Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the University charge for parking?
The charges help cover the cost of supply and maintenance of parking areas, manage the demand for parking, and encourage staff and students to consider more sustainable ways of getting to campus. Read this VC statement for more information.
Timing, cost and payment
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What hours do I have to pay for parking?
Paid parking applies Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm, (excluding public holidays). Outside these times parking is free, however you cannot park in a numbered/named (reserved) park at ANY TIME - these are reserved for the permit-holder at all times and unauthorised vehicles may be clamped.
What does parking cost?
Parking costs a flat rate of $2 a day, or $6 for a week, payable using PayMyPark, in the General Parking areas in Gates 1, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b or 10. Students also have the option of paying up-front for the current/upcoming trimester (A and B only) for only $60 a trimester, also payable using PayMyPark. Purchasing the weekly or trimester concession does not guarantee you a parking space on your return if the carparks are full.
Is there a discounted student rate for parking?
Yes, as above, students can buy a discounted parking concession at $60 for a trimester (A and B only). If purchased at the beginning of the trimester, this is the cheapest parking option for students, giving up to 18 weeks of paid parking for less than a cup of coffee each week. The trimester parking concession doesn’t guarantee you a parking spot on your return if the carparks are full but does heavily subsidise the daily/weekly cost. The trimester option is only available to current students enrolled at the University of Waikato and is not applicable to staff members. See staff parking options.
How do I pay for parking?
- Download the PayMyPark app or visit the PayMyPark website
- Create an account and upload credit via credit card or internet banking
- Select the University of Waikato from PayMyPark's location list
- Select your parking option
- Enter your licence plate number
- If you have chosen timed parking, select a duration
- Pay using your account balance or a one-off credit card transaction.
You do not need to display anything in your car.
If you have any questions about using PayMyPark, check out the PayMyPark FAQ.
How long does my parking payment last for?
If you pay the daily rate of $2, your tariff expires 24 hours from the time of purchase; so if you buy it at midday for example, you are paid-up until midday the following day. The weekly concessions last for seven consecutive days from time of purchase; so if you by it on a Wednesday morning it will expire at the same time the following Wednesday morning.
The trimester concessions (A and B only) have a fixed expiry date, so the earlier you buy it, the more you save. These expire at the end of the trimester (including exam weeks), so you will need to purchase separate daily or weekly permits if you come to campus during the mid-trimester break, or purchase the B Trimester permit, which is available for purchase straight after A Trimester exams finish.
If I pay for parking and then leave campus, do I have to pay again if I come back later that day?
No, however this does not guarantee you a park when you return.
Does paying guarantee me a park?
If you’re just parking for the day, you’ll only need to pay once you’ve found a park. If you’ve purchased a weekly or trimester parking concession, this doesn’t guarantee you a park if the carparks are full.
Parking Areas, visitors and hall residents
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What areas are students and visitors allowed to park in?
Students and visitors can park in any of the General Parking areas in Gates 1, 2a and 2b (off Knighton Road), and Gates 3a, 3b and 10 (off Silverdale Road) and pay using PayMyPark.
I am a halls resident, where can I park on campus during the day?
Halls of Residence students have the option of buying a Halls parking permit for $120 a year, or $60 a trimester (A and B only). The Halls permit allows you to park your vehicle in Halls resident-only parking areas nearer to your Halls of Residence.
To purchase a Halls permit, see your Hall Manager or visit the Accommodation Office on campus. Your Halls parking permit needs to be displayed inside your vehicle's windscreen at all times, on the passenger's side above the registration label. A sticker pocket is provided.
Do visitors need to pay for parking?
Visitors to the Hamilton campus on official University business need a University staff member to book an assigned visitor parking spot for them. They do not need to pay for this. Other visitors will need to park in a General Parking area and pay using PayMyPark.
Do I need to pay for parking if I’m going to the gym, chapel or attending a daytime event?
Visitors coming to the Hamilton campus to attend events or use the gym will need to pay the appropriate fees if they park in the General Parking areas during paid parking hours (between 8.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday), or they may choose to park off campus. UniRec has a small number of customer parking spaces available for daytime users, provided they have obtained a permit from UniRec reception and displayed it on their dashboard. These parking spaces are not for staff and students to use.
Is there anywhere I can park for free?
There is no free parking available on the Hamilton campus, unless you are a visitor and have had a visitor carpark booked. The only free parking is on the streets surrounding the University, however these are monitored by Hamilton City Council so please be aware of time limits.
Outside of paid parking hours, can I park in the staff parking areas?
Outside the hours of 8.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday, you may park in the staff (Licence to Hunt) parking areas if you need to, however you cannot park in numbered/named (reserved) parks at any time - these are reserved for permit-holders at all times.
Do I have to pay for parking if I’m a registered Ridelink permit holder?
RideLink is preferential parking only, it is not free. RideLink permit holders have access to reserved, preferential parking areas closer to the campus centre, but still need to pay for parking. However, as RideLink is about ride sharing, this cost can be shared among your passengers. To take advantage of this, you must comply with the RideLink requirements and display a current RideLink permit.
Enrolment parking; will there be a parking area set aside for students to enrol?
During A and B Trimester enrolment weeks, students coming to the Hamilton campus to enrol will be provided with visitor parks in Gate 5 by the Gateway building. If that parking area is full you’ll need to park on the street or pay to park in one of the General Parking areas.
If I am a student and work at the University, do I qualify for a staff parking permit?
Generally, casual staff do not qualify for a staff parking permit. But you will need to review the eligibility criteria or see your work supervisor.
I have an injury but don’t qualify for a CCS disability card; can I park in an accessible (disability) park anyway?
If you do not qualify for a CCS Disability card or a temporary disability card from Accessibility Services then you cannot park in an accessible parking space.
Do I need to pay to park my motorcycle?
Motorcycle parking is free, however motorcyclists must comply with the parking regulations and only park in the designated areas provided. If a motorcyclist decides to park their motorcycle in a vehicle parking space they must pay the appropriate parking fee.
What if I tow a trailer to campus for the day?
If you take up more than one parking space, you will need to register the second vehicle’s number plate and pay twice.
Alternative transport
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What alternative means of transport are there?
People who live close to the Hamilton campus are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible/practical. The University has many bike racks on campus and secure lockable storage is available. There are multiple bus services that come to campus and students can now get a subsidised bus fare (see more below). People can also carpool and obtain preferential parking via RideLink. More information is available on the Getting to Campus page.
Will buses be made cheaper for students?
Yes. Thanks to an agreement with the Waikato Regional Council, University of Waikato staff and students receive an additional 30% subsidy on their bus fare when using a Bee Card. The standard Bee Card fare of $2.40 per trip is already discounted from the single cash fare of $3.30. With the additional subsidy, students will only pay $1.70 per trip.
Is there secure bike storage on campus?
Yes, the University has bike lockers on the ground level of C block, at the rear facing R block, and at I block (near the School of Arts and School of Social Sciences reception), along with modification to the CCTV security system to improve security generally around bike areas. Students who wish to gain swipe card access to these new lockers, or any of the bike storage facilities on campus (under L block and under G block), should visit the Student Centre for assistance.
If I bike or walk to campus, are there changing rooms/shower facilities for me to use?
There are already shower facilities for general use on the campus and as new buildings are added or significant refurbishment occurs, more showers will be added. Additionally, consideration will be given to installation of lockers for storage of clothes, etc. by cyclists and others.
Penalties and Security
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Who monitors the parking?
UniSafe (Security) monitor parking. For enquiries please call 07 838 4444 or email [email protected]
What happens if I don’t pay for parking or park in a permit-only park?
Your vehicle may be wheel-clamped. The fee to have the clamp removed is $50. This includes parking on yellow lines, on grassed areas, in staff-permit or Halls-permit areas, or not paying to park. If you park in a numbered/named (reserved) park and get clamped the penalty is $100 for the removal of a wheel clamp. Multiple infringements by the same person or vehicle will likely result in being towed away.
Can students working after hours get parking closer to buildings in safer, well lit areas?
After 4.30pm, students can move their vehicles closer to buildings, as long as they obey the parking regulations and ensure they are only occupying a visitor park or licence to hunt staff parking areas but not a numbered/named (reserved) park. UniSafe (Security) provides, on request, a service to escort people to their vehicles – please call 07 838 4444, or extn 4444 from a University phone. The University checks lighting levels at least annually, and adds additional lighting or trims trees to ensure light levels are maintained.