilton. A top choice is the Ngaruawahia Golf Club on the banks of the mighty Waikato River. Just 10 minutes away from the city, this golf course has lush contoured fairways and a modern clubhouse to dine in after the round. Alternatively, the Hamilton Golf Club is a par 72 course close to the city centre, while the Hukanui Golf Club offers a relaxing 9-hole option.
Location: Ngaruawahia Golf Club – 5925 Great South Road, Ngaruawahia. Hamilton Golf Club – 64 St Andrews Terrace. Hukanui Golf Club – 1550 Gordonton Road, RD1, Taupiri.
© Pixabay4. Float Above the City and Lakes in a Hot Air Balloon
Hamilton is famous for its yearly event Balloons Over Waikato, where a collection of creative balloons can be seen flying the skies. Experience the unique experience and sublime views for yourself with the Kiwi Balloon Company. Gently float over the city of Hamilton, Hamilton Lake and the Waikato River and, on a clear day, you can even see as far as the mountains of Ruapehu, Te Aroha and Taranaki.
Location: 15 Hastings Place, Hamilton Lake, approximately 3km (2 miles) from Hamilton city centre.
© Hamilton - Waikato Tourism5. Take a Guided Tour of the Hamilton Gardens
The award-winning Hamilton Gardens is a must-do! While the gardens are a free attraction to visit, a way to elevate the experience is by taking a guided tour. Wander through 21 themed gardens representing various civilisations throughout the world. Your docent will share the story of the gardens’ dramatic transformation from dumping ground to the stunning grounds you see today, as well as teach you more about each of the worldwide and historical gardens. Find out more about the guided tour on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Hungerford Crescent, approximately 3km (2 miles) from Hamilton city centre.
© Hamilton - Waikato Tourism6. Discover the Boutiques and Laneways of the City Centre
Shop for something handcrafted, New Zealand-made and unique at one of Hamilton’s boutiques. You’ll find gift stores, quality secondhand books, eateries and more down the stylish Riverbank Lane off Victoria Street, while New Zealand fashion boutiques can be found at Annah Stretton, Rossellini, NES, Moochi and more, also located in the city centre. Take a look down the attractive European-style Casabella Lane for more boutiques.
Location: The Riverbank Lane – 298 Victoria Street. Casabella Lane – 307 Barton Street.
© Hamilton - Waikato Tourism7. Try Your Luck at the SkyCity Hamilton Casino
For non-stop fun and excitement, check out the city’s casino, SkyCity Hamilton. Try your luck in the 24-hour casino with more than 330 gaming machines and 23 table games. The casino is exclusively for adults, ensuring the right tone is set for a day or night of fun. On-site are some elegant bars and restaurants, which you can enjoy between taking your gaming to the next level in the Salon 8 VIP area. This also makes a good rainy day activity in Hamilton.
Location: 346 Victoria Street, Hamilton city centre.
© Pixabay8. Be Treated to Fine Dining at Palate or Chim Choo Ree
Aside from Zealong mentioned above, there are a few more fine dining options to enjoy a special night out in Hamilton. For instance, Palate is a European-style restaurant creating classic dishes with fresh seasonal produce and an extensive wine list to match. Book a table in the private wine cellar with a view of the restaurant. Alternatively, Chim Choo Ree offers a relaxed dining ambience with fine dining plates. Try the five-course tasting menu or one of the beautifully presented mains of duck breast, eye fillet, lyonnais with blue cheese beignets, sardelaise and caramel shallot and more. For more recommendations, take a look at The Foodie Guide to Hamilton.
Location: Palate – 20 Alma Street. Chim Choo Ree – 14 Anzac Parade.
© Hamilton - Waikato TourismMore About Hamilton for Luxury Travellers
That’s it for the best luxury activities in Hamilton. Find even more tips to make your luxury getaway exceptional in The Luxury Travel Guide to New Zealand.
