Hamilton City Guide

Whether Hamilton is your intended destination or just a brief stopover on the way to your new home, we have compiled this guide to help you get your bearings on arrival. To obtain more details about the city check out the websites listed at the end of this profile.

Population

Hamilton is one of New Zealand’s fasting growing cities with a population of approximately 137,000 (2007 estimate). It is also the largest inland city of New Zealand.

Geography

Hamilton is situated in middle of the Waikato in the North Island and is New Zealand's largest inland city, connected to the ocean by the mighty Waikato river. With low hills around the University of Waikato, Hamilton Lake and to the west of the city, the terrain of the city is relatively flat. The city is located only 129 km south from Auckland and is mostly connected by an expressway.

Economy

Hamilton is at the centre of one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world and is the major service centre for the Waikato region which is New Zealand's highest export region with 20% of all exports. Hamilton is also the country's leading area for hi-tech innovative manufacturing and engineering industries.  The dairy industry is centred around Hamilton and Waikato which is a world class centre of agricultural biotech excellence.

The city's closeness to two main sea ports (Auckland and Tauranga), 2 international airports (Auckland and Hamilton), railway, south Auckland industrial base and state highways provide significant opportunities for export and import.

Dining Out

With over 170 cafes, restaurants, and bars you're spoilt for choice in Hamilton. From the exotic to the eclectic, the historic south end of the city around Victoria street, Hood street and Alexandra Street is the heart of this lively scene, offering a diverse range of cuisine and atmosphere.

Local Transport

The Transport Centre, located on the corner of Bryce and Anglesea Streets is the central hub for passenger services in Hamilton city. All regional bus services use this centre. It is also the stopping point for national coach services.

Performing Arts

Hamilton is New Zealand's premier events city with local, national and international events staged throughout the year - from the V8 street race and world rally car champs, balloons festival, theatre festival through to an ethnic soccer festival, craft & quilt fair and summer arts festival.

Lifestyle and Outdoor Recreation

The Waikato - with Hamilton at its heart - is a region of lush, green hills, bush and farmland, with exceptional surf on the West coast. The beautiful Waikato River carves its journey through the landscapes, intersecting Hamilton.

Discover bush-clad mountains, stunning waterfalls, hot mineral pools, beaches and, of course, the magical limestone glow worm caves in Waitomo.

Education

Hamilton is home to more than 25,000 tertiary students, mostly enrolled in one of the city's two main tertiary institutes, The University of Waikato and Wintec Waikato Institute of Technology)

Hamilton on the Net

Hamilton City Council
www.hamilton.co.nz

Visit Hamilton
www.visithamilton.co.nz

Weather

Average summer maximum temperature Average winter maximum temperature Bright sunshine hours per year Mean annual rainfall

22.4  Degrees Celsius 12.4 Degrees Celsius 1723 963 mm

Time

Hamilton time is GMT +12 Hours. From September to March one hour of daylight saving time applies.