The gateway to the Central North Island, Hamilton (Kirikiriroa in Maori) is New Zealand’s largest inland city, straddling the superb Waikato River.
From magnificent parks and gardens to a thriving cultural precinct, the city offers a vibrant combination of fine dining and nightlife options as well as an eclectic mix of leisure, lifestyle and activity choices.
Fast facts
- NZ's largest inland city.
- NZ's longest river, the Waikato, flows for 16 kilometres through the city.
- Kirikiriroa, the city's Maori name means long stretch of gravel.
- Population of 169,500 people (estimate at June 2019).
- Hamilton's population ranks fourth in the 67 districts in NZ.
- Has a youthful population - around half of residents are less than 30 years old.
- NZ European make up three quarters of the population and Maori 19 per cent.
- The city is home to more than 80 ethnic groups.
- Mild climate and moderate year round rainfall keep the city and surrounding area very green.
- Average temperatures - 18C in January (summer) and 9C in July (winter).
- 145 parks and gardens and 63 sports areas.
- The city has more than 1,000 hectares of open space.
- Three international sports venues – the multi-purpose FMG Stadium Waikato, the boutique international cricket ground Seddon Park, and indoor sport venue Claudelands.
What to do when in Hamilton
Extend your stay and visit one or more of the many attraction and activities, Hamilton has to offer, such as
Visit the Hamilton NZ website for more options and details or explore some of Hamilton's buzzing cafes and restraurants or lick on the links below: