Equifest is just the beginning. One of the best things about visiting Kirikiriroa Hamilton is how easy it is to fit more into your trip. Whether you've got an hour between sessions, an evening to spare, or an extra day to explore, family-friendly attractions, great food, riverside experiences, and local favourites are all within easy reach.  

And the best part? Your Equifest ticket unlocks Hamilton's most popular attractions with 50% off!  → Unlock Hamilton with your Equifest ticket.

 

Choose your pace 

No matter how much time you have between Equifest events, there's plenty to explore. Use this guide to find experiences that match your schedule and energy level, from relaxed family outings and cultural attractions to adventure-filled activities. 

 

I've got 1 hour 

Looking for things to do in Hamilton with one free hour between Equifest sessions?

The good news is that many of Hamilton's favourite experiences are only a short drive from Claudelands, making it easy to fit in a quick adventure before heading back to the action. 

 

Grab a coffee and fluffy in Hamilton East 

Just a short drive from Claudelands, Hamilton East is home to some of the city's favourite cafés. Pick up your go-to coffee order, settle in for a quick bite, or soak up the village atmosphere before heading back to the event. Our fave caffeine hit with a fluffy for the kids comes from Grey St Kitchen, Volare artisan bakery in MADE, or Hayes Common - right opposite one of the city's best river spots, Wellington Street Beach.

Check out more of the best coffee spots here. 

Burn off energy along the Waikato River 

Need to burn off some energy between Equifest events? Head to the Waikato River, where wide riverside paths and open green spaces give kids plenty of room to run, scoot, and explore. As the defining feature of Kirikiriroa Hamilton, the Waikato River provides a scenic backdrop for some fresh air and family time before your next adventure.  

Explore Hamilton's riverside walks. 

Find the perfect picnic spot 

Pack a picnic and slow the pace at Hamilton Gardens. Find a spot by the lake, spread out a blanket beneath the trees, or settle in near the playground while the kids burn off some energy. With beautiful surroundings and plenty of room to relax, it's an easy way to enjoy some family time between Equifest events.

Find the best picnic spots. 

Visit Victoria on the River for riverside views and public art 

Perched above Te Awa o Waikato, Victoria on the River offers a unique vantage point over the waterway. Enjoy the public art, landscaped spaces, and expansive river views and take advantage of the eateries, bars, cafes and secondhand bookshop in the neighbouring Riverside Lane.

Learn more about Victoria on the River. 

Treat the kids to something sweet 

After a big day of exploring, reward the kids with an ice cream, gelato, or other sweet treat. Head to Duck Island on Grey St (just opposite Grey Street Kitchen) for creative flavours the whole family will love, then take a stroll by the river while everyone enjoys a well-earned break.  

Browse more of Hamilton's most tempting treats. 

Browse local galleries, bookshops, and artisan stores 

If you're looking for a slower pace, explore some of the city's creative spaces. Discover local artists, unique gifts, second-hand treasures, and books for every interest. Try Browsers the second-hand book store in Riverbank Lane, it's a book lovers paradise and conveniently next door to Kopi cafe, one of the city's adored coffee spots.

Discover the hidden treasures in Riverbank Lane. 

 

I've got 2-3 hours 

Have a few hours to spare? 

With award-winning gardens, wildlife encounters and hands-on family experiences located close together, you can make the most of a free morning or afternoon before heading back to Equifest. Your ticket also unlocks special visitor offers at selected attractions 

Explore the award-winning themed gardens at Hamilton Gardens (50% off entry*) 

Widely regarded as one of New Zealand's most unique attractions, Hamilton Gardens takes visitors on a journey through different cultures, periods, and design styles. Wander through 18 themed gardens from the Italian Renaissance Garden to the Surrealist Garden, with something new around every corner. 

Unlock Hamilton attractions with your Equifest ticket  

Meet native and exotic wildlife at Hamilton Zoo (50% off children's entry*) 

Get up close to animals from New Zealand and around the world, including chimpanzees, tigers, cheetahs, and native species. The zoo's spacious habitats and family-friendly layout make it easy to spend several hours exploring. 

Unlock Hamilton attractions with your Equifest ticket 

Discover the interactive kid's zone at the Waikato Museum | Te Whare Taonga o Waikato (50% off Exscite*) 

Located on the banks of the Waikato River, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery is a place to connect with the stories of the region. Explore free exhibitions that bring together art, history, science, culture and for a small entry fee, experience Exscite, an interactive kid's zone. 

Unlock Hamilton attractions with your Equifest ticket 

 

I've got half a day 

Enough time to experience more of the city 

Hamilton is made for easy exploring. Many of the city's most popular attractions, dining precincts, river experiences, and cultural highlights are located close together, making it simple to experience a lot without spending hours travelling between destinations. 

 

Explore the central city's vibrant laneways  

Hamilton's city centre is packed with hidden laneways with vibrant street art, independent businesses and eateries. Wander at your own pace and discover the character that makes the city unique. Standouts include Casabella Lane and Riverbank Lane in the central city, or Lovegrove Lane and MADE Market in Hamilton East.

Discover more Hamilton laneways to meander.  

Take a leisurely walk, cycle or speedboat along the Waikato River Trail 

Following the path of Te Awa o Waikato is one of the best ways to experience Kirikiriroa. The trail connects neighbourhoods, parks, cultural landmarks, and popular visitor destinations while revealing the relationship between the city and the awa that flows through it. Walk, cycle, scooter your way down this precious waterway. 

For adventure lovers, try an exhilarating ride in a speedboat with Camjet Tours. 

Discover Hamilton's public art and sculpture collection 

Many of Hamilton's public artworks reflect the stories, people, cultures, and history of the region. As you explore the city, you'll encounter works that celebrate both contemporary creativity and the deep cultural heritage of Kirikiriroa and Waikato.

Check out this list of public art in Hamilton

 

I've got the evening free 

Looking for something after the day's programme? 

As the sun sets, Kirikiriroa Hamilton offers plenty of ways for families to relax, refuel, and keep the fun going. From family-friendly dining and sweet treats to indoor entertainment and evening activities, there are plenty of options once the Equifest programme wraps up.

If you're staying a little longer, discover recommended accommodation for Equifest and make the most of your time in Hamilton. 

Enjoy a family dinner by the river 

Whether you're after pizza, burgers, Asian cuisine, or a relaxed pub meal, Hamilton has plenty of family-friendly dining options. Head to Hamilton East, MADE, for a host of cuisine options with a river view, or the central city to one of the many restaurants on Victoria Street for children's menu options, and casual dining that's easy for the whole family to enjoy. 

Explore Hamilton's family-friendly dining options. 

Challenge the family to bowling, games, and indoor fun 

Looking for an activity everyone can enjoy? Spend an evening bowling at SkyCity Hamilton, test your teamwork in an escape room, or enjoy arcade games and indoor entertainment around the city. It's a great way to keep the excitement going after a day at Equifest. 

Discover family entertainment in Hamilton. 

Sweet dreams are made of this 

Round off your evening with gelato, ice cream, waffles, cheesecakes, or other delicious treats. Visit Mövenpick Ice Cream, Duck Island, or Kori Desserts and give the kids something to look forward to after a big day of exploring.  

Find more sweet treats in Hamilton 

See what's on around the city 

Depending on what's happening during your visit, you might find family-friendly performances, community events, markets, festivals, live entertainment, or special activities taking place across the city.  

Find out what's happening in Hamilton. 

I've got an extra day 

Whether you're keen to keep the adventure going or slow things down after Equifest, Hamilton offers the flexibility to do both. Explore family-friendly attractions, spend time by the river and discover experiences that make an extra day well worth it. 

Waikato River jet boat ride 

Experience Te Awa o Waikato from a new perspective on a high-speed jet boat adventure. Racing across New Zealand's longest river is an exciting way to see the heart of the city and get the adrenaline pumping for the whole family! 

Explore the cities bike trails 

Hire eBikes from River Riders, or bring the kids scooters and cover more ground with ease. Follow river trails, explore Hamilton's gardens, parks and bridges, and stop whenever something catches your eye.

Discover the Te Awa River Ride cycling trails in Hamilton.

Hamilton Gardens (50% off*) 

Families can spend hours exploring 18 themed gardens, winding pathways, and imaginative spaces designed to spark curiosity and conversation. For Equifest weekend only, attendees can receive a 50% discount on the entry fee, while children under 16 are free to enter.   

Unlock Hamilton attractions with your Equifest ticket 

Waikato Museum | Te Whare Taonga o Waikato (50% off*) 

Interactive exhibitions and family-focused displays make the museum a fun and educational option for visitors of all ages. Entry to the museum is free, while the kid's zone, Exscite, is 50% off the ticket price for attendees on Equifest weekend.

Unlock Hamilton attractions with your Equifest ticket 

Hamilton Zoo (50% off children's entry*) 

With animal encounters, keeper talks, and plenty to see throughout the day, the zoo is a family favourite and an easy addition to any Hamilton itinerary. Locals know it has one of the city's top children's playgrounds and the best value-for-money ice creams. Equifest attendees can receive a 50% discount on child admission by showing their ticket on entry.

Unlock Hamilton attractions with your Equifest ticket 

 

City fun at your fingertips 

With so much to explore in Kirikiriroa Hamilton, you won't want to miss out on our iconic attractions and family activities. That's why many visitors choose to arrive early, stay an extra night, or add another day to their Equifest weekend. 

Whether you've got one free hour or a whole extra day, Kirikiriroa Hamilton makes it easy to discover more, all just minutes from Equifest.  

➝Unlock Hamilton attractions with your Equifest ticket