Top Experiences for Visitors
Explore Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens isn’t your typical botanic garden – it draws inspiration from all different types of international gardens and showcases unique cultures. Some of the gardens you can explore are an Italian Renaissance Garden, Indian Char Bagh Garden, Surrealism Garden, Maori Te Parapara Garden, and Japanese Garden of Contemplation. The gardens are beautiful year round, but you’ll get to see them at their most stunning if you travel from Napier to Hamilton during the spring blooming season.
Visit the Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves are located just under an hour from the city by car – perfect for a day trip. The caves are part of a larger cave system, but what sets Waitomo apart from the others is its population of glow worms. The glow worms light up Waitomo Caves in a beautiful blue colour, and visitors can take in this sight on a guided boat tour. If you’re after an extra bit of adventure, you can even try black water rafting through Waitomo Caves. This is like white water rafting in the dark – your only light source is the colony of glow worms.
Get active on the Waikato River
The Waikato River is the longest river in New Zealand, stretching from Lake Taupo to the Tasman Sea and passing right through Hamilton along the way. You can take a walk along the river in central Hamilton, but the best way to experience it is to get out on the water. There are plenty of water activities to enjoy on the Waikato River, including canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. White water rafting on the river is a favourite among adventurous travellers, or you could see the river at a slower pace on a scenic boat ride.
The Cost of Visiting Hamilton
In addition to your Napier to Hamilton flights, you can book your hotel and rental car with Webjet. Centrally-located hotel rooms cost about $150 NZD per night on average. A variety of rental cars are available for hire with rates starting at about $80 NZD per day.
Public transport is available if you won’t be hiring a car for your holiday. Bus fares are based on a zone system and calculated based on how far you travel. Cash fares cost $3 NZD within the central city, $5 NZD between two zones, and $6 NZD across three zones. You can get significantly discounted fares by using a Bee transport card – the same one you use around Napier and Hawke’s Bay is accepted in Hamilton too.
There are a variety of fun activities to keep in mind when budgeting for your trip from Napier to Hamilton. Hamilton Gardens and the Waikato Museum are fun local attractions that are completely free. Hobbiton is a must-do for any Lord of the Rings fans visiting Hamilton. A two-hour tour around the Shire and movie set costs $89 NZD for adults and $44 NZD for kids. The Waitomo Caves are another fun activity – tours start from $55 NZD for adults and $25 NZD for children. If you’re looking to get your adrenaline racing, look into white water rafting on the Waikato River. Prices vary by tour operator, but typically cost between $100 and $150 NZD per person.
The Best Time to Visit Hamilton
There isn’t a bad time to visit Hamilton – each season has its benefits. If you’re hoping to enjoy water activities on the Waikato River or visit the beach in Raglan, book your Napier to Hamilton flights for a summer getaway. The days are sunny and warm – temperatures average between 17° to 19°C but can warm up to about 24°C.
If you’d like to go hiking or enjoy nature, you can’t go wrong with an autumn or spring holiday. Temperatures range from a crisp 12°C to a pleasant 18°C, depending how close you are to summer. You’ll also come across fewer tourists compared to the summer high season. Be sure to visit Hamilton Gardens whether you visit in autumn or spring – the gardens come alive with vibrant foliage in autumn and colourful blooms in spring.
Are you after a budget holiday? You’ll find great deals on flights and accommodations by travelling from Napier to Hamilton during the winter low season. Temperatures average about 9° to 10°C during the day, but can dip to about 6°C. Winter also tends to be wetter than the other seasons, so it’s a good idea to have a few indoor activities lined up in case it rains. On sunny days, winter is a great time to enjoy a brisk hike or take a tour of Hobbiton.
FAQ
What airlines offer flights from Napier to Hamilton?
Air New Zealand offers Napier to Hamilton flights that include a stopover along the way. You can also fly direct between the two cities on Originair, which offers a few flights per week.
What is the best way to get from Napier to Hamilton?
The quickest and easiest way to travel from Napier to Hamilton is by flying. A flight can get you to your destination in about three hours.
What is the best way to get from Hamilton Airport to the CBD?
If you hired a car for your time in Hamilton, you can pick it up from the airport and drive right to your accommodation. Otherwise, the best way to reach the CBD is by booking a Super Shuttle to your hotel.
How much does it cost to travel from Napier to Hamilton?
Flights from Napier to Hamilton start at about $110 to $130 NZD each way.
