Day Trips and Places to Visit Near Hamilton

For outdoor days, the guides cover the Hakarimata Summit Track, Mount Pirongia, Pukemokemoke Bush Reserve and Te Aroha.

Hamilton is perfectly placed for exploring the Waikato and beyond. Surf and relax at Raglan, explore the glow-worm caves at Waitomo, visit the Hobbiton movie set near Matamata, or chase the towering Bridal Veil Falls. History, caves, beaches and film magic all sit within easy reach.

Day trips map

26 day trips in and around Hamilton. Tap one for how far it is and the guide, or find the ones nearest you.

Map of 26 day trips

Pins from each day trip guide. Distances are in a straight line from the city centre.

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26 day trips

Wildlife, Gardens & Family AttractionsTaitua ArboretumPeaceful Walks and Park Escape6 km westToiletsDogs on leashTaitua Arboretum in Temple View, Hamilton: a free 20-hectare park with lakes, woodland gardens, a 90-minute loop track and dog access on leads.

Food, Film & CountrysideZealong Tea EstateNZ's Only Commercial Tea Plantation15 min drive9 km northZealong Tea Estate in Gordonton, 15 minutes from Hamilton, is New Zealand's only commercial tea plantation, with high tea, guided tours and organic teas.

Food, Film & CountrysideWhatawhata Berry FarmPick Your Own Berries and Ice Cream10 min drive10 km westWhatawhata Berry Farm near Hamilton offers pick your own seasonal berries, ice cream and eco-friendly family fun on the farm.

Forests, Mountains & Bush WalksHakarimata Summit TrackChallenging Hike Near Hamilton with Summit Views18 km north-westToiletsNo dogs3 hr returnThe Hakarimata Summit Track near Ngāruawāhia is a steep climb through native bush to a summit tower at 374 metres, a short drive from Hamilton.

Forests, Mountains & Bush WalksKaniwhaniwha Campsite and CavesSwimming Walks near Hamilton23 km south-westToiletsKaniwhaniwha Reserve in Pirongia Forest Park has a campsite, stream swimming, limestone caves and the Nikau Track, a short drive from Hamilton.

Forests, Mountains & Bush WalksPukemokemoke Bush ReserveNative Forest Walks Near Hamilton23 km northToiletsNo dogsPukemokemoke Bush Reserve, 30km north of Hamilton, has a 3.4km summit loop through 40ha of native forest to a 360-degree lookout. Free entry, no dogs.

Forests, Mountains & Bush WalksMount Pirongia Forest ParkTrails and Nature Near Hamilton40 min drive24 km south-westNo dogsMount Pirongia Forest Park lies 25 km southeast of Hamilton and offers a range of walking tracks through native forest on an extinct volcano.

Food, Film & CountrysideMorrinsville GalleryHamilton Day Trip to Contemporary Art30 min drive26 km north-eastMorrinsville Gallery, about 30 minutes from Hamilton: free contemporary New Zealand art in the old post office on Thames Street, in rotating shows.

Rivers, Lakes & Cycle TrailsLake Puketirini HuntlySwimming, Water Quality and Day Trip from Hamilton27 km north-westToiletsSwim at Lake Puketirini in Huntly, a former coal mine lake with an Excellent LAWA grade, weekly summer testing and a lakeside walking path.

Rivers, Lakes & Cycle TrailsLake KarapiroWater Activities, Trails and Events Near Hamilton30 min drive28 km south-eastToiletsWhen seeking adventure near Hamilton, Lake Karapiro offers an ideal escape just a short drive south.

Forests, Mountains & Bush WalksBridal Veil FallsEasy Waterfall Day Trip45 min drive36 km west55 m fallsToiletsBridal Veil Falls (Waireinga) is a 55m waterfall near Raglan, 45 minutes from Hamilton. A 10 minute walk leads to the platforms, 261 steps to the base.

Food, Film & CountrysideHobbiton Movie SetMiddle-earth Day Trip from Hamilton37 km east2.5 hrHobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, about 65 km from Hamilton: guided tours of the Shire with 44 Hobbit Holes, Bag End and a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.

Beaches, Surf & West Coast EscapesNgarunui Beach RaglanSwimming, Surfing and Day Trip from Hamilton41 min drive39 km westToiletsNgarunui Beach, Raglan: patrolled summer swimming, the Raglan Surf School beach, LAWA water quality, rips and access. An easy day trip from Hamilton.

Wildlife, Gardens & Family AttractionsSanctuary Mountain MaungatautariEcosanctuary Day Trip Near Hamilton50 min drive39 km south-eastToiletsSanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, 50 minutes from Hamilton, is a predator-free forest behind a 47km fence, with kiwi, kākā, guided tours and night walks.

Beaches, Surf & West Coast EscapesNgarunui TrackDay Trip Coastal Forest Walk Down to Raglan's Main Beach40 km westNo dogs20 min one wayEasyNgarunui Track near Raglan: a 20-minute, 800 m DOC walk through coastal forest of nīkau and tree ferns to Ngarunui Beach. Access, parking and dogs.

Rivers, Lakes & Cycle TrailsWaikato River TrailsCycling and Walking Near Hamilton40 km south-eastHardThe Waikato River Trails south of Hamilton follow 104km of New Zealand's longest river in five sections past lakes, forest and hydro dams, Grade 3 to 4.

Beaches, Surf & West Coast EscapesManu Bay, RaglanThe Famous Left-Hand Point Break, Whale Bay and Indicators41 min drive41 km westToiletsDogs on leashManu Bay, Whale Bay and Indicators at Raglan: three nationally significant left-hand point breaks for experienced surfers, with toilets and a boat ramp.

Forests, Mountains & Bush WalksTe Kauri Park Circuit WalkDay Trip Stream and Hilltop Loop near Kawhia42 km south-westNo dogs1.5 hrEasyTe Kauri Park Circuit Walk off State Highway 31: a 1 hr 30 min, 2.5 km loop beside the Waikuku Stream and up to views of Kawhia and Pirongia. No dogs.

Beaches, Surf & West Coast EscapesWairake TrackDay Trip up the Gentler Side of Mt Karioi near Raglan43 km westNo dogs2-3 hr one wayHardWairake Track off Karioi Road: a 2-3 hr one way advanced tramp across farmland and through coastal forest to the Mt Karioi summit. Daylight access only.

Wildlife, Gardens & Family AttractionsŌtorohanga Kiwi HouseNative Wildlife Day Trip from Hamilton1 hr drive44 km southŌtorohanga Kiwi House, under an hour from Hamilton, has nocturnal kiwi enclosures, a walk-through aviary and daily keeper talks on tuatara and kea.

Beaches, Surf & West Coast EscapesKarioi TrackDay Trip Climb up Raglan's Ancient Volcano45 km westNo dogs3.5 hrHardKarioi Track off Whaanga Road: an advanced climb with chains and ladders to a Raglan Harbour lookout and the 756 m summit. Slips on the access road.

Beaches, Surf & West Coast EscapesRuapuke BeachRemote West Coast Surf Beach South of Raglan47 km westDogs on leashRuapuke Beach south of Raglan: a regionally significant west coast beach break past Mount Karioi, with a council toilet and an unsealed coast road.

Hot Springs & RelaxationTe ArohaHistoric Spa Town and Mountain Trails Near Hamilton1 hr drive47 km north-east952 m fallsTe Aroha, an hour from Hamilton, is a historic spa town with mineral baths, an Edwardian domain and a 3.9km summit track up 952m Mount Te Aroha.

Forests, Mountains & Bush WalksHapuakohe WalkwayTwo-Day Ridge Tramp along the Hapuakohe Range53 km north8 hrHardHapuakohe Walkway: a 23 km advanced tramp along the Hapuakohe Range in two sections, with views over the Hauraki Plains and Waikato. Access and transport.

Caves, Glowworms & Underground AdventuresWaitomo Glowworm CavesMagical Day Trip from Hamilton1 hr drive55 km south45 minJust a short drive from Hamilton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves offer a memorable underground experience featuring thousands of bioluminescent glowworms.

Rivers, Lakes & Cycle TrailsPutaruru Blue SpringsCrystal-Clear Day Trip from Hamilton1 hr drive56 km south-eastToiletsNo dogsPutaruru Blue Springs (Te Puna), about an hour from Hamilton: a clear turquoise spring on the 4.7 km Te Waihou Walkway, or 800 m from Leslie Road.