Flights from Dunedin to Hamilton

The Best Time to Visit Hamilton

Summer is commonly seen as the best time to travel to Hamilton. The weather is beautiful – temperatures hit average highs of about 17° to 19°C but can hit up to about 24°C, and there’s not much rain. By booking Dunedin to Hamilton flights for the summer months, you can take full advantage of the region’s outdoor activities and try out some water sports on the Waikato River. Note that summer is the high season, so book your hotel early for the best rate.

You can avoid the summer crowds and still enjoy nice weather by planning your trip to Hamilton for the autumn or spring. Some days are cooler at about 12°C while it can warm up to around 18°C in the months close to summer. Both autumn and spring are excellent times to enjoy hikes and outdoor activities while it’s not too hot or cold. You’ll also get to enjoy pretty foliage in autumn and see the Hamilton Gardens burst with colour in the spring.

The winter months are chilly and the wettest time of year, but this is when you can find the best deals on cheap flights from Dunedin to Hamilton. It’s the low season, so you also won’t see many other tourists around at the various attractions. Bring a coat with you as temperatures average about 9° to 10°C but can dip to about 6°C. You can enjoy outdoor activities on the nicer days, but have a couple of indoor activities planned as backup in case it rains.

Tips for First-Time Travellers to Hamilton

Spend a day in Hobbiton

You can find Lord of the Rings filming locations all over New Zealand, but few compare to the magic you’ll experience at Hobbiton. Hobbiton is a 50 minute drive from the city centre and makes for the perfect day trip while you’re travelling from Dunedin to Hamilton. Once the Lord of the Rings trilogy was complete, Hobbiton opened up to visitors, allowing fans of the movies to experience the Shire for themselves. There are several ways to explore – you can take the official two-hour movie set tour or opt for something a bit different. There’s an evening banquet tour, second breakfast tour, an annual beer festival, and special events held at Christmas and in mid-winter.

Learn about the region at the Waikato Museum

The Waikato Museum is made up of 13 different galleries that share stories of Hamilton and the Waikato region. The galleries cover all different areas, including art, science, and history, ensuring there’s something there for everyone. The museum introduces 25 new exhibits annually and hosts about 100 special events each year, so there’s always something new and exciting to see at Waikato Museum. Highlights of the museum include an interactive science display for kids, an in-depth collection of Maori artefacts, and an exhibit exploring how the culture and geography of Hamilton has changed over the years.

Take in local culture at the Hamilton Night Market

If you’re planning a weekend trip from Dunedin to Hamilton, make sure the Hamilton Night Market is on your list of things to do. The market is held in the northern suburbs on Friday nights and in the CBD on Saturday nights. The market showcases the best of Hamilton. Food stalls serve delicious meals from all different types of cuisines, local artisans sell their products, and performers keep the crowds entertained for hours.

Public Transport and How to Get Around from the Airport

Hamilton is home to a great public bus network that you can use to get around the city and suburbs. There are 21 routes, including the popular Orbiter bus. This route operates in both a clockwise and anticlockwise direction, looping around the city centre and into some of the inner suburbs.

Hamilton Airport isn’t accessible by bus, but visitors can book Super Shuttles. These shuttles will transport you directly from Arrivals to your accommodation. Taxis and Ubers are also available to catch from the airport.

If you’re hoping to visit attractions outside of central Hamilton, hiring a car is the way to go. You can rent your car with Webjet and pick it up from Hamilton Airport when you arrive.

FAQ

What airlines offer flights from Dunedin to Hamilton?

You can fly from Dunedin to Hamilton on Air New Zealand – however, these flights aren’t direct. Flights are available from about three hours and 15 minutes, which includes a stopover in either Wellington or Christchurch.

What is the best way to get from Hamilton Airport to the CBD?

Rental cars are available to pick up from Hamilton Airport. If you rented a car for your trip, pick it up from the airport and drive into the city. Alternatively, you can reach the CBD by catching a taxi or booking a Super Shuttle from the airport.

Where can I visit on the North Island from Hamilton Airport?

Hamilton is within reach of several great day trip destinations, including Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, and the coastal town of Raglan. If you’d like to head further afield, hire a car with Webjet to explore some nearby cities – Auckland, Rotorua, Taupo, and Tauranga are all within a two-hour drive of Hamilton.

How much does it cost to travel from Dunedin to Hamilton?

Flights from Dunedin to Hamilton start from about $125 to $150 NZD each way when you book with Webjet.