-	All photographs of Hamilton

Hamilton City is the main centre for the Waikato Region. Just 1.5 hours drive south of Auckland, Hamilton is a large agricultural service town, where there is always plenty to enjoy. With a population of about 160'000 people, Hamilton is New Zealand’s fourth largest city, and home to the Waikato University.

Originally known as Kirikiriroa to the Maori, the area that is now Hamilton was home to a few small Maori villages, until the British Troops and the “land wars” pushed them away.

The fertile land of the Waikato Region has helped Hamilton to prosper. Dairy farming in particular has been one of the main exports from this region. The University of Waikato and the Waikato Institute of Technology at Ruakura have both contributed greatly to improving technology in agricultural sector.

The Waikato River flows through the city, as does State Highway 1, New Zealand’s main highway. The city centre is situated around Victoria Street. There is a great range of shopping possibilities here, as well as plenty of bars, cafés and restaurants. Hamilton also has a vibrant nightlife, mostly due to its permanent student population.

Mystery Creek, upstream from the city centre on the south bank of the river, is the countries largest event centre. The National Agricultural Fieldays are held here for a week every June, as well as the National Car Show and the National Boat Show.

The Hamilton Botanical Gardens is the city’s most popular attraction, but the Hamilton Zoo also takes some beating.

Waikato Museum of Art and History has a large collection of New Zealand art, Tainui Maori cultural history, and Waikato history. There is lots to see and learn about in the areas of Science, Art, Culture and History.

Sport is a passion in the Waikato, especially Rugby. The local Waikato Rugby team (Air New Zealand cup) and the Waikato Chief’s (super 14) get plenty of support from their loyal fans. Their mascot is “Mooloo” the cow, dressed up in red, yellow and black. Waikato Stadium is famous for the constant ringing of the Swiss style cow bells, when the Mighty Mooloo Men are playing at home.

There are a multitude of activities to indulge in here. Hamilton is also a good place to base yourself and explore the rest of the Waikato Region from.

If you are looking for accommodation in or around Hamilton, you will find many hotels, B&B's, motels, backpacker hostels, homestays, lodges and holiday houses through the city. Enjoy all that our town Hamilton has to offer.