Hamilton is the gateway to the central part of the North Island and is located approximately 130 kilometers south of Auckland. Hamilton is the center of New Zealand’s fourth largest urban area and located on the river banks of the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river. Education, research and development play a major role in Hamilton’s economy, as the city is home to approximately 40,000 students and 1,000 PhD researchers. Hamilton provides a perfect base for day trips to beautiful regional destinations an hour’s drive away in any direction. From beautiful parks and gardens to thriving cultural activities. Hamilton is a jack of all trades and offers a combination of excellent restaurants to a vibrant nightlife as well as various leisure activities in beautiful nature; walks, bike rides and mountain tours.
Population growth
Hamilton’s population continues to grow and with it the city. Urban development is mainly focused on the northern part of the city. Although the municipality decided to bring it more into balance by also developing the southern part of the city. Traffic congestion is an increasing annoyance due to the growing population and therefore a lot of road work is being done to make the road network suitable for the population size. State Highway 1 goes directly through the city, contributing to traffic congestion.
climate
Hamilton has a moderately humid climate with daily temperatures ranging from 22 to 26 degrees Celsius in summer and between 10 and 15 degrees in winter. In winter, frost can occur because night temperatures drop below zero, snow is very exceptional. Typical summers are warm and dry and winters are cold and damp. On average, there are about 2,000 hours of sunshine annually in Hamilton. Thick fog is common during winter mornings and usually lasts until late morning. Hamilton has the lowest average wind speeds of any city in New Zealand. This is because the city is located in the center of the country in a relatively low area, about twenty meters above sea level.
Activities
The plentiful range of accommodation makes Hamilton a perfect base from which to explore the area. Walking, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming and surfing are among the possibilities. Activities unique to this area include the Waitomo Caves, Hamilton Zoo, Raglan’s Surf Coast and Te Aroha Mineral Pools. There are also plenty of farm-related activities that are fun for the whole family.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
A trip to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, an hour’s drive south of Hamilton, is highly recommended. People from all over the world come to these caves to view the Arachnocampa Luminosa Glowworms, a unique natural phenomenon in New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their indispensable light as the guides provide you with historical and geological facts. You can also go rafting, abseiling, underground hiking or a caving adventure in the caves. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveler in New Zealand.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tours
About a 45-minute drive from Hamilton’s east, you’ll find the remains of the Hobbiton Movie Set on the winding hillside of the Waikato in Matamata. During a two-hour tour you will learn more about the location of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. The film set has been completely rebuilt and is maintained as it appears in the film. You can enjoy spectacular views over the Kaimai Ranges where there are sheep and beef farms. You therefore also have the opportunity to cuddle with lambs and feed them.
Raglan
Raglan is about a 45-minute drive from the west of Hamilton. Raglan is internationally known for its black sand beaches and as a surfing Mecca. This famous Raglan surfing attraction is also known as The Point and in the right conditions can offer the longest left-handed waves in the world. You can also enjoy fishing and enjoying the various beaches spread along kilometers of black sand coastline.
Te Aroha Mineral Pools
Te Aroha Mineral Pools are New Zealand’s natural thermal mineral pools and the world’s only naturally flowing warm Soda Spa pools. They are located at the bottom of Mount Te Aroha among the ferns and beautiful forests, about a 45-minute drive from Hamilton. A visit to the Te Aroha Mineral Pools is known as a relaxing and calming experience. When you arrive in this area, take a few minutes to marvel at the world’s only hot Soda Water geyser. The geyser spouts about four meters of water into the air every forty minutes.
Hamilton Zoo
Hamilton Zoo is home to more than 600 native New Zealand exotic mammals, birds and reptiles and is spread over 25 hectares. It is the perfect destination for a day out with family and friends and located in the northwest of the city. There are many interesting animals to view including giraffes, camels, lions and monkeys. In addition, Hamilton Zoo runs a successful white rhino breeding program. Enjoy this nature reserve known for spacious living environments and a sympathetic approach to the conservation of various species.
Lake Rotoroa
Lake Rotoroa also called Hamilton Lake is a perfect place for a walk or picnic. It is located in the center of Hamilton and is used for a variety of recreational activities. For example, you can rent windsurfing equipment or go fishing. It is an important habitat for many birds. The lake covers an area of about 54 hectares. The maximum depth is six meters with an average depth of two meters.
Waikato River Cruises
The Waikato River is New Zealand’s longest river and offers beautiful scenery and tranquility. Various cruises are organized on this peaceful river where you can learn more about the history, meadows, native forests and the many birds and fish present. The river is also of spiritual value to the Tanui people and an important water source for Auckland and the surrounding dairy farms. The surrounding marshes provide a birdwatcher’s paradise. Some wetlands are internationally known for their ecological value, including; Whangamarino Wetlands, Lake Whangapa Reserve and Opuatia Swamp Reserve. Rare birds can be spotted, for example the Australian bittern or Matuku, North Island Fernbird and the spotless moorhen.
Walks
Hamilton has an extensive walking network in parks, through gullies, along the Waikato River and on roads. Outside of Hamilton, walkers can enjoy the Bridal Veil Falls (Raglan), Marokopa Falls (Waitomo), Lake Ngaroto (Te Awamutu), Waikato River Trail (South Waikato) and the Te Waihou Walkway. The largest forest, Mount Pirongia (959m) provides walks for people of different fitness levels.