Escape the crowds | Free outdoor Hamilton hidden-gems

Escape the crowds | Free outdoor Hamilton hidden-gems

Ditch the crowds and grab a dose of nature in the middle of the city with these adventures. They are short walks perfect for little legs and can be done and dusted within an hour. Just long enough to keep everyone engaged and help with the cabin fever! 

 

Legacy Park | Temple View

Explore cute wooden shacks overlooking a small lagoon on the outskirts of Hamilton. This small reserve has boardwalks that zigzag under mature trees and over bridges, before leading to an excellent playground perched on a hill.

Time: Allow 30 min to walk and have a quick play. 
Location:  Foster Road at Temple View.
Accessibility:  Concrete paths and boardwalk. Suitable for buggies and wheelchairs. No bikes allowed. 
Dogs:  On leads. 


Peacockes Road Esplanade | Bader 

This mini-adventure comes to life in autumn with all the colourful leaves. Bring the bikes and trikes for this popular route which winds through towering trees and along boardwalks beside the Waikato River. 

Time: Allow 30 min for a quick explore. 
Location: Parking is available at the end of Bader Street just before Norrie Street. 
Accessibility: Well graded concrete paths suitable for buggies, bikes and wheelchairs. 
Dogs: On leads.

 

Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park | Baverstock

After 15 years in the making, this community science-based project is now open for visitors to enjoy and discover an important peat lake within the city's boundaries. The former farmland has been transformed and is now home to sacred kingfisher and morepork, plus many other native species. 

Time: Allow 60 min for a relaxed explore. 
Location: Parking available opposite the Hamilton Zoo. 
Accessibility: Well graded paths and boardwalks suitable for buggies. No bikes allowed. 
Dogs: No dogs allowed. 

Lake Rotokauri | Rotokauri

Wander through regenerating wetlands to a pretty peat lake just north of Hamilton. This lake is one of the largest peat lakes in the region and is a nice easy stroll with the pooch. There is a picnic table and seat where you can relax and do some bird-spotting. There is very little shade so remember to slip, slop and slap before heading out.

Time: Allow 45 to 60 min to walk the loop.
Location: Parking is available at the end of Bunyard Road near Rotokauri School. 
Accessibility: Suitable for buggies and bikes. 

 

Looking for more family-friendly walks? Our Hamilton & Waikato guidebook has 100+ outdoor adventures including adventures for walking, bikes, buggies and dogs. 

 

 

 

>> MORE ADVENTURES TO EXPLORE <<
Escape the city for two-wheeled Waikato River Trails adventures
Escape the city for two-wheeled Waikato River Trails adventures
Are the kids ready to tackle some two-wheeled trail adventures? This family-friendly section of the Waikato River Trails
Read More
Lessons on resilience from an outdoor adventure guide
Lessons on resilience from an outdoor adventure guide
Does hanging out in nature build resilience in kids? We chat to guide and manager Harry of Raglan Rock about his experie
Read More
Fun little MTB adventures near Hamilton
Fun little MTB adventures near Hamilton
Are the kids keen to hit some dirt trails and test out their mountain biking skills? Here are three little adventures ne
Read More