hamilton
Straddling the mighty Waikato River, Hamilton is a city of rich diversity, from its thriving cultural precincts, lush gardens and sweeping parklands, to award winning eateries, vibrant nightlife and colourful street art.
Also known by its Māori name Kirikiriroa, Hamilton is the fourth largest city in the country with a young, smart and innovative population of some 180,000 – about half of whom are under 30 years of age. It is the gateway not only to the Waikato with its abundance of leisure and activity experiences, but also to the central North Island region.
Just an hour and a half south of Auckland, Hamilton is readily accessed thanks to its central geographical location and excellent transport links including an extensive expressway as well as rail and Hamilton Airport’s flight schedule that provide direct connections with Wellington, Christchurch, Napier/Hastings, Palmerston North and Nelson.
With the city of Hamilton as the hub and a network of smaller towns across the region, each with their own charms, the Waikato Region has an experience for all types of traveller. Whether you are keen to venture underground, onto the water or even high in the air there is a destination in the Waikato to suit. From urban laneways in Hamilton and mineral spas in Te Aroha to the surfing mecca of Raglan - check out the below top Waikato locations for your next adventure.