The Luxury Travel Guide to Hamilton

© Hamilton - Waikato Tourism

Luxury Adventure Activities

Hamilton is lucky to have an excellent variety of premium soft-adventure activities, from beautifully landscaped golf courses to breathtaking hot air balloon rides.

Let’s begin with experiencing the rural lifestyle that so many Kiwis here get to enjoy. There are a couple of fantastic horse treks nearby offering a great day out for all skill levels. Join Stone Hill Horse Trek in Pukeatua where you’ll get to ride among 1,500 acres (607ha) of green rolling farmland. 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.

If you fancy a round of golf to break up your getaway, then you have some outstanding options around Hamilton. A top choice is the Ngaruawahia Golf Club (5925 Great South Road, Ngaruawahia) 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 game. Alternatively, the Hamilton Golf Club (64 St Andrews Terrace) is a par 72 course close to the city centre, while the Hukanui Golf Club (1550 Gordonton Road, RD1, Taupiri) offers a relaxing 9-hole option.

Hamilton is famous for its yearly event Balloons Over Waikato, where all sorts of creative balloons can be seen flying the skies. Experience the tranquillity and sublime views for yourself with the Kiwi Balloon Company. Fly over the city of Hamilton and the Waikato River and on a clear day, you can even see as far as the mountains of Ruapehu, Te Aroha and Taranaki.

For more ideas and inspiration for premium adventures, take a look at the 8 Luxury Activities in Hamilton.

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Luxury All-weather Activities

Just because the weather doesn’t always play ball, doesn’t mean your luxury getaway has to come to a standstill. The city is full of indoor experiences to amaze and inspire.

For non-stop fun and excitement, check out the city’s casino, SkyCity Hamilton. Try your luck in the complex 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. Take your gaming to the next level in the Salon 8 VIP area with table games in a private environment offering complete luxury and comfort.

Shop for something unique at one of Hamilton’s boutique stores. You’ll find boutique gift stores, quality secondhand book stores, 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 located in the city centre. Also, take a look down the attractive European-style Casabella Lane for more boutiques.

Finally, visit New Zealand’s only tea plantation at Zealong Tea Estate for their guided tours. Learn about this flourishing plantation got started as you wander alongside the plantation with your knowledgable guide. Learn how the tea is picked and processed before indulging in a ceremonial tea tasting with the optional extra of treating yourself to high tea.

For more inspiration, take a look at the 10 Things to Do in Hamilton on a Rainy Day.

© Hamilton - Waikato Tourism

Fine Dining in Hamilton

Aside from Zealong mentioned above, there are a few more exquisite options for fine dining in Hamilton.

Palate (20 Alma Street) is a European-style restaurant creating classic dishes with fresh seasonal produce and an extensive wine list to match. For a special occasion, book a table in the private wine cellar with a view of the restaurant.

While the environment and the dress code isn’t exactly fine dining, the food certainly is at Chim Choo Ree (14 Anzac Parade). The five-course tasting menu is a must, while you can expect mains of duck breast, eye fillet, lyonnais with blue cheese beignets, sardelaise and caramel shallot and more – all impeccably presented.

For more recommendations across all genres of food, take a look at The Foodie Guide to Hamilton.