Blog

Local advice, place guides and suburb guides from around Hamilton.

Coastal Beaches and HarbourNgarunui Beach RaglanSwimming, Surfing and Day Trip from HamiltonRaglan’s main swimming and surf beach, patrolled by lifeguards over summer and home to the Raglan Surf School, an easy day trip from Hamilton.River Beaches and Waikato River AccessMalcolm Street BeachRiver Swimming, Water Quality and Getting ThereA small Waikato River beach in Hammond Park, Riverlea, popular with summer swimmers, with a Good water quality grade and the Te Awa path nearby.Waikato River and Hydro LakesWaikato River FishingTrout and Rudd through HamiltonThe Waikato River runs through the middle of Hamilton, and riverside parks and walkways give anglers access to more than 15 km of it. Fish & Game describes the rainbow trout as plentiful and present all year, with brown trout throughout the river and rudd extremely abundant in summer. Unlike the stretches above the city, …Waikato River and Hydro LakesKarāpiro Dam FishingTrout in the Waikato River Below the DamThe Waikato River below Karāpiro Dam is, according to Fish & Game, probably the single most popular fishing spot in the Auckland/Waikato region. Rainbow and brown trout hold along the edges of the backwater at the base of the dam, feeding on small fish and caddis, and the river is open all year to fly, …BMX TracksMinogue Park BMX TrackFacilities, Events and AccessYou won't want to miss the thrilling jumps and community spirit at Minogue Park BMX Track—discover what makes it Hamilton's top BMX destination!Skate ParksFairfield SkateparkModern Features for All RidersDiscover the vibrant atmosphere of Fairfield Skatepark, where skateboarders thrive and community events await—what exciting experiences will you find?Skate ParksNawton SkateparkCommunity Spot in Elliott ParkMake memories at Nawton Skatepark, Hamilton's beloved destination for skaters of all skill levels, where excitement and community await you. Discover more inside!Coarse Fishing SpotsLake Ngā RotoCoarse Fishing, Walks and Amenities near HamiltonGet ready to discover the ultimate coarse fishing destination at Lake Ngaroto, where abundant species await your catch—find out more inside!Skate ParksChedworth Park Mini Skate BowlHamilton Family SpotI invite you to discover Chedworth Skatepark, where thrilling ramps and a vibrant community await—find out what makes it truly special!Coarse Fishing SpotsLake Rotoroa (Hamilton Lake) FishingPerch, Tench and CatfishCatch a glimpse of urban fishing at Lake Rotoroa, where scenic beauty meets diverse fish species—discover the secrets that await you!Skate ParksMelville Skate ParkHistoric Bowl and Upgraded FacilitiesDiscover the thrill of skateboarding at Melville Skate Park, where community spirit meets modern design—find out how this hotspot is transforming Hamilton.Coarse Fishing SpotsLake Rotokaeo (Forest Lake) FishingMinogue Park and PlaygroundYou'll discover a serene fishing haven at Lake Rotokaeo, where lush parkland and vibrant wildlife await your exploration. Don't miss out on the adventure!