Getting around Hamilton in a rental car
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 30 Jan 2026
If you’re planning a trip to Hamilton / Kirikiriroa and want to hire a rental car, hit the road running with our insider tips on getting the most out of your journey.
Read on to find out more.
If you’re going on a road trip in the North Island of New Zealand, chances are you’ll drive through Hamilton / Kirikiriroa. Found in the Waikato region, this city is filled with culture, gorgeous gardens, and beautiful scenery.
Driving in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa
Although it’s not a major city like Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, the peak times (between 7am to 9pm and 4pm to 6pm) in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa generally result in traffic jams and extra long travel times. It can be difficult to get around this, so be sure to allow extra time to get where you need to go.
There are quite a lot of roundabouts in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa, so be sure to take extra care when using them, giving way to cars coming through on your right and keeping with the flow of traffic until you’ve exited the roundabout.
There are several options for parking in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa, including curbside parking zones and secure parking garages. Payment is generally required for parking, however there are some streets which allow you to park for up to two hours without charge.
Where to drive your rental car in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa
Waitomo: One of a number of easy road trips from Hamilton / Kirikiriroa, Waitomo is where you will find the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, Mangapohue Natural Bridge, and the Kawhia Hot Springs.
Hamilton Gardens: This award-winning garden can be found on Hungerford Crescent. These gardens have a focus on context, creativity, and meaning which makes them one of a kind.
Lake Rotoroa: Reaching up to 145 metres of depth, Lake Rotoroa is a picturesque location, home to Nelson Lakes National Park and endless picnic spots
Toll roads in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa
There are no toll roads in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa, but here are three toll roads, the Northern Gateway Toll Road, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road and the Takitimu Drive Toll Road — and they’re all close to or within Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau.
Driving distances from Hamilton / Kirikiriroa
Hamilton / Kirikiriroa to Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau: 121 km and 1 hr 40 mins.
Hamilton / Kirikiriroa to New Plymouth / Ngāmotu: 237 km and 3 hrs 20 mins.
Hamilton / Kirikiriroa to Rotorua: 108 km and 1 hr 40 mins.
Hamilton / Kirikiriroa to Taupō : 156 km and 2 hrs 10 mins.
Fuel
Before you return your rental car, be sure to fill it with petrol to avoid any additional charges. Here are a few centrally-located petrol stations in Hamilton / Kirikiriroa.
Mobil: Corner Lake Road and Hall Street
bp: 231 Ulster Street
Caltex: 163 Whatawhata Road
About the author
Vroom Team
VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.
