Flight Routes:
Hamilton to Palmerston North (60 mins)
Palmerston North to Hamilton (60 mins)
Hamilton to Nelson 1 hour 50 mins (via a 30 min stopover in Palmerston North)
Nelson to Hamilton 1 hour 50 mins (via a 30 min stopover in Palmerston North)
About Hamilton
Home of the Māori King, the Waikato region has been a significant area for Māori for hundreds of years since the great voyaging Tainui waka (canoe) made landfall in Kawhia more than 800 years ago.
Māori place names tell the story of the region, with Waikato meaning ‘flowing water’ named by the people of the Tainui waka after they observed the river’s strong pull into the sea.
Along with its proud Māori heritage, the region is one of the world’s richest agricultural areas and has become a hub for high performance sport, with world-class cycling and rowing facilities, Olympic champions and sports-mad locals based in the region.
The Waikato, and its metropolitan hub of Hamilton, is situated in the central North Island. The area is renowned for its natural beauty, powerful history and out-of-this-world experiences.
Visitors to the Waikato region will enjoy a wealth of world-class attractions. Go underground and experience the subterranean wonders of the Waitomo Caves: glow worms, black water rafting, abseiling and cave exploration are all on offer. Movie buffs will love a slice of ‘real Middle earth’ at Hobbiton™ movie set, near Matamata, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Over on the west coast, the town of Raglan is famous for its left-hand surf break, rugged black sand beaches and local culture.
The mighty Waikato River is the lifeblood of the region and a playground for jetboaters, kayakers, rowers and boaties, who particularly enjoy getting out on the picturesque hydro lakes, including Lake Karapiro near Cambridge.
Foodies are spoilt for choice with a delicious assortment of gourmet options to choose from, both in the city and throughout the region – including award-winning eateries, microbreweries, artisan producers, farmers’ markets and fine dining experiences.
Lovers of the great outdoors are spoilt for choice with protected parkland and mountain ranges offering fantastic walking, hiking and cycling trails including three of the nation’s Great Rides – the Timber Trail, Waikato River Trails and Hauraki Rail Trail.
Nourish the soul with a soak in the silky waters of Te Aroha Mineral Spas, or take a stroll through the award-winning Hamilton Gardens.
The Waikato is known for hosting world-class events including the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, the HSBC NZ Sevens, Fieldays and Balloons Over Waikato. As well as a vibrant arts scene, there are a variety of museums and heritage centres dotted throughout the region.
Waikato is a welcoming place where the people keep it real.
How do I get to Hamilton airport?
Situated on Airport Road on State Highway 21, Hamilton Airport is conveniently located 20 minutes south (14km) of Hamilton City’s CBD. Hamilton Taxis, RedCabs, Super Shuttle and Uber all offer services to and from the airport.
Is there a bus to and from Hamilton airport?
No, but there are shuttles, rental cars, taxis, Loop Carshare and Uber rides available.
Does Uber pick up at Hamilton Airport?
Yes, Uber picks up at Hamilton Airport. Exit the terminal and follow the signs to the Rideshare pick-up zone outside the arrivals lounge.
Where do I check in for Originair at Hamilton Airport?
The Originair check-in counter is to the left as you enter the main entrance.