Visitor Guide
Getting here
- You can fly in to Hamilton Airport, approx. 20 mins drive from our venue, or Auckland Airport, which is about 1 hour 20 mins away.
- There’s a bus depot, for Intercity etc, in the CBD, just a few blocks from our venue.
Accommodation
- The address of the venue, if you want close accommodation, is 100 Seddon Road, Frankton, Hamilton 3241.
- There are lots of motels on Ulster Street, approx 15 min walk from our venue.
Dining Options
- In the CBD, head for Victoria Street and Hood Street to find everything from fine dining to casual eateries.
- There are also lots of options in Hamilton East, including Made, which has a variety of eateries, restaurants, and bars as well as other shops.
There’s lots to see and do in Hamilton if you’re planning on staying a bit longer!
- The internationally acclaimed Hamilton Gardens are well worth visiting. This stunning collection of themed gardens takes you on a journey through civilisations, from Italian Renaissance gardens to Japanese zen retreats.
- If you’re new to the Waikato, discover the rich history and art of the Waikato region at the Waikato Museum. Interactive exhibits, Māori taonga (treasures), and rotating contemporary art galleries.
- Snap a selfie with the iconic Riff Raff statue in the city centre, celebrating Hamilton’s connection to Rocky Horror creator Richard O’Brien.
- If you’re staying longer, or are into walking or cycling, check out the 3.8km loop around Hamilton Lake (Lake Rotoroa), or the Waikato River Trails which offer over 100km of walking and cycling paths through stunning countryside.
- Love cricket? Make a pilgrimage to Seddon Park, a short walk from Kaute Pasifika.
- For Rugy Fans, we’re just across the road from the FMG Stadium Waikato, home of the Chiefs, the spiritual home of rugby in Hamilton. Take a walk around the outside of the stadium to learn about the history of the stadium.
We’d love to see your pics and selfie’s from your weekend, do tag us or share them in the Facebook group!
Shopping
- Malls:
Centre Place mall in the CBD
Chartwell (over 100 stores all conveniently located under one roof)
The Base at Te Rapa (one of New Zealand’s largest shopping centres)
- For something more original check out this article.
Further afield
- Raglan is a beach town on the west coast, known for its surfing, and volcanic black sand beaches. Cute shops and good eateries. Approx 40 min drive.
Stop off to visit Bridal Veils Falls, a spectacular 55-metre-high waterfall.
- Hobbiton is well worth a visit and about a 50 min drive from Hamilton. Do book your tickets in advance if you want to visit. It’s super busy but runs like a well oiled machine.
- Cambridge is about 20 mins from Hamilton; really nice little town with a lovely shopping street and loads of great places to eat. Often described as the jewel of the Waikato, Cambridge is a destination where high-performance sport meets relaxed living, and where vibrant culture sits comfortably alongside small-town charm. Anything goes in Cambridge – you’ll see track riders and assorted horsie people; farmers; athletes (rowers, cyclists, runners and walkers); ladies who lunch; and even the occasional line dancer 😉 .
- The Velodrome at Cambridge is worth a visit, whether you’re a cylclist or not – you can go in and watch cyclists training. Great cafe too.
- Morrinsville is another nice country / farming town, about 35 mins from Hamilton – see how many painted cows you can spot!
Line Dance Classes
Want to check out some local classes while you’re here (or on the way / way home if you’re doing a roadie)?
I’ll update this nearer the time, but nearby classes are:
- Phoenix Line Dancers – daily classes in Hamilton
- Whatawhata Line Dancing
- Waipa Wranglers – Cambridge, Tuesdays from 12.30-2.30pm
- Rosetown Line Dancers – Te Awamutu, Mondays and Tuesdays
- Otorohanga Country Line Dancing – Katie Krukerink
- Te Aroha with Anna Den Otter – Thursdays
- Tauranga – Faye Warner
- Rotovegas Line Dancers – Rotorua, with Judy Pore
- Taupo – Kim Mahood
