Hamilton Regional Information

Hamilton is New Zealand's fourth largest metropolitan area, lying in the centre of the Waikato basin and spanning both the east and west banks of the Waikato River. It was originally the site of a number of Maori villages, which shared the region with settlers who arrived in 1864. Its population today is around 130,000.

The area is the country's largest exporter, boasting rich and fertile agricultural land which supports the agricultural industry and a growing agritech and biotech sector. Hamilton city hosts Fieldays, the biggest agricultural trade show in the Southern Hemisphere. The annual event showcases the latest agricultural products and services, attracting 1,000 exhibitors and over 115,000 visitors.

The lush green of Waikato's bush and farmland is a theme that continues in the Hamilton Gardens, the city's most popular tourist attraction. The gardens cover an area of 58 hectares, including the Hamilton East Cemetery and the area known as the Victorian Flower Garden, which was planted in the early 1950's. As a whole, the garden is unusual in that its arrangement is thematic. The garden's five collections explore the theme of 'the story of gardens' which tells the tale of the relationship between people and gardens at different times and in a variety of cultures. The gardens are also the venue for nearly 2,000 events each year, including the Hamilton Gardens Summer Festival and other shows, performances, lectures and celebrations.

The Waikato Museum of Art & History is another significant presence in the city. Its focus is on the Waikato region and the art of Australasia, including painting, ceramics, sculpture and fabric art. Through a programme of changing exhibits, the museum tells stories of the region's art, culture and history. Its Maori heritage displays include Te Winika, a well-preserved waka (war canoe) from the time prior to colonisation.

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

Navigate with our great Hamilton map to stay on the right track and find what you're looking for when traveling in the region. While you're on the road, be prepared for all seasons with weather forecasts, reports and current information on Hamilton weather.

For more information on Hamilton, visit the Hamilton City Council site.