Preview

The gateway to the Central North Island, Hamilton (Kirikiriroa in Maori) is New Zealand’s largest inland city, straddling the superb Waikato River.

With a young, smart and innovative population, Hamilton's warm and welcoming spirit, rich history and contrasting splendours ensure visitors are spoilt for choice for places to relax, enjoy and do business.

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.

Whether you are planning a day out or simply want to know about Hamilton, for the ultimate experience in what our city has to offer, visit the Hamilton isite first.

The isite specialises in event ticketing, itinerary planning and information for all New Zealand destinations, bookings nationwide, free travel guides, maps and much more.

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.

Hamilton's economy

  • Hamilton is at the centre of one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world.
  • The city is the major service centre for the Waikato region.
  • Dairy industry is centred around Hamilton and Waikato -  a world-class centre of agricultural biotech excellence.
  • Home to a number of New Zealand's science research facilities.
  • The National Agricultural Fieldays – the largest agricultural trade show in the Southern Hemisphere – are held just outside Hamilton at Mystery Creek.
  • Hamilton is within two hours drive of two of the country's main sea ports (Auckland and Tauranga), Auckland International Airport (New Zealand's major inbound and outbound airport, the expansive industrial area of South Auckland).
  • The city is also at the centre of the upper North Island's developing road network.