Visiting Hamilton (sans kids)~ what is a 'must see'?

[aussiemum]

We will be in NZ (Hamilton & surrounding region) for 6 days in January.  What would you recommend that we do in the area for a short visit?  We are interested in cultural activities, great food, gardens, architecture & natural environs/bush.  This trip we are doing without the kidlets, so family friendly isn't a concern.  Cheers!

[Dani Davids mum nz]

Hamilton Gardens are just beautiful and worth a quick visit if you have the time

There is also Hamilton Zoo

Not far away is Candi - land where there are more lollies than you could imagine kids seem to love it there

Waterworld is another great place worth checking out indoor and outdoor swimming pools!

There are a few art galleries both public and private scattered around Hamilton too

Plenty to see and do and only around a 2hr drive from bustling Auckland which has everything you could ever possibly want to see/do!

Have a wonderful trip! You'll love it here!

[aussiemum]

Thank you for your reply, I did get a chance to read it just before we left. We're now back from our quick visit, & I have to report that we thought Hamilton was a great little city!  Food was terrific, loved Hamilton Gardens, the Museum, the Arts Post gallery & the walkways along the Waikato River were great.  The whole area has an incredibly interesting history as well.  We were also able to drive a bit south & see some of the volcanoes (away from the touristy areas), & stop to see some of the little towns along the way.  We also found a free, local hotspring creek on the Waikato River which was heaps of fun.  And the weather was very cooperative too- no rain (well, just a few sprinkles, but that's a vast improvement on my last trip to NZ!)