Hamilton City River Rides

Two people are cycling along a riverside path beside the Waikato River. They ride past the central city jetty located near the Waikato Museum in Hamilton, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.

Months of operation

All Year

Trail length:

10km

Trail grade:

Grade 1-2

This shared walkway and cycleway runs for 10km through central Hamilton, along the banks of the Waikato River.

The track is well signposted and can be accessed at multiple points along the river. It stretches between Pukete in the north, where it links with the nearby Hamilton Mountain Bike Track in Pukete Farm Park, and Hamilton Gardens in the south. It is suitable for riders of all fitness and experience levels.

There are park benches and grassy areas along the track for riders who want to stop to picnic, or sit and watch the boats, birds and people go by.

The track is shared by walkers, and cyclists should ride with care to ensure the safety of all users.

Highlights

Located in the heart of Hamilton
Hamilton Gardens, at the trails southern end

Pricing

Free

Trail access:

This ride can be accessed at various points along the trail.

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Haere mai! Welcome to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. Perched above the mighty Waikato River, this world-class museum and art gallery is the artistic and cultural heart of the Waikato. Visit us to experience visual stories and guided activities that bring our art, history, culture and science to life through an inspirational programme that aims to challenge and inspire you.

SkyCity Hamilton

SkyCity Hamilton

SkyCity Hamilton is situated inside the former Chief Post Office, in a building designed to maximise a superb riverside location on the banks of the Waikato River. With a range of dining and entertainment outlets, including EATBurger - voted the Waikato's best burger and The Local Taphouse - the first Good George bar in the CBD, there is something for everyone at SkyCity Hamilton! Enjoy the excitement and atmosphere of the Main Gaming Floor with over 300 gaming machines and 23 table games (R20 to enter the casino) or strike up a little competition on level two with Hamilton's only bowling alley, Bowl and Social, a world-class venue offering non-stop fun and state of the art technology!

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens

From ancient Egypt to a 21-century Concept Garden. Admission to the enclosed gardens requires a paid entry fee for visitors who live outside of Hamilton, with children under 16 years of age free. Unlike any botanical garden, our unique attraction is rated among the top 3 things to do in New Zealand and is in the top 1% of attractions globally on Tripadvisor. Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens with one of our tours. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a returning visitor, this immersive journey unveils fascinating tales, discovering the cultural significance woven into every petal and pathway.  Or opt for an Audio Guide to enjoy a narrated journey through the ages and across the continents, exploring at your own pace. 

Sands Carving Studio

Carve Your Own Pekapeka

Carve your own traditional Māori pendant - the pekapeka: named after the native bat. This workshop is designed with entry-level carvers in mind, but some carving experience is highly recommended, and will take a minimum of 7 - 8 hrs. In this workshop, we will cover the cultural history of the form, the tools and skills necessary for stone-carving and will guide participants through the process of creating a pounamu pekapeka. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a fully completed and bound pekapeka to take home.

Zealong Tea Estate

Zealong Tea Estate - Tours

Embark on a captivating Zealong Tea Tour that blends sensory discovery, education, and cultural immersion. Enjoy a visually engaging presentation that explores the history of tea in New Zealand, the unique story of Zealong Tea Estate, and the artistry behind our tea production. Guests can also opt to experience a traditional Tea Ceremony and tasting of five of our internationally award-winning teas.

Nature & Nosh Tours

Private and Custom Journeys - Nature & Nosh Tours

We have a great selection of day hikes in the North Island we can customise into a unique luxury hiking tour itinerary for your group or family. We also have great relationships with many local artisan food producers and love incorporating some tasting into your tour. Our boutique lodges, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts have charming hosts that extend that warm kiwi hospitality. Our tracks include coastal walks, mountains, waterfalls, rivers, springs - the diversity is unparalleled. Whether you are looking at a two day visit or a two week visit, we can work some magic on an itinerary just for you.

All things to do

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