Hamilton

         HAMILTON

 View a video of this city here: Hamilton Video

 View a video of the Waikato region here: Waikato Video

My Hometown foreword by Paul Goddard

Well what can I say? I first came to Hamilton for a night out to watch a band play, and Hamilton is now becoming known as the place to visit for major events. The V8 super cars are to be held here from 2008, Rugby, World Rally car, music festivals and much, much more...I'm also proud to say that two of New Zealand's most successful bands, Crowded House and The Datsuns come from the Waikato. One of the main reasons we chose to move to Hamilton though was it's location in the centre of the North Island. Most of the major cities, Auckland, Rotorua, Tauranga are all just an hour's drive away and one of the best surfing beaches in the world is just a 30 min drive away at Raglan. Hamilton really does offer everything that you are looking for in the kiwi lifestyle. Even though it is NZ's fourth largest city, the pace of life is relaxed, getting around is easy and we have found it offers everything we need. We feel lucky to be able to live here!    

HAMILTON

As you will see from the very clever way the name is written above Hamilton is a city that wants to be known as "vibrant" and "switched on". If there is a major event happening in New Zealand you can almost guarantee that it will be happening in Hamilton. One of the cities strongest points though is it's location in the North Island. Hamilton is just over one hour away from most of the major cities including Auckland but still manages to keep its own identity and laid back lifestyle. The Waikato region is known for its agriculture industry and this still plays a large part in the region's economy but Hamilton is also standing out as a great place to do business. It is easy to network with other people and you will soon find yourself making lots of friends. The city is growing fast but it is at a controlled pace so the infrastructure is keeping up with demand. There is a huge choice of housing and lifestyle from the new developments in the north of the city through to the lifestyle blocks that are situated just 10 minutes from town.

Pure recreation

Hamilton is working hard at leisure. It is increasingly the city of choice for those looking for a better quality of life, without forfeiting the big city benefits. It offers and easily accessible playground of recreational and outdoor pursuits wherever you look. The recently completed walkway stretching 11km along the banks of the Waikato river, provides the perfect location to walk or cycle and take in the scenic delights of the ever -changing vista. Another great walk is along the waters edge of Lake Rotoroa in central Hamilton. Waka paddlers and sail boats are a welcome sight as you enjoy the boardwalk circuit. It's a bird's paradise and one of the city's best playgrounds. If swimming is your thing then Water world offers indoor and outdoor pools and a huge range of other activities. If you need a fix of the ocean, magical Raglan is a scenic 35 min drive to the west of the city. The ski fields of Mount Ruapehu are also with driving distance.

Game on

International rugby, rugby league, basketball, netball,cricket, horse racing, soccer, golf....and more. With world class sporting facilities, and a commitment to develop more, Hamilton is increasingly attracting the "big ones" and providing the home-game advantage for our sporting heroes. Whether you are a die -hard sporting fan or not, nothing is more contagious than sports fever when it hits Hamilton. So take a seat, hang on and enjoy the action!

Patrons of the arts

Hamilton has become an epicentre of richly different cultural experiences; from a full calendar of contemporary music to a burgeoning gallery scene, to photographic exhibitions that capture the essence of the city. The uniqueness is in the diversity. In theatre the stunning WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts attracts a rich menu of internationally acclaimed acts, orchestras and soloists. While Founders Theatre, The Meteor and the Clarence St Theatre, each unique in character and size, attract a feast of performing arts delights. Art has a distinctive presence in Hamilton, reflecting the city's diverse heritage. The topical Riff Raff statue located in the main street and the stunning Nga Uri O Hinetuparimaunga sculpture at the entrance to Hamilton Gardens have been recognised as outstanding pieces of art, each receiving a national Creative NZ Award.

on the town

Those in need of serious retail therapy are in good hands with a world of choice from boutiques and high-end fashion stores to large shopping malls. The European- inspired Casabella Lane is a hidden laneway with diverse boutiques and cafes. If that is not your scene, the bustling Frankton Market, every Saturday morning, reflects the city's growing cultural diversity. Immerse yourself in the City's unique coffee culture or dine out in style. With over 170 cafes, restaurants and bars, you'll be spoilt for choice. From the exotic to the eclectic, the historic south end is the heart of the lively cafe and restaurant scene, offering a diverse range of cuisine and atmosphere. Whether you are after a night of intimate dining, catching a movie, bar hopping or attending the theatre, there is no end of entertainment in the city. For round-the -clock excitement, Sky city is home to the casino and entertainment zones. If you are looking for live comedy and music there's always a host of great acts and bands playing at various venues around the city. Best of all, the city nightlife is all within close proximity, making it easy to sample everything that's on offer.

once a year

Each year our portfolio of signature events increases. So ,whether you prefer the thrill of fast cars as a spectator in the New Zealand leg of the World Rally Championship or you feel more comfortable enjoying thought provoking Kiwi theatre staged as part of the FUEL festival, Hamilton offers a host of annual events to suit you. With a collection of events such as the World Rowing Championships, Field days, Balloons Over Waikato, Parachute Music Festival, Gallagher Great race and Masquerade Ball, NZ Craft and Quilting Fair, Hamilton Gardens Summer Arts Festival and the Ethnic Soccer Festival, just to name a few, It's no wonder our reputation as being New Zealand's premier events city is increasing.

We look forward to seeing you in Hamilton