Hamilton City

Walking this section

Introduction

Follow Te Awa (a combined walk-cycle way) south through Braithwaite Park along the (true left) bank of the Waikato River to just south of (having passed under) the Claudelands Road Bridge. From here, you will travel through the city as follows:

Leave the walkway and take the Centennial Steps up onto Alma Street. Head past the Novotel Tainui and turn left/southeast into Victoria Street. Almost immediately, turn right (southwest) into Garden Place, an open-space mall. At the far side of Garden Place, turn right and walk through the Centre Place Shopping Centre to Ward Street (or if after hours, continue through Garden Place past the Hamilton City Council building to the Ward Street/Anglesea Street intersection). Follow Ward Street southwest to the corner of Ward and Tristram Streets.

Here, walk west through Norris Ward Park and the far side of the park on Seddon Road. Follow signs onto the Western Rail Trail, which runs adjacent to the railway line, past the Hamilton Railway Station to Killarney Road. Walk west along Killarney Road and through the Dinsdale Roundabout to Whatawhata Road on the southwest side.

Follow Whatawhata Road until turning left (south) into Melva Street. At the end of this street is Tills Lookout. 

Continue south-westward across farmland on a paved city walk-cycleway, turn left (southwest) into Wallace Road, turn right (northwest) into Taitua Road and walk down the road to the Taitua Arboretum.

Getting there

Track conditions

Potential hazards

• Vehicles on road or track - some walkways are shared with bicycles. Take care crossing roads.

Transport

Hamilton Transport Centre - National/regional bus services, shuttle services and taxis - Corner of Bryce and Anglesea Sts - P: 07 839 6650 - Facilities include - Café, toilets, showers, bike and luggage lockers, telephones and parking.

• InterCity - Major North Island routes - E: info@intercity.co.nz - P: 09 583 5780
• BusIt (Huntly and Hamilton) - P: 0800 800 401
• Dalroy express (Hamilton - Auckland, New Plymouth and Hāwera) P: 0508 465 622
• Hamilton International Airport - 15km south of the city - Air NZ - P: 0800 737 000
• Super Shuttles - P: 0800 748 885 or 09 522 5100 -E: reservations@supershuttle.co.nz - Airport shuttles
• Minibus Express - P: 0800 64 64 28 or 021 685 099 - test "bus" to 9090 and they will call you. E: info@minibus.co.nz

Local transport

• Free Hamilton City Centre buses - leave every 10 minutes Monday - Friday: 7am-6pm Mon-Fri and 9am-1pm Sat-Sun
• BusIt - P: 0800 205 305
• Hamilton Taxis - P: 0800 477 477

Accommodation

There are many options available at a variety of levels, including the below:

• Microtel Backpackers - 140 Ulster St, Hamilton - P: 027 957 4848 - E: info@microtel.co.nz

• Eagles Nest backpackers - 937 Victoria St, Hamilton - P: 07 838 2704

• YWCA Hostel - Corner of Clarence and Pembroke Sts, Hamilton - single or twin share rooms at $50 per person, per night P: 027 756 4402 - E: hostel@ywcahamilton.org.nz

• Forty winks Backpackers Hostel - 267 River Rd, Claudelands, Hamilton - P: 07 855 2033

Detour to campsite

• Hamilton City Holiday Park - Camping, cabins and self-contained units - 14 Ruakura Rd, Hamilton - P: 07 855 8255 - E: hchp@xtra.co.nz

Trail Host After Hamilton

• Taitua Road, km 793.6. Rural property between Hamilton and Whatawhata. Tent space, a meal and shower if needed. Koha would be appreciated but is not compulsory. We have a big lawn with 2 friendly dogs and a space inside if the weather is not favourable. 31 Taitua Road, red ladybrid letter box. Please call Matthew Snodgrass M: 021 352 818 

Food and supplies

• Pak'nSave Supermarket - Clarence St, Hamilton - P: 07 839 4056 Open 7.00am -10.00pm daily. 
• Countdown Supermarket - Cnr Anglesea and Liverpool Sts, Hamilton - P: 07 834 1490 Open 7.00am -10.00pm Daily
• Ginger and Honey Cafe - 1369 Victoria Street, Beerescourt, Hamilton - 10% off food and drink when Te Araroa trail pass is shown.