The 26 best parks and gardens in Hamilton

Located some 120 kilometres from Auckland this experience is a MUST for any lover of gardens and beauty. The Hamilton gardens are by all accounts one of the most impressive botanical gardens to visit to explore gardens of the world. Simply stunning! Make the stop as part of your trip to Rotorua or Hawke’s Bay. It’s great value and is just magnificent. Stop at the cafe for coffee before you head off and explore the beautiful spaces. The tour takes a good two or three hours…. Enjoy

Well worth a visit, the lake is lovely with little ducklings currently. We went into the enclosed garden (paid entry) and it was worth it. Stunning design and so fun to explore! We took a lunch break before heading back in. We ended up spending 5 hours there with my senior parents. Plenty of seats along the way to rest and sights and floral displays to photograph. Bring your power bank! One tip - Make sure you head to Mansfield Garden then to Picturesque Garden to follow the story. The cafe has menu and items in the cabinet. Highly recommend the apple feijoa smoothie! Parking was easy. A great experience and highly recommended!

The Hamilton Gardens is amazing. We enjoyed every garden there is. The gardens are well maintained. The staff are also great. It is a great place to relax, a great place for family time as well and a wonderful place to have a date too. Now, off you go and enjoy!

Highly recommended if you find yourself in the Waikato area. We were pleasantly surprised with how big the place is. We were there for more than 2 hours enjoying every single themed section of the gardens. Would definitely bring relatives and friends the next time we visit Hamilton.

Hamilton themed gardens are stunning, I was truly impressed with the creativity and extra ordinary hard work that's put in fro. Designing and maintaining these gardens. It's the most difficult thing to choose which garden is the best, as all these gardens are unique and best. I particularly liked the Japanese reflection garden, truly captivating experience.

One of the highlights of our trip, this is an absolute must for anyone coming to the north island. The gardens are a full day's worth of exploring if you want them to be, and each area is exquisitely manicured and curated to pay tribute to the style that inspired the garden. They're constantly adding more, and maintaining the gardens so they constantly feel new and exciting. My personal favourite was the Indian garden, full of colour! Definitely stop in the cafe too, their coffee and cake is amazing.

Hamilton Gardens is absolutely stunning and one of the best attractions in New Zealand. Each themed garden feels like stepping into a different world—whether it’s the tranquil Japanese Garden, the bold Indian Char Bagh, or the serene Paradise Garden collection. The attention to detail is incredible, and it’s clear how much care goes into maintaining the grounds. It’s a beautiful place to walk, relax, and take photos, and the entry is free, which makes it even more special. The gardens are well signposted, easy to navigate, and suitable for all ages. There’s also a café and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers—Hamilton Gardens is more than just a garden, it’s an experience of art, culture, and storytelling through landscapes. A must-visit if you’re anywhere near Hamilton.

Nice wee park with a small aviary, some pools to play in, playground and views over the river. Toilets to the south a couple of minutes away. Parking on river road.

Very beautiful & well maintained park. Kids loved it & had alot of fun.

Visiting from the UK, this park is a hidden gem. Great for children and the river and plants are stunning. The War Horse Memorial is evocative and poignant. As a horse owner, I had tears. Visit this place after the Museum. It’s lovely!

Our first time here! Definitely going back soon. Green. Peaceful. Relaxing. There's a gorgeous children's garden with a park and some water features to take a small dip and cool down. Lovely picnic area. Lots to see and great for getting those steps in. Great place!!

My favourite Hamilton Park. A place to contemplate the past, and to acknowledge those who fought for us, so we could live in peace. The park acknowledges the airforce, army, and navy - alongside war horses. There is also "The Potters Garden", and wonderful area for kids to have a swim "swim", play on the see-saw, or to check out the aviary. Whether you are looking for history, family fun, gardening ideas, or river walks , this park has it all.

Im not a local Hamilton resident but I do visit here once or every twice a year. This play grouns is pretty amazing especially during hot summer days. Its got pools for kiddos to swim in, lots of shady areas for picnics, slides, swings, a bird house and you get a view of Waikato river. It is within walking distance to CBD so super easy stroll for tourists. My kids have requested to return on the next day, I think I need a good night sleep.

Fabulous day out for some family fun. It has slides, swings, three shallow fresh water pools, a seesaw, bird cages and heaps of picnic spots for the family to relax. Or you can, take a slow stroll through a mini forest with a gentle stream running through it and ducks paddling into the Waikato River. Some wonderful history can be seen and felt here. It certainly is a must visit for all big or small!

Bird life, clean paths, range of shaded and non shaded areas. Flat walking track, perfect for any fitness level. Great place to watch the sunset

A sunny spring day at the end of September. Beautiful place to chill and have lunch with the kids. Awesome play areas for toddlers thru to bigger kids. Ice cream shop and cafe. Public toilets. Free parking.

We are SO LUCKY to have this asset in our city. Whether you are looking for somewhere to picnic, need a great playground, feel like an ice-cream, want to spend time in nature- or seeking a lovely walk- Hamilton Lake has it all.

Beautiful place to spend with family and younger members. Enjoyed a chai latte and hot chocolate. Just wondered around with family. Nice day

Beautiful place for weekend outing with your family. Suddenly you feel like you are in Dubai.. because of the palm trees!

The children's playground I'd fabulous and offers children a safe place to play and exercise. There is a closed off area for smaller children to safely play.

Hamilton Lake is our favorite spot for a walk, a picnic, and capturing amazing photos. The scenery is beautiful, and there’s a great playground for kids. Plus, it’s accessible and disability-friendly, making it a welcoming spot for everyone. Highly recommended for a relaxing day out!

Toddler pool was not great. Only fun thing to do with a little one was the outdoor area, but heaps of older kids were there too. So my son was a bit intimidated

I'm a Kiwi and have spent the last 8 months travelling round NZ and seeing our beautiful country. I swim regularly, about twice each week. This is the most EXPENSIVE swimming pool I've visited and the ONLY one that does NOT give a discount with a community services card! No wonder it was nearly empty.

We got here early and set up. Many pools to choose from. Large outdoor areas which are well supervised by the friendly staff. My kids loved the inflatables pool and the diving boards. Recommended

Good, friendly and helpful staff. Ample parking, lots of pool choices for different kid age. Great place to chill on a hot day. Big pools and spaces inside with lots of grand stand type of seating for spectators who don't want to swim. Choices of pools inside and outside. Close to Te Rapa and City Centre so popular with locals. The only issue many customers had at level 2 was the receptionists only allocate/release 10 spaces for hydroslides, at $5 per person for one hour only. No problems here. But you have to queue up again at the counter from the outside at "quarter to" each hour, for example 1245pm, 145pm 245 pm and so on. But the issue here is they started selling those 10 tickets to people who came in the door at around "20 to" each hour say 1240pm, 140pm 240pm and so on, so many people who are already inside, went to join the queue at quarter to and only to be told hydroslides tickets are all gone and they have missed out, requeue again in an hours time. I know the pool is owned by the coucile and we have to allow for some beauracratic ways of doing things but come on, this rule about getting hydroslide tickets need to be reviewed and changed. It also put counter staff in the path of unhappy customers. Fair enough, first in first serve. But when people paying for the entry fees, they should be allowed to buy hydroslides tickets as well but allocate a session if current session of 10 spaces are taken. No rejoining of the queue is required. No brainers really.

Waterworld Hamilton is a great facility with something for everyone. Very popular and can get quite busy especially if there is a swim competition on. Changing rooms were clean and pools too. Best to get there early.

I went on Thursday 27 April 2023 to Waterworld, Te Rapa, Hamilton Central... I swam in the hydrotherapy pool. I found it's great therapy and I love the spa pool in the pool and the air vents alongside the pool is relaxing and soothing. I have back and hip problems. I had dislocated my right disc in the lumbar spine region and a few years ago I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hips....so I whenever I'm feeling stressed I get pain in my shoulders and neck down my spine to the small in my back...and when it's cold outside I get sore hips... I guess I need to be prepared for hip surgery in my later years but for now it's manageable. I find wearing a back-brace can help the neck and shoulders and the posture or a visit to the physiotherapist is beneficial to have the neck and shoulders strapped for more support as well ❤️‍🩹.

Went for a birthday lunch and enjoyed the facilities. Hydrotherapy pool was good. The two general pools were a bit full, but not unbearable. Tobowater was the main thing, lots of fun. Good area for kids at all ages. Worth coming.

All slides were broken. Looked like they've been unusable for ages. Barely a trickle in the water-play area. Tiny section of shade for a hot sunny day. Photos look much better than the real state of affairs. Hope residents take it up with their councillor.

Very good facilities, well maintained and clean. Safe for the general children population. Highest tube slider I’ve seen in all visited Hamilton parks so far. Clean toilets, bbq friendly and often full of kids.

Well we went there for a game of football....... the playground was good for the kids and it was raining so didn't use it that much..........but we got smashed 16-1 so take my review with a grain of salt.

Two really cool slides that are pretty safe apart from a bend on the slightly smaller slide that you bump into that stops you. There is an obstacle course, sandpit, a variety of smaller slides and a big swing. There are toilets handy nearby.

Great place to take the kids playground,water features,sandpits,lots of shade and free b.b.qs

Looking forward to seeing it’s fully repaired

This used to be a great playground but sadly the slides have been vandalised and not repaired, and there was broken glass and dog poo (despite the "no dogs" sign).

This is a beautiful spot worthy of a visit for every one of all ages. There is a lot to see and do and although there is a bit of walking, it is nothing too hard. There are animals, ponds, ducks, chickens and more as you venture through this farm. The only downside would be the smell in certain areas. However, it was a neat setting. It is 10-15 minutes drive west of Hamilton towards Raglan.

This piece of paradise was a generous gift to Hamilton City Council from John and Bunny Mortimer. Their vision and dedication all started in 1973, they transformed open pasture land into a sanctuary for local wildlife by planting trees and shrubs. They collected seeds and cuttings from around the world, eventually gifting the 20-hectare property to Hamilton City in 1997, which was then opened to the public in 2004. This place is an escape from the busy city life and only 8 minutes from Dinsdale. Beautiful all year round or any time of the day. Every time we go we find a new place to explore and a new way to go.

Taitua offers a quick, brisk, and steady walk – perfect for a breath of fresh air. You’ll enjoy the sounds of birds, farm animals and the calming feel of nature along the way. The only downside was the nearby shooting range, which did take away from the tranquility a bit. However, if you’re a gun enthusiast, you may see it as a unique touch rather than a drawback.

A nice place to walk. Great for people with dogs. Would have liked more/bigger labels on the different trees. Would be willing to donate to help make it happen (current admission is free).

This is a great nature walk for people of all ages and great for dog owners except those who don't adhere to the rules by letting there dogs of the leash which I saw today while walking my dog it only takes one incident of an attack of any kind and legislation will bank dogs from entering the park there are plenty of signs informing dog owners that dogs must be on a leash at all times while in the park and for those few who ignore this simple rule jeopardize the park for the rest of us dog owners who use the place to exercise our pets thanks lady you know who you are

This was a soul-cleansing walk through a forest after rain. It smelled amazing. The fresh, just-rained air opened our pores, like forest-bathing does, to the particular moisture of mossy trees and decaying fallen leaves that feed good soil. I feel revived.

One of the best, short, nature walks close to Hamilton. Properly maintained all-year round.

Really good place for having some fun here! Kids’ playground! Forest walking! River view!

Mostly a big open space featuring a dirty lake no good for swimming, and a patch of bush with scattered natural paths. A new fenced dog area has just opened. There is also a bike park is next door to a kids playground at the main entrance. Something for everyone here.

I recently visited Minogue Park in Hamilton, and it was a truly pleasant experience. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, this park is a hidden gem, offering a perfect spot for relaxation, outdoor activities, and family outings. The park is well-maintained, with neatly trimmed lawns, shaded areas, and beautiful walking paths that make it ideal for a leisurely stroll or a run. One of the highlights of Minogue Park is the expansive playground. It’s a great spot for children of all ages, with a variety of equipment, including swings, slides, and climbing frames, all set within a safe, fenced area. The playground is large enough that even on busy days, it doesn’t feel overcrowded, making it a fantastic place for kids to play and explore. There are also picnic tables nearby, making it easy to enjoy a family lunch or a coffee while keeping an eye on the little ones. The park also has lovely walking and cycling paths that wind through the trees and open spaces, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. For nature lovers, the park has some beautiful areas with native plants and trees, adding to the tranquility of the environment. It’s a great place to unwind, whether you're reading a book, having a picnic, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Another thing I really appreciated about Minogue Park is its cleanliness. It’s clear that the park is regularly maintained, and there are plenty of bins around to keep the area tidy. Overall, Minogue Park is a lovely, quiet place to spend some time outdoors in Hamilton. It’s perfect for families, walkers, and anyone looking for a peaceful park to enjoy. Highly recommended!

Walk my dog here most days, awesome area for daily exercise, only thing that ruins it, are people ripping up the grass on dirtbikes.

Recently we discovered a walkway at Minogue Park, walking around Lake Rotokaeo. Then on up to the top of hill looking down towards Bupa Forest Lake. The easier track up there is up the steep grassy slope, not through the bush.

Enjoyed taking my kids to play so mutch happening it was a blast. There was a basketball game on at the club next door. We thurilly enjoyed the park well kept by Hamilton City Council. Easy to get to lots of parking. BMX Race Track lots of fun to watch them go!! You can feed the duck and look at the views. Would be great when the flying Fox X2 are fixed back in to place we really miss them.

Lovely place, great to let your dog off and nice and close to town. The only problem is that some dog owners don't respect that your dog is on a lead and let them come say hi without asking if it's OK.

Tauhara Park can be quite soggy when it rains. The park is surrounded by footpaths for walking, cycling and taking your dog on a leash. There are hardly any benches to sit around. The toilets are allocated near the pollard trust. You do not have to pay to use this park.

Wonderful place to walk and do exercise, spend time with kids

Nice wide open park and has a cool playground

A range of challenges for all ages, safe and spacious. Shady places for adults to sit and watch from. Not fenced so you gotta be able to outrun your little charges but carpark is up a long drive and there's a huge buffer zone of park on the other three sides. Cafè alongside with toddler play area and mini golf.

Great meal at the at The Rototuna Family Golf corse

Great park, especially the new playground for kids. Nice place to stretch the legs, walk the dog. Fly a kite etc.

Good place for walking and bike.

This is a lovely well maintained playground. Lots of rides and not usually too busy. Our 3yo granddaughter loves it. Toilet on site.

Pretty rubbish actually. Not worth the drive from Hillcrest. Very cool neighborhood playground for older kids (just the climbing thing that becomes a slide really) but certainly no 'destination playground'. Maybe I've been spoiled by the new Claudelands playground or by being close to the Lake playground, but not much for a one year old - not much really full stop, not much beyond usual neighbourhood ones. If you're closer to the other two mentioned, don't travel for this, you're sorted!

Hare Puke Playground in Flagstaff is an excellent spot for families. The playground is modern, clean, and well-maintained, offering a variety of equipment suitable for children of all ages. There are slides, swings, climbing structures, and even a splash pad for hot days. The surrounding park area is spacious and includes plenty of seating for parents to relax while keeping an eye on their kids. With its safe environment and fun features, Hare Puke Playground is a fantastic place for an outing with the little ones.

A great, award-winning Destination Playground in a quiet area. It has a bike track for little kids, a sandpit, and a few other interesting stuff. There are a few picnic tables and a toilet.

Good range of playground equipment

Great location, lot of things to play on for all age groups

Really fun family friendly spot with challengers for all kids are groups. There is even a great little loop track for scooters!

A must visit place if passing through Hamilton. Even though we're in Autumn and some of the displays were in change over of planting or die back for the season it was still beautiful. We went later in the afternoon and it was relatively quiet, taking photos without people in every frame was easy. Plenty of parking.

One of the best playground , much better than playgrounds in Auckland . Well maintained too

Fantastic place to take the kids, they love the playground so much. Lots of shade and good for most ages. Best thing is the toilets are the cleanest public toilets I've ever seen! The gardens are beautiful and there is lots to see.

Amazing for kids Plenty of parking and toilets Close to central entry for Hamilton gardens

Very nice large playground for children right beside the main car park in the Hamilton Gardens. The location makes it even more handy for visitors with children who always run the risk of dealing with bored children. Large number of rides and swings allow children to have a great time while parents and adults enjoy the garden. The playground is has all safety measures in place and parents can rest assured about that. Very highly recommended if one is planning a visit to the gardens with family.

This playground is looking better than ever after it's renovation and number of additions including it's feature doll house. My friend kids love the new swing and slide area. Great place to bring a picnic after viewing the feature gardens with the kids. Also there room to add more if they want.

Cool playground. No baby swing for infants. But plenty of space for infants to crawl around and pull themselves up on things. Just watch the droppings from the trees in autumn/ winter, if your baby likes to put everything in their mouth.

OMG!!! Everyone told me to try it, but I wasn't a believer. I am now. The mint choc ice cream sandwich was truly amazing, truly amazing. Without a doubt the greatest ice cream sandwich i have ever tried. Please stop and try one, you will not regret the experience. I'm going again before I leave. Yum yum yum

Absolutely love this place! The ice cream is next level super creamy, packed with flavor and they’ve got the most creative options. The staff are always friendly and the vibe is fun and welcoming. A must visit if you want a treat that actually wows you 🍦✨

This place is so dreamy, I went several times when i was in New Zealand! Their ice creams really hit the spot! I loved everything I picked and I have so many favorites like the bread fairy ice cream sandwich, the cookie and creme ice cream sandwich, the berry cheesecake ice cream and the pecan butterscotch. Never settle for one scoop take them all 💕

Thanks for always being accommodating to my Halal needs. Super nice staff recommended me a halal friendly flavour I could try, and safe to say chocolate boysenberry biscuits is my new favourite flavour🔥🔥

Today I was really happy to return to Duck Island Ice Cream, which is located near the high school I used to attend. About two years ago, I went there almost every day after school to buy ice cream. However, today I had just changed my SIM card and my new bank card, and my new mobile plan wasn’t working yet. I needed a little bit of internet access so I could transfer money to my Go account and pay for my ice cream. When I asked the first staff member if I could connect to Wi-Fi, they told me the shop didn’t have any. But I could clearly see a Wi-Fi network named “Duck Island,” and I also know that they used to provide Wi-Fi to customers before. Then another staff member said they didn’t know the password. I had already explained my situation clearly and just needed a short connection to complete my payment, but they still asked me to go outside to find Wi-Fi elsewhere. It was quite disappointing, especially since I used to love this place so much.

Very bad experience. I guess the young fellow was judging a book by its cover. The amount of scooping was not right as the usual way i always got matching the price. And i am more disappointed with the customer service. It was one of my favourite shop to enjoy the ice cream. But after my last visit, i have completely crossed this one now from my list.

Very friendly staff and love that they’ve got halal options as well!

Some photos from the Ballons over Waikato, Zuru Night Glow March 2025. many people and entertainment bands for families before the Night Glow.

Walked through park,all children happy,"play things look very solid,colorful. I wld have given all stars,hmm tis just missing adult swings in a safe area. :)

Awesome atmosphere. Kapahaka group from Taumarunui. Tranzit Bus Parking for Groups.

Hamilton Farmers market was excellent. Really worth a visit. Every Saturday 9am-1pm. Lots of stalls. Great gluten free bakery too.

A nice convention centre at Hamilton NZ. A horse racing place next to it, looks beautiful. It is quite large and can accommodate lots of exhibitors for any conference. It can also arrange conference dinner with meals.

Fantastic park for toddlers and young children, although gets very busy on weekends. Whilst the play area is great the toilet facilities are disgusting, and poorly maintained.

Fair enough options for the kids to spend a couple of hours. My 5yrs old girl had a good time. Rope climbing, four in row, zip line, swings, hammock, slides and huge park for being more active. Nice picnic (seating) areas.

This small park is a wonderful place for children of all ages. We enjoy picnics in the park, waterplay and playing on the playground. They have a small track for scooters and bikes around the playground suitable for toddlers and small children as well as a larger BMX track for the more skilled biker. There is a walking track around the lake (a good 15mins). Close to Mitchem dairy and the fish and chip shop if you plan to make it a unplanned day out.

What a great playground with something for preschoolers and older children. Great scooter/bike tracks, space for learner riders and more experienced riders. My only concern was it is close to easily accessible water so adequate adult supervision is necessary.

This playground is superb, fairly recently refurbished, although some of the equipment is in need of repair, the flying fox used to be a fun double, but looks like it's been decommissioned. There is an in ground bouncy pad that's been boarded up. Still plenty to do though, water play and slides. There is a pump track around the playground, and a full size BMX track next door. There are also some walking tracks around the lake if you feel like a stroll. Watch out for little kids gravitating towards the water. With the water backdrop it's the most picturesque playground in hamilton for sure! We saw a sign to some toilets behind the netball courts, but unsure if they are open to the public.

An awesome little park with stuff for kids of all ages and not as packed as the park at the lake. I especially love the sand and water play

Nice child friendly open space with ample car parking situated next to a bmx track which was being used by a variety of ages, there is also a bike track around the park itself for scooters and for toddlers to use. Safe turf variety of playground equipment.

Great park for the young uns. Wee bike track for learning, scooters etc.

Fantastic playground, tandem flying fox is the best, situated by a lake and next to netball courts. Our daughter had a blast

Great for little ones as well as adults get to go around the track for as little as $3.50 I recommend buying a concession ticket as it ends being more for less. My little ones absolutely loved the steam train ride and we will be visiting again. Runs every Sunday if weather permitting. School holidays they run every Wednesday too.

I help out with odds and ends. Families love this on a nice day

Wasn't open, just had a look around. But nephew wanted to see the Kiwirail yard next door. But have been b4 totally loved it.

Excellent train park, well set up tracks, tunnels, bridges and foliage. Plenty of free parking, there is a toilet but no food and drink shops. Eftpos is available. $2 per ride or I paid $15 for 10 rides that can be used anytime. The place is only open on Sundays weather permitting and is run by volunteers. Also a huge green space with oak trees and wetland, plenty of space to play ball games, or even Frisbee. There is a fenced dog park in the area as well.

Fun for the kids. Opens Sunday's, weather permitting.

Definitely a hidden gem where kids of all ages can enjoy a quick ride on a model train. Very affordable at $2 a ride and you will surely get the 10-for-$15 deal. Each ride is about 5 minutes around the track and there are slight variations in the route, depending on the train you board on the day. It's managed by a passionate team of enthusiasts who genuinely want to share their love with others.

An awesome place to take the family & the pricing is actually really good too

Good place to relax and stay alone.

Scenic value 5/5. Views of hospital. Boardwalks and ponds, views of temple Facilities 5/5. Toilets raised boardwalks, gazebos, playgrounds. Fun value for kids 5/5. Playground good for all ages... 0-adult.

A great playground for children. Under 13's only. No bikes or skateboards.

Great for the kids & a nice walk around area

Nice park. It has lots of good features including a barbecue/hotplate etc...

Really well thought out space, a great playground but does need some shade. But all and all a bit of a hidden gem.

Great park, variety for big and small kids, loads of parking.

Another nice heartland playground with some substantial play areas, with swings, small slide and large climbing structure. Enough space to sit down and watch the kids and a comfortable riding track around the playground for easy cycling or scooting. The surrounding neighbourhood is decent and generally looks safe.

We found this little cute park heading home from family house it not big but enough to wear the kids out with short play.

Great for the little ones.

"Opened in June 2018, Te Huia Reserve Playground features a mini scooter track, large climbing frame, slide and swings and is nestled on the corner of Wisteria Ln and Te Huia Dr."

Nice small, but new playground

Nice little park for local kids.

Not much there

This is our local dog park, a huge open area, with a riverwalk path and river beaches alongside. Dog owners are invariably friendly with well behaved fur babies. We don't have a dog currently but go there for a fix of canine camaraderie often! Parking for maybe 10 cars is the only negative but it does serve to restrict numbers!

Amazing park for dogs, families or to exercise. Heaps of benches, paths and swings. The park is always full of dogs and it has a lot of natural beaches along the riverside. One of the best dog parks in New Zealand.

The park is fine, most of the dogs are fine, it's the people that are the problem. There's better parks than this that aren't filled with snobby, stuck up, bullying locals who think they own it.

An excellent off leash dog park, well looked after. Nice and accessible in all weather conditions. A very large variety of dogs frequent this park so just chill out and let your dog enjoy.

Love this place and so does my dog. We come here often and it's always a fantastic time. Lots of dogs off leash, playing, running, swimming and having fun. Highly recommend!

Amazing park for our dogs. All owners are super friendly and a great park for your dogs social skills. River access, alot of running space and seating under trees with a great view of the park.

My dogs love this park. But I the wet the oaths are just huge puddles and mud. A disgrace for the city that should be maintaining it.

It was a nice shopping centre. Very clean and had a variety of shops. Walk just through to doors to outside and there were more shops to explore. The only downfall is there was a limited food selection in the food hall. International foods, if you can't eat spices etc you had Mac Donald's. Maybe introduce a couple of food stalls for those with Allergens or sensitive digestive systems

Still the best mall in Hamilton with all the stores right there. Just a bit dissapointed to see retail declining, many shops that are just not tuned into customer service, especially the Warehouse, probably the worse Warehouse around. But food options are good, kids love the games place and the small park is also a great stop. They usually put good effort into xmas decor and games for kids. The best spot here has to be St Pierre sushi, I’d say its the best sushi around.

Awesome shopping mall. Immense in size, ultra clean, and everyone is dealt with was helpful and polite. You get treated in the same way you treat them. It's the way staff make a living. When they serve you then thank them for coming to work. Respect 🙏

Large busy shopping Mall with plenty shops and eateries to choose from.

Excellent store. Savita was awesome to deal with and helped me every step of the way. Definitely be back to upgrade my stuff. Thanks heaps Michael Hill.

Most of you need perhaps you could find in here. Heaps of parking areas. Bus were come and go for those who are commuters. Even though you don't plan to buy something, just window shopping and some have variety of cup of coffees or teas could complete your day for those who are extrovert just wanted to stroll

Lovely place to have lunch or dinner, the food is delicious and Levi was super friendly. We will definitely come back. The lookout restaurant.

⭐️ 10/10 Experience at Waitakaruru Arboretum! We had such a wonderful day exploring the beautiful Waitakaruru Arboretum. There are a fair amount of stairs and a good walk involved, but we took it at our leisure, stopping along the way to rest and soak it all in. There are plenty of shaded benches to sit and recover, which made the journey really enjoyable. The sculptures are absolutely amazing . Each one blends perfectly with the surrounding nature. We spotted frogs and skinks, which added a lovely touch of life to the experience. The gardens are well cared for, and the signs were clear and easy to follow, making it simple to explore without ever feeling rushed or lost. A special mention to the friendly staff. They were warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about the place. It’s fantastic to see what has been done with the trees damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle and the creative “nature hotels” made from them. Such a thoughtful and inspiring way to give new life to storm affected areas. Overall, it was a great day out, peaceful, creative, and full of natural beauty. We thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it to anyone who loves sculptures , nature, and a bit of a gentle adventure! 🌿

One of the most quirky and peaceful places I've visited in New Zealand so far. My friend and I spent 2.5 hours and we wish we spent the whole afternoon there. Not just art - it was so bucolic and beautiful, it was amazing that we didn't see any other visitors that day. Just two cheery staff members. There was so much care and love put into this place. Small cafe, idyllic views, thought-provoking art, a cool children's play area. The toilet was a small room in what I assume was the owner's home. We only managed to find 6 out of 15 ruru sculptures and were charmed to learn that the artists move them every 3 months for visitors to find. Really fun way to spend the day.

Easy to navigate. Delightful sculptures. Brilliant customer service. Excellent cafe. Even had a long chat with Dorothy and John. Super knowledgeable and so so friendly. Please make time to visit.

Great value for money, a wonderful experience of plantings and sculptures over a pretty decent walk. Have a drink and yummy food from the kiosk before you start and wear sensible footwear. Such a fun couple of hours.

An amazing day out. Different styles of art and sculpture in a lovely rural walk. Hunt the ruru was added fun. What could be improved is maybe use QR codes at the sculptures to get the information.

An amazing experience. Fabulous exhibition by Rebecca Rose sculpture artist. Had a delicious coffee when we arrived and then spent 3 hours + wandering. It really was a real treasure.

A beautiful place to visit not too far from the city. The coffee is yummy, and the Duck Island icecream sammies were a bonus. The staff and volunteers were really warm, friendly and passionate about the arboretum. The sculptures were fun to find and learn about, along with the Ruru hunt. We look forward to coming back and one day staying at the cottage. A great anniversary date day activity and we've got a beautiful wooden carved kereru for the Christmas tree to remember our beautiful adventure in nature.

Nice wee park with a small aviary, some pools to play in, playground and views over the river. Toilets to the south a couple of minutes away. Parking on river road.

Visiting from the UK, this park is a hidden gem. Great for children and the river and plants are stunning. The War Horse Memorial is evocative and poignant. As a horse owner, I had tears. Visit this place after the Museum. It’s lovely!

Our first time here! Definitely going back soon. Green. Peaceful. Relaxing. There's a gorgeous children's garden with a park and some water features to take a small dip and cool down. Lovely picnic area. Lots to see and great for getting those steps in. Great place!!

Very beautiful & well maintained park. Kids loved it & had alot of fun.

Parana Park is an absolutely amazing location, and the memorial next to it. This lies along the river banks and was the first major attraction I ever saw on my first visit to Hamilton decades ago. It has what you need all round, including good walks, peacefulness, a garden area, riverbanks and ducks everywhere.

Im not a local Hamilton resident but I do visit here once or every twice a year. This play grouns is pretty amazing especially during hot summer days. Its got pools for kiddos to swim in, lots of shady areas for picnics, slides, swings, a bird house and you get a view of Waikato river. It is within walking distance to CBD so super easy stroll for tourists. My kids have requested to return on the next day, I think I need a good night sleep.

Fabulous day out for some family fun. It has slides, swings, three shallow fresh water pools, a seesaw, bird cages and heaps of picnic spots for the family to relax. Or you can, take a slow stroll through a mini forest with a gentle stream running through it and ducks paddling into the Waikato River. Some wonderful history can be seen and felt here. It certainly is a must visit for all big or small!

This spot is a gem! It’s a beautiful, free space for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re looking to read a book, catch some sun, or just unwind. With a great view over the river, it’s ideal for grabbing a takeaway coffee or lunch and soaking in the scenery. It’s the perfect hangout for a lunch break or simply a peaceful place to relax and recharge. Highly recommended!

This is a park in the middle of Victoria street that looks over the river. Nice place to come for a takeaway coffee or lunch with a great view over the river. There’s a Vietnamese restaurant and also me pickles looks over the park, although seems an empty space on the other side where the hair clinic is, they should consider putting a cafe or something similar there. Nice place to chill, but not really for the kids, more and adult space.

Ramps, stairs and terraces with seats and benches are cascading down to the river foot path creating a unique transition from Victoria Street to the river. A beautiful link between the city and the Mighty Waikato. With coffee shops in sight there's no better place to take a break.

Victoria on the River is an expansive amphitheatre-style park on Victoria St, in the heart of Hamilton’s central business district. Offering fantastic views of the Waikato River and connections to the city’s popular river path network - popular with cyclists, walkers and runners - Victoria on the River (VOTR for short) formally opened on 25 January 2018. VOTR is a major project as part of the Council's Central City Transformation Plan. Hamilton City Council purchased the 4769p sqm site – previously occupied by the Waikato Times - in 2009, and committed the funding to VOTR in late 2015. Construction began in April 2017 after more than 6300 cubic metres of contaminated material was removed from the site. More than 9000 plants give it a green and organic feel and blend with adjacent Waikato River natural landscapes.

One of my absolute favourite spots in Hamilton! Such an awesome space to sit and read, have your coffee, listen to music, or just chill.

A beautiful sunny space overlooking the mighty Waikato River......great place for drinking our takeaway coffees

What a stunning public space in the middle of the cbd, with access to the river walks and plenty of seating space to chill and take a break or eat your lunch. Looks even more amazing at night lighted up. Hcc needs to grab hold of this and run with it, build on it and make the river a part of a city.

Such a stunning garden; wonderful hosts and very generous opening for us out of their normal season hours. This garden is a delight.. expansive, structured, mature, and tranquil ..in a magnificent setting. Thank you, Jeanette and Stephen.

Highly recommend this amazing garden. The hosts were lovely and informed. Definitely a labour of love

A absolute delight to visit your stunning gardens. With No 8 Tours

A remarkable discovery nestled on the banks of the Waikato, the gardens and home are truly exceptional. The warm welcome from delightful hosts who have spent years creating this magical experience made my visit one l already want to repeat. Be sure not to miss this one.

Lovely lunch, gracious hosts, lovely gardens

What an amazingly beautiful place. Great drive through the countryside to get their, lovely home, gorgeous garden with the Waikato river as a boundary but best of all, awesome hosts. A place not to be missed.

Such a beautiful garden. You can always smell the delightful aroma of the flowers wafting in the breeze as you walk along the river path.😍 It is a credit to the owners!!

A very nice Walk along the river , scenic view, easy paveway , good for all ages , not a big park

Swarbrick Landing, located in Terapa, New Zealand, is a hidden gem for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This peaceful location is a perfect spot for nature lovers and those who appreciate the tranquility of rural New Zealand. The area offers a serene environment with expansive views of the surrounding countryside, ideal for outdoor activities like walking, cycling, or just enjoying a relaxing picnic by the water. The facilities at Swarbrick Landing are well-maintained, with clean, accessible paths and plenty of seating to take in the views. It’s a family-friendly location, offering a safe and spacious area for children to explore. Visitors can also enjoy the nearby Waikato River, which adds to the charm of the area, providing opportunities for fishing and small boating adventures. The location is not overly crowded, making it a peaceful retreat for those seeking a quiet break. It’s a great choice for a day trip from Hamilton or a longer stay to explore the Waikato region. While Swarbrick Landing may not have a lot of commercial amenities, its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere more than make up for it. It’s a wonderful destination for anyone wanting to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.

Free gas BBQ, friendly locals ,dog walking tracks, can't get better than this! Clean toilets, beautiful place to be.

A popular spot with barbecue and ablution facilities on the bank of the Waikato River as it passes through Hamilton. Ideal for a quiet read or walk being close to nature.

Lovely spot by the river, BBQ facilities and picnic tables. Just be warned there's a public toilet that's fully electronic - everything is automatic and it talks to you and plays smooth jazz... However it's not subject to Asimov's laws, and asking it to open the pod bay doors may result in death. Also a bunch of carts selling flowers and fish and snacks pull in during the day.

Great spot to take your doggo for a walk with a wonderful off leash park. Be perfect if people wouldn't litter 🤷‍♀️

Nice outlook, even better with coffee sold by this friendly couple!

Norris Ward Park in Hamilton, New Zealand, is a delightful urban oasis that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational space, and peaceful surroundings. Located near the heart of the city, this park is an excellent spot for a relaxing day out or a casual stroll amidst well-maintained gardens and green spaces. One of the standout features of Norris Ward Park is its vibrant and varied landscaping. The park is beautifully landscaped, with a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, creating a colorful and tranquil environment. The paths throughout the park are well-paved, making it easy to walk, jog, or bike around. It’s also a wonderful place to enjoy a quiet moment by the water, as the park features several ponds and a stream, which adds to its calming atmosphere. The park offers ample space for outdoor activities, including picnics, reading, or simply soaking up the sun. There are plenty of benches scattered throughout the park, making it a great place for both relaxation and people-watching. Families with children will appreciate the well-equipped playground, which is safe and enjoyable for kids of all ages. Another highlight is the park’s convenient location. It’s within walking distance from the central business district, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. It’s a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of the city while still being close enough for a quick visit during lunch breaks or after work. Overall, Norris Ward Park is a lovely green space that caters to a wide range of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a peaceful walk, spend time with family, or simply relax, this park is an excellent choice. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a quiet, scenic spot in Hamilton!

Norris Ward Park is a small, but nicely kept park, walking distance from the BCD. It has a few picknick benches, but not a place to take the family for a day out. It also has the new Hamilton West cycle trail passing through it.

I come here with my client. Art for health. It is $5 for the day. I get to use paper, all art paints, pencils etc. I use their books to choose a picture to draw. People here are friendly & happy.

Great open area almost dead centre in the middle of the city. Plenty of trees to sit under for book reading or haveing a bite to eat . No out door recreation equipment for kids thou. Generouse space to relax with out being crowded a nice spot...

Nice environment to relax in the CBD. Picnic table, seats and lots of grass with good shade trees.

Not many seats, trees look nice in fall.

Lots Of shade, easy parking, picnic benches. Clean and tidy park