Hamilton (New Zealand) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
largest city in New Zealand's Waikato region
About Hamilton (New Zealand)
The area now covered by the city was originally the site of several Māori villages, including Kirikiriroa, from which the city takes its Māori name. By the time English settlers arrived, most of these villages, which sat beside the Waikato River, were abandoned as a result of the Invasion of Waikato and land confiscation (Raupatu) by the Crown. The settlers developed the city as an agricultural service centre, but it now has a diverse economy and is the third fastest growing urban area in New Zealand, behind Pukekohe and Auckland. In 2023, it was home to 185,000 people. The Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, flows through the middle of the city. This effectively cuts the city in half, with Hamilton West containing the central business district and main shopping areas, and Hamilton
Top Attractions in Hamilton (New Zealand)
Explore the best things to see and do in Hamilton (New Zealand):
- ★Agricultural Fieldays
- ★Hamilton Garden Arts Festival
- ★Hamilton Gardens
- ★Hamilton Zoo
- ★Hot Air Balloon Festival
- ★New Zealand Sevens
- ★Seddon Park
- ★Waikato Museum
Where to Eat in Hamilton (New Zealand)
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Iguana
- 🍴The Londoner
- 🍴Winner Winner
Where to Stay in Hamilton (New Zealand)
- 🏨Backpackers Central
- 🏨City Centre Hamilton Bed and Breakfast
- 🏨Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
- 🏨Ibis Tainui
- 🏨Microtel Backpackers
- 🏨Novotel Hamilton
Hamilton (New Zealand) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 10 sections including: