On this page 6 sections
What makes a good first date
Keep it public, easy and short enough that it can end politely, with the option to keep going if it's going well. In Hamilton, a walk by the river fits around almost any plan.
In the city
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Hamilton Gardens
The themed Enclosed Gardens, from the Italian Renaissance Garden to the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, are the city's best-known sight. They're free for Hamilton residents and charged for other visitors, and the rest of the park, including the café, is free for everyone.
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A walk along the Waikato River
Paths run along both banks of the river through the middle of the city. Start with a coffee in town and walk as far as the conversation lasts.
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Lake Rotoroa
Hamilton Lake Domain on Google Maps
An easy loop around the lake, a few minutes from the centre, with somewhere for a coffee or an ice cream afterwards.
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Waikato Museum
Victoria Street on Google Maps
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato sits right by the river. General entry is free, and its art, history and science exhibitions give you plenty to talk about.
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Drinks on Hood Street
The city's strip of bars and restaurants, a short walk from Victoria Street. Good for a relaxed drink after a walk.
Get outside
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Hamilton Zoo
An easy daytime date with plenty to look at, so there's never a silence to fill.
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Taitua Arboretum
Western edge of the city on Google Maps
Walking tracks through big old trees, a short drive from town. Quiet, green and good for a long chat.
Bigger plans for a second date
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Raglan
About 45 minutes west on Google Maps
Surf beaches, cafés on Bow Street and a relaxed feel. Watch the surfers at Ngarunui Beach, then get fish and chips by the wharf.
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Bridal Veil Falls
Waireinga is a 55 metre waterfall at the end of a short bush walk. Easy to add on the way to or from Raglan.
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Hobbiton Movie Set
Guided tours of the film set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, about 45 minutes from Hamilton. A good pick if you're both fans.
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Waitomo Glowworm Caves
About an hour south on Google Maps
Drift through the dark by boat under thousands of glowworms. Memorable, and better saved for when you know you'll enjoy a few hours together.
Tips for dating in Hamilton
- Meet in the middle. Coming in from Cambridge or Te Awamutu? Matcha's meet in the middle planner suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, open when you want to go, without either of you sharing where you live.
- Use the river. A walk on the river paths fits around a coffee, lunch or dinner, and it costs nothing.
- Have an indoor backup. Waikato weather can change quickly, so keep the museum or a café in mind.
- Save the day trips. Raglan, Hobbiton and Waitomo are better for a second or third date than a first.
Common questions
What's a good free first date in Hamilton?
Try a walk along the Waikato River, Lake Rotoroa or Waikato Museum. They cost nothing, so add a coffee or an ice cream and you've got an easy first date.
What can you do on a rainy first date in Hamilton?
Try Waikato Museum. It works whatever the weather.
Where can you go for an evening first date in Hamilton?
For an evening date, try drinks on Hood Street.
How do you pick a first date spot halfway between you in Hamilton?
Use Meet in the middle in Matcha. Choose coffee, drinks or food and a time, and it suggests a café, bar or restaurant about halfway between you, without either of you sharing where you live.