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1h Drive to Hamilton – 3 Charming Spots to Explore

🚗 Tired of Auckland’s usual spots? This weekend, I’m hitting the road for a quick 1-hour drive to Hamilton – NZ’s hidden gem for small-town charm and easy day trips. Here’s my curated list of 3 must-visit places to fill your day with joy (and minimal planning！)： 🌟 Hamilton Gardens: A “World’s Fair” of Greenery 🌳 Think of it as a global garden party – Hamilton Gardens is literally a “window to the world” of horticulture. With 18 enclosed gardens, each themed like a different culture or era (Japanese zen, English rose, Mediterranean herb…), it’s impossible not to get lost in the details. I wandered for hours, snapping pics of cherry blossoms, hidden fountains, and even a mini Roman amphitheater！ 📍 Location: Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216 ⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily 💰 Ticket: $20 NZD (free for Hamilton residents – score！) 🌟 Classic Museum: A Retro Car Lover’s Paradise 🚗 If you’re into vintage cars (or just love a good dose of nostalgia), the Classic Museum is your happy place. Packed with over 100 years of automotive history – think rusty Model Ts, sleek vintage sports cars, and even a few quirky “oddities” (a car shaped like a banana?!), it’s a treasure trove for gearheads. The staff even shared stories about restoring some of the classics – so engaging！ 📍 Location: 11 Railside Place, Dinsdale, Hamilton 3204 ⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily 💰 Ticket: $20 NZD 🌟 Made Market: Cozy Indoor Shopping & Snacking 🛍️ Need a break from sightseeing? Made Market is the perfect pitstop. This indoor market feels like a warm hug – two floors of quirky shops, cozy cafes, and delicious eats. I grabbed a matcha latte, browsed handmade jewelry, and even tried a “Hamilton Honey” ice cream (local flavor, so good！). Pro tip: Go hungry – the food stalls (burgers, sushi, pastries) are dangerously tempting！ 📍 Location: 401 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216 ⏰ Hours: Thu-Sat 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Sun-Wed 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM 💡 Weekend Tips • Drive Time: Auckland to Hamilton is super easy – just 1 hour via SH1 (no traffic headaches！). • Pack Light: All three spots are walkable (or a short Uber ride apart), so leave the heavy bags at home. • Local Vibe: Hamilton feels like a small town with big heart – chat with shop owners, pet the street dogs, and soak in the relaxed energy. ✨This weekend, swap Auckland’s bustle for Hamilton’s charm. With gardens, cars, and markets, it’s a day of “slow travel” at its finest. #NewZealand #Auckland #WeekendVibes #HamiltonNZ #SmallTownCharm #TravelDiary #RoadTrip #ExploreNZ

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​​Liora Moss​
​​Liora Moss​
4 months ago
​​Liora Moss​
​​Liora Moss​
4 months ago
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1h Drive to Hamilton – 3 Charming Spots to Explore

🚗 Tired of Auckland’s usual spots? This weekend, I’m hitting the road for a quick 1-hour drive to Hamilton – NZ’s hidden gem for small-town charm and easy day trips. Here’s my curated list of 3 must-visit places to fill your day with joy (and minimal planning！)： 🌟 Hamilton Gardens: A “World’s Fair” of Greenery 🌳 Think of it as a global garden party – Hamilton Gardens is literally a “window to the world” of horticulture. With 18 enclosed gardens, each themed like a different culture or era (Japanese zen, English rose, Mediterranean herb…), it’s impossible not to get lost in the details. I wandered for hours, snapping pics of cherry blossoms, hidden fountains, and even a mini Roman amphitheater！ 📍 Location: Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216 ⏰ Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily 💰 Ticket: $20 NZD (free for Hamilton residents – score！) 🌟 Classic Museum: A Retro Car Lover’s Paradise 🚗 If you’re into vintage cars (or just love a good dose of nostalgia), the Classic Museum is your happy place. Packed with over 100 years of automotive history – think rusty Model Ts, sleek vintage sports cars, and even a few quirky “oddities” (a car shaped like a banana?!), it’s a treasure trove for gearheads. The staff even shared stories about restoring some of the classics – so engaging！ 📍 Location: 11 Railside Place, Dinsdale, Hamilton 3204 ⏰ Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily 💰 Ticket: $20 NZD 🌟 Made Market: Cozy Indoor Shopping & Snacking 🛍️ Need a break from sightseeing? Made Market is the perfect pitstop. This indoor market feels like a warm hug – two floors of quirky shops, cozy cafes, and delicious eats. I grabbed a matcha latte, browsed handmade jewelry, and even tried a “Hamilton Honey” ice cream (local flavor, so good！). Pro tip: Go hungry – the food stalls (burgers, sushi, pastries) are dangerously tempting！ 📍 Location: 401 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216 ⏰ Hours: Thu-Sat 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Sun-Wed 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM 💡 Weekend Tips • Drive Time: Auckland to Hamilton is super easy – just 1 hour via SH1 (no traffic headaches！). • Pack Light: All three spots are walkable (or a short Uber ride apart), so leave the heavy bags at home. • Local Vibe: Hamilton feels like a small town with big heart – chat with shop owners, pet the street dogs, and soak in the relaxed energy. ✨This weekend, swap Auckland’s bustle for Hamilton’s charm. With gardens, cars, and markets, it’s a day of “slow travel” at its finest. #NewZealand #Auckland #WeekendVibes #HamiltonNZ #SmallTownCharm #TravelDiary #RoadTrip #ExploreNZ

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