Cheap Flights from Nelson to Hamilton

What are the top experiences for visitors to Hamilton?

Hamilton Gardens

Covering an impressive 54 hectares, Hamilton Gardens is a worthy addition to any holiday itinerary once your Nelson to Hamilton flights arrive in the city. Within the grounds, you’ll find an assortment of landscaped gardens that help to showcase the diversity of garden design across the globe and throughout time. Spend an afternoon wandering through the Italian Renaissance Garden, Chinese Scholars’ Garden and the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, or marvel at the unique gardens that make up the Fantasy Collection. Woodlands, rose gardens and a kitchen garden, among others, are also situated within the grounds. Before you make your way home on Hamilton to Nelson flights, don’t miss the traditional Te Parapara Garden to learn more about historic Māori farming and food production.

Hamilton Zoo

Situated on the city’s western edge, Hamilton Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Home to more than 600 native and exotic animals, there are plenty of curious creatures to discover, from lemurs and chimpanzees to meerkats, zebras and red pandas. Spend a day exploring the zoo’s grounds, marvelling at incredible animals originating from all corners of the globe. Be sure to join one of the many keeper talks held throughout the day to learn more about the diverse species who call the zoo home, or consider splashing out on an intimate animal encounter.

Waikato Museum

Providing the perfect introduction to the history and culture of the Hamilton region, the Waikato Museum is well worth a visit during your stay in the North Island city. Hosting dozens of exhibitions each year, there are always plenty of interesting displays to discover throughout the museum’s galleries. Explore exhibitions featuring fantastic local art, learn more about intriguing artefacts or let the little ones in your life get hands on with great interactive exhibits. Aiming to engage and inspire, it’s easy to while away the hours as you wander through this popular local institution.

Surfing at Raglan

If you consider yourself a keen surfer or are looking for a great way to get active following your Nelson to Hamilton flights, the beach at nearby Raglan is well worth a visit. Lined with deep black sands, this coastal locale is popular among surfers as it boasts one of the world’s longest and most consistent left-hand breaks. If you’re new to surfing, you’ll find lessons available from the Raglan Surf School, while the western end of the beach is patrolled throughout the summer months if a swim is more your style.
 

What are the top tips for first-time travellers to Hamilton?

Hamilton is positioned in a great part of the North Island, making it easy to enjoy day trips to some of New Zealand’s top tourist hotspots. If you choose to book Nelson to Hamilton flights, you’ll find Auckland, Rotorua and Tauranga located approximately 90 minutes' drive from the city.

If you’re on the hunt for cheap flights from Nelson to Hamilton, you may want to consider travelling in autumn or spring. Temperatures at these times are typically quite comfortable, while choosing to travel outside the peak summer season may make it easy to secure better deals on accommodation and Nelson to Hamilton flights.

Unless you plan to head on day trips outside the city, Hamilton’s local bus service, known as BUSIT, makes getting from A to B quite simple. The bus network serves more than 1,000 bus stops across the city, operating 20 different routes. Although cash fares are available, it’s recommended that you purchase a reloadable Bee Card to enjoy cheaper fares. Bee Cards can be purchased for $5 from the BUSIT counter within the Hamilton Transport Centre or from select retailers.

What should you know about travelling with children to Hamilton?

If you’ve booked cheap flights from Nelson to Hamilton for a fun family holiday, you’ll find plenty of great things to see and do with little ones in tow. If the kids have energy to burn, plan a visit to one of Hamilton's many playgrounds. With dozens to choose from across the city, there’s no shortage of great play spaces to discover. Equipped with in-ground trampolines, basket swings and spinning carousels, the Hare Puke Park Destination Playground in Flagstaff North is a firm favourite amongst local kids of all ages.

Many of Hamilton’s major attractions, including the Waikato Museum and Hamilton Gardens, offer activities that have been designed with kids in mind. From an engaging discovery trail within the gardens to the museum’s interactive exhibits, you’ll find plenty of great ways to keep the kids entertained during a day out and about in Hamilton.

Travelling together as a family can be quite expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of your Nelson to Hamilton flights, your accommodation and attraction entry fees. To help stretch your holiday budget further, you’ll find an assortment of free activities to try across Hamilton. Set out on a family stroll along the Waikato River, enjoy a picnic at the Taitua Arboretum or spend an afternoon exploring the fantastic themed areas of the Hamilton Gardens.

FAQs

Are there direct flights from Nelson to Hamilton?

There are currently no direct flights between Nelson and Hamilton. Most services stop via Wellington.

How long is the flight from Nelson to Hamilton?

As there are no direct Nelson to Hamilton flights, the total travel time does vary depending on the chosen route and the length of each stopover. Flights between the two destinations are typically in excess of 2 hours 25 minutes.

What is the distance between Nelson and Hamilton?

Hamilton is approximately 420 kilometres from Nelson.