By Car

From the North:

Hamilton, the Waikato's biggest city, is 129 kilometres from Auckland, a journey which takes about an hour and a half by car using State Highway 1.  From Auckland City, take the motorway south, following the signs to Hamilton.

The roads are excellent all the way, with good passing lanes, signposting and small towns set in scenic countryside to make your journey more enjoyable.

From the South:

Coming from Rotorua, Hamilton is just over an hour's car journey on State Highways 1 and 5.  Well signposted, this journey takes you through the towns of Tirau and Cambridge.

From Taupo, Hamilton is a straightforward trip by car on State Highway 1, taking you through the towns of Tokoroa, Putaruru, Tirau and Cambridge.  The journey should take about 1 hour 45 minutes.

By Bus or Shuttle Service

Professional coach companies operate throughout the north island, delivering an efficient bus service between main centres.  The Waikato region's central location is ideal for coach travel.  Hamilton is linked to numerous other towns in the Waikato and outside the region.

As well, a number of companies operate daily door to door pick up shuttle services between Hamilton and Auckland and other centres.  Many have pick ups from the airport, enroute towns and the outer suburbs. 

For more detailed coach travel, visit: www.intercitycoach.co.nz

Rail

On the main trunk line, Hamilton receives daily rail service from Auckland and Wellington.  For more details, visit www.tranzscenic.co.nz.

By Air

Hamilton has an international airport 15 kilometres south of the city.  Air New Zealand flies in to Hamilton airport from major New Zealand cities, as does Origin Pacific on a daily basis.  International carriers operate out of Hamilton to and from Sydney, Coolangatta, Brisbane and Melbourne in Australia. (Freedom Air International).

Microtel Backpacker Hostel accommodation is located on the main road into Hamilton travelling from Auckland. See our Google interactive map for directions.