Where is Hamilton?
Located in the heart of the North Island’s Waikato region, Hamilton is around 125 km south of Auckland. For those picking up a maui campervan hire in Auckland, it’s just 1.5 hours drive to Hamilton – the perfect distance for a relaxing New Zealand road trip.
Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, Hamilton is home to the renowned Hamilton Gardens, a world-class botanical garden that showcases a variety of themed gardens from around the globe. And just a short drive from the city, you'll find the rolling hills of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Nearby, the Waitomo Caves offer a fascinating underground adventure. With its central location, Hamilton is also the perfect base for exploring both the rugged west coast beaches and the eastern shores, making it an ideal base for your New Zealand road trip.
Whether you're planning to explore the reserves, historical sites, or tackle the numerous Hamilton hiking trails, this city serves as a hub for countless outdoor adventures.
READ MORE: 15 of the best walks and hikes near Auckland
What’s the best way to explore Hamilton?
Exploring Hamilton by maui campervan is an unbeatable way to experience all that this vibrant city and the surrounding Waikato region have to offer. With a campervan hire, you have the flexibility to set your own pace, whether you want to linger at a scenic spot or quickly move on to the next adventure.
One of the best things about travelling by campervan is the convenience. You have everything you need on board – your accommodation, kitchen, and transport all rolled into one. This makes it easy to stay overnight near your favourite Hamilton walking tracks or hiking trails without the hassle of packing and unpacking.
A maui campervan also allows you to be spontaneous. If you hear about a must-visit spot or an interesting event happening nearby, you can simply hop in your camper and go. No need to worry about booking last-minute accommodation or sticking to a rigid schedule.
Keen to start exploring? Book your maui campervan hire now.
The 10 best walks and hikes in Hamilton
Ready to hit the trails, tracks, and Hamilton walks? Here are 10 of the best worth adding to your travel itinerary.
Image: Mark Clinton
1. Hamilton Gardens River Walk
Distance: 2.3 km
Difficulty: Easy
First up on our list is the Hamilton Gardens River Walk, a must-do for any visitor to the city. At just over 2 km, this popular walk takes you along the Waikato River and into the Hamilton Gardens, meandering through the beautiful, themed garden collections. You’ll make your way through the Italian Renaissance Garden, the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, the picturesque English Flower Garden, and more.
The well-maintained trail is perfect for everyone, from kids to grandparents. Along the way, you'll come across interesting sculptures, soothing water features, and informative plaques that add a little extra to your walk. The Hamilton Gardens River Walk is a fantastic way to soak up the natural beauty and rich cultural diversity of one of New Zealand's top garden spots.
2. Te Awa River Ride
Distance: 65 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The Te Awa River Ride is one of New Zealand's most scenic and accessible trails, stretching 65 km along the Waikato River from Ngaruawahia to Lake Karapiro. The track is perfect for both cycling and walking, offering a mix of easy-to-moderate sections suitable for various fitness levels.
Starting from Ngaruawahia, the trail winds through picturesque landscapes, including lakes, rivers, waterfalls, bridges, and elevated boardwalks. It's an excellent way to explore parts of the Waikato that are often unseen. Along the way, you'll find plenty of spots to rest, enjoy a picnic, or take in the stunning views. It's an ideal addition to any camping trip in the Waikato region.
3. Ruakuri Bush Walk
Distance: 1.6 km loop
Difficulty: Easy
The Ruakuri Bush Walk is a captivating 1 km loop located near the famous Waitomo Caves. It’s just a short drive from Hamilton. Getting there is easy – simply head south on State Highway 3 for about an hour until you reach Waitomo Village.
Starting at the Ruakuri Scenic Reserve, the walk takes you through lush native bush, along a well-maintained path that is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. One of the highlights of this walk is the beautiful forest setting, where you'll be surrounded by ferns, towering trees, and the sounds of native birds.
As you follow the loop, you'll encounter intriguing limestone outcrops and small caves, adding a little adventure to your walk. At night, the track is illuminated by tiny glowworms, creating a magical experience that shouldn't be missed.
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a flashlight if you plan to enjoy the glowworms after dark.
4. Bridal Veil Falls Track
Distance: 500 m
Difficulty: Easy
The Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls track is a must-visit for nature lovers and those keen to see one of the Waikato region’s most stunning waterfalls. Located about an hour's drive west of Hamilton, near the charming town of Raglan, this short 10-minute walk takes you through lush native bush to the top of the spectacular 55-metre falls.
The track is well-maintained and accessible, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the water cascading down into the pool below. For those looking for a bit more adventure, the trail continues down to the base of the falls, where you can feel the refreshing mist and marvel at the power of the waterfall from a closer perspective.
5. Kakepuku Track
Distance: 3.5 km
Difficulty: Advanced
The Kakepuku Track is a rewarding hike through the Kakepuku Mountain Historic Reserve, climbing to the summit of an ancient volcano. Located just a short drive from Te Awamutu, this track is about 40 minutes southwest of Hamilton.
This advanced 3.5 km return track takes about 2-3 hours to complete and is perfect for those looking for a more challenging hike. The trail winds through lush native bush, providing a beautiful and immersive natural experience. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding Waipa-Waikato landscape.
Before setting out, ensure you’re well-prepared with sturdy footwear and plenty of water. The track can be steep and uneven in places, so it's best suited for experienced hikers.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
6. Maungatautari Ecological Island Reserve
Distance: Various tracks, up to 5 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is New Zealand's largest fenced eco-sanctuary, providing a rare glimpse into an ancient forest teeming with native wildlife. Located about an hour's drive from Hamilton, this sanctuary is surrounded by one of the world's longest pest-proof fences, ensuring a safe haven for some of New Zealand’s most unique and endangered species.
The sanctuary features a variety of well-maintained walking tracks that cater to different fitness levels, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate hikes. As you walk through the lush forest, you’ll be immersed in the sounds of birdsong and might even spot rare birds like the kākā, tīeke, and kiwi.
The Southern Enclosure is particularly popular, featuring a 90-minute guided tour packed with in-depth insights into the conservation efforts and the diverse flora and fauna of the sanctuary. There’s also a viewing tower that provides a stunning vantage point over the forest canopy.
7. Hamilton Lake Domain Walkway
Distance: 3.8 km
Difficulty: Easy
Located close to Hamilton's central city, Hamilton Lake Domain spans 101 hectares and features wide open green spaces, a large and colourful playground, walkways, bike paths, and a loop track around the lake.
The 3.8 km loop track around Hamilton Lake (Rotoroa) is an easy walk suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and a popular spot for families. In addition to walking and biking paths, the lake itself is used for various water-based sports and recreational activities, including dragon boating, waka ama, yachting, and radio-controlled boat racing. After your walk, you can relax at the Verandah Café, a lovely spot to unwind.
8. Hakarimata Summit Track
Distance: 2 km return
Difficulty: Moderate
The Hakarimata Summit Track is a rewarding hike located in the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve, just a short drive north of Hamilton. This 2 km return track takes about three hours to complete and provides a moderate challenge with a steep climb to the summit.
Starting at the Brownlee Avenue entrance, the track quickly ascends through native bush, providing a workout for your legs and lungs. The trail is well-formed with steps and handrails to assist with the steep sections. As you climb, you'll be surrounded by lush forest, with the occasional glimpse of the landscape below.
Reaching the summit at 374 metres, you’ll be greeted with spectacular views from the summit tower. On a clear day, you can see out towards the coast, across the Waikato Basin, and even down to Ruapehu. The summit is a perfect spot to catch your breath, take in the scenery, and snap a few photos.
9. Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk
Distance: 700 m
Difficulty: Easy
The Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk is a short but spectacular 700 m return walk located in the Waitomo area. This easy, 20-minute track takes you through an impressive limestone gorge, leading to a magnificent 17-metre-high natural arch.
The trail begins at the car park and follows a boardwalk that meanders along the Mangapohue Stream. As you walk, you'll be surrounded by lush native bush and the unique rock formations of the gorge. The highlight of the walk is the natural bridge itself, a dramatic arch that spans the stream and gives visitors a glimpse into the geological history of the area.
This walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a great option for families and those looking for a short, scenic outing. The boardwalk ensures easy access, but it's a good idea to wear sturdy shoes, as some sections can be slippery.
READ MORE: Walking and hiking etiquette in New Zealand
10. Mount Pirongia Tracks
Distance: Various tracks, up to 12 km
Difficulty: Easy to advanced
Pirongia Forest Park has a range of exciting hiking opportunities, from short walks to challenging tramps. Located in the Waikato region, this park is home to Mount Pirongia and provides spectacular views, native forests, and diverse wildlife.
One of the popular tracks is the Bell Track, which can be combined with the Tahuanui Track for an overnight circuit to Pāhautea Hut and Mount Pirongia. This advanced track takes 6-10 hours and is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenging adventure.
For those seeking a shorter hike, the Hihikiwi Track is the shortest route to Pāhautea Hut and the Pirongia summit. It’s around 3-4 hours walk to the lookout and 4-6 hours to the summit. The lookout provides one of the best vantage points over the west coast harbours.
If you're looking for a more leisurely experience, the Corcoran Road Lookout track is a quick 15-minute return walk to a viewpoint with extensive views of the surrounding countryside.
Ready to explore the best walks and hikes in Hamilton?
There’s no better way to explore these beautiful walks than a New Zealand road trip in a maui campervan. The freedom to create your own travel itinerary and the comfort of having everything you need on board makes it the perfect way to explore Hamilton's best walks.
Ready to strap up your hiking boots and start exploring Hamilton’s tracks and trails? Take the first step and book your maui campervan hire online now.