A Perfect Weekend to enjoy Hamilton Events

Nestled in the heart of the Waikato region, New Zealand’s fastest growing city, Hamilton offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, vibrant events, and culinary delights for everyone to experience. February is an ideal time to visit, with warm weather and a host of activities to enjoy. We’ve formed some ‘must do’ activities, perfect for your weekend spent along the Waikato River, highlighting some awesome Hamilton events like the Hamilton Arts Festival, Gourmet in the Gardens at the iconic Hamilton Gardens, and the scenic Waikato River Trails. 

Hamilton Arts Festival

The stage is set, and the Hamilton Arts Festival is almost here. Known as Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa, this festival is a vibrant celebration of performing arts and features and eclectic mix of music, theatre, dance and comedy. Running from February 21st to March 2nd, 2025, you can enjoy this festival at the iconic Hamilton Gardens.  

There are some awesome acts in the lineup for this year’s festival, including but not limited to, Late 80’s Mercedes, Katchafire and Carmina Burana Chorus. The Festival Hub, located in the Central Court of Hamilton Gardens, is the heart of the festival. It’s a great place to soak up the vibes, with performances every night and plenty of kai (food) spots available, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa, is offering a multi-buy offer of 15% discount, when you’re purchasing general admission tickets to three or more performances at Hamilton Arts Festival. Click the link here to purchase some tickets.  

While exploring the Hamilton Arts Festival, you can also spend some time taking in the beautiful and incredibly iconic Hamilton Gardens. From Renaissance to Indian Tudor, you are transported to different eras and introduced to impressive adaptations of Katherine Mansfield and more with these themed gardens. There is a $20 charge for out-of-town visitors to see the enclosed gardens, but a worthwhile investment in our opinion. If you didn’t want to visit the paid gardens, there is an equally as impressive free set of gardens for your exploration. The gardens are open 7 days a week excluding public holidays, and host plenty of Hamilton Events throughout the year.   

Gourmet in the Gardens

Imagine a warm summer evening where the air is filled with the tantalising aromas of gourmet cuisine, the sound of live music, and the laughter of families and friends gathered on the lush Rhododendron Lawn between 4pm and 8pm at Hamilton Gardens – welcome to Gourmet in the Gardens, your perfect Sunday escape. 

This family-friendly event is perfect to keep everyone engaged and enjoy some food with as much or as little company as you’d like. With picnic vibes and live music, this is an awesome way to close out the weekend. This event transforms the lawn into a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide array of gourmet food stalls featuring international cuisines such as Jamaican, Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai, wood-fired pizza, and ceviche. 

To make the most of your visit to Gourmet in the Gardens, make sure to do the following: 

• Arrive early: Beat the crowds to secure the best spots on the lawn and guarantee yourself a parking space at the Gate 2 carpark. Check out the map of Hamilton Gardens here. 

• Bring essentials: Bring your picnic blankets and chairs because comfort is key. You can also help reduce waste by bringing your own cutlery and containers.  

• Explore the food stalls: Take a stroll around the stalls before locking in your choice. With so many options, you might want to try a bit of everything! Consider sharing dishes to sample more options, that’s a win-win?! 

• Stay connected: Keep in touch with the Gourmet in the Gardens Facebook page. As this event is weather dependent and outdoors, the organisers for the event will post postponements and other important information on this channel.  

Don’t miss out on this perfect blend of food, fun, and community! 

Waikato River Trails

Aside from events in Hamilton, Kirikiriroa is blessed with stunning river trails that offer breathtaking views and a perfect escape into nature. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these trails is a must. There are two stand out river trails in Waikato that are bound to wow all who experience it. 

Firstly, the Waikato River Walk. This scenic, multi-use path stretches 17 kms along the west bank of the Waikato River from the Cobham Bridge near the Hamilton Gardens to the Horotiu Bridge north of Pukete.  

This trail is designed for walking, running or even cycling. With its stunning river views, you can take your time and take any stops along the way with a guaranteed gorgeous view. This trail is also easily accessible from Hamilton Central, making it a quick escape into nature and gives the ability to adventure as far as you’re comfortable with.  Did you know there is 7 bridges crossing the Waikato River along this trail? That makes for awesome variety to your adventure through Hamilton.  

Another awesome River Trail in Hamilton is the Te Awa River Ride. Another trail that stretches across Kirikiriroa, this trail offers a picturesque journey from Hamilton to Ngāruawāhia and is a mix of both urban and rural landscapes, showcasing the natural beauty of the Waikato region. Although known mostly for cycling across, this Waikato River Trail is perfect for both wheels and walking! 

There are a few key highlights of this trail, and we’ll list them below: 

• Facilities: Along this track, you’ll find amenities such as DIY bike repair stations, drinking fountains and cafes, ensuring you’ve got all you need for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. 

• Perfect picture spot: The Perry Cycle Bridge is a standout feature of the Te Awa River Ride. This stunning bridge offers breathtaking views of the Waikato River, making it a perfect spot for photos and a memorable part of your journey.  

• Accessibility: This trail is well-maintained by local Council’s (both Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council) and is suitable for all ages, making it an excellent choice for all. With its wide, concrete path, it’s accessible to a wide range of users, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. 

The Te Awa River Ride is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and tranquility of the Waikato region. 

Accommodation

When you’re visiting Hamilton Kirikiriroa, consider booking yourself in at the VR Hamilton for an affordable and easy experience. Being located right in Hamilton Central you’ve got easy accessibility to the Waikato River Trails, nearby to the Hamilton Gardens and any other Hamilton events plus you’ve even got plenty of dining options right at your doorstep. The VR Hamilton offers competitive pricing and a variety of room options to suit needs and preferences. 

Hamilton, with its vibrant art scenes, culinary delights and stunning natural landscapes offers a perfect weekend getaway. From food to arts, performances to picturesque walks along the Waikato River, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit this February and experience the best of what Hamilton has to offer.