Hamilton
If it's your first time in Hamilton, some things might be new to you, like the public transport system and finding your way around the city. This can be exciting, but don't worry if you feel a little homesick. That's natural, especially in the first 12 months of living overseas.
One of the best things you can do to feel at home is to explore and experience your city. Then the things that are new become normal as you create a great life here.
Been in Hamilton for a while? Scroll down and see if you've visited all the places and landmarks listed below!
Quick facts
Population
Hamilton has a population of around 160,911 people(external link that opens in a new tab).
Nickname
It's nicknamed 'the Tron' by locals. There's still some debate on where this nickname came from, but most people believe it's inspired by an old city slogan, 'Hamiltron: City of the Future'!
Places to visit
Living in Hamilton
There are many ways to describe life in Hamilton. Here are two important ones:
Relaxed
Hamilton has a great mix of country-city lifestyle. Try a yoga class by the Waikato River, when you're finished grab a coffee from a locally owned café (Hamilton has a great coffee culture!) and take a walk along the river bank. Explore Hamilton Gardens(external link that opens in a new tab), either on your own, with friends or join a guided tour(external link that opens in a new tab). The gardens are split into themes, like:
- Surrealist Garden
- Modernist Garden
- English Flower Garden
- the Japanese Garden of Contemplation
- Sustainable Backyard Garden
It's easy to spend the whole day there!
Interested in shopping? You can find everything you need at shopping centres in the CBD (central business district) without the stress and noise of a big city. But if you do miss the big city, Auckland is less than two hours drive away and great for weekend trips!
Warm summers, foggy winters
You'll experience all four seasons in Hamilton, but don't worry – they're very mild! Expect temperatures of around 15°C to 23°C during summer and around 8°C to 15°C during winter.
It can also get a bit foggy on some days during the colder months. Fog usually disappears around 11am and returns early evening. Just remember if you're driving or cycling around the city, make sure you're aware of the weather conditions around you.
Look out for people walking while cycling or driving, and make sure others can see you by using your headlights or bike lights. This is especially important at roundabouts, of which there are many in Hamilton!
Get useful information and important updates to make your life easier while you're living and studying in New Zealand.
Useful Hamilton websites
Here are a few suggestions to help you have a great experience and a safe time in Hamilton.
Studying in Waikato (Hamilton)(external link that opens in a new tab): Find information on study, activities and support for students in Hamilton.
Hamilton and Waikato Tourism(external link that opens in a new tab): Find events, festivals, day walks and great places to eat in the Hamilton and Waikato region.
Hamilton City Council(external link that opens in a new tab): Find out how local government works and important information to help you with daily life in Hamilton. For example information on local parks, museums, libraries, recycling and the location of public toilets and other facilities. You can also follow the local council on Facebook.(external link that opens in a new tab)
Travelling around Hamilton(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn how to get around your new home and its surrounding suburbs on public transport. Hamilton is a great city for walking and cycling. Or, if you prefer the bus, find out which one you need to catch(external link that opens in a new tab) and how your student ID might help you save money on fares (if you're studying at the University of Waikato or Wintec | Te Pūkenga).
Waikato Museum(external link that opens in a new tab): Experience history and the future in action! Discover the stories of our indigenous peoples and early settlers with a focus on the Hamilton and Waikato region. You can even see a 200-year-old waka taua (war canoe) carved by Māori craftsmen.
Kīngitanga and the Heritage Trails App(external link that opens in a new tab): Hamilton city and the Waikato region have a rich and complicated social history. It's where Kīngitanga, the Māori King movement, originated in 1858, with the aim of uniting Māori tribes under one king. Together they fought against British settlers for control of the land. The most well known conflict being the Waikato Wars which were fought between 1863-64. You can download the Heritage Trails App on Google Play(external link that opens in a new tab) or the App Store(external link that opens in a new tab) and take a driving tour of important historic locations related to these wars and the Kīngitanga movement.
Waikato Hospital(external link that opens in a new tab): If there's a medical emergency and you or someone else's life is in danger, go to the local hospital or phone 111 (this emergency number gives you access to police, fire and ambulance services). If it's not urgent, make a doctor's appointment or visit an urgent doctors clinic like Victoria Clinic(external link that opens in a new tab).
Civil Defence – Emergency Management Waikato (Hamilton)(external link that opens in a new tab): New Zealand is a very safe place, but like anywhere in the world there is a chance a natural disaster could happen. This could be something like a flood, tsunami or earthquake. Civil Defence have information on how to prepare for a natural disaster and you can follow them on Facebook(external link that opens in a new tab) to keep up to date on what's happening.
Trade Me - Rooms in Hamilton(external link that opens in a new tab): If you're not staying in a university hall of residence or a homestay, you might need to find a room to rent. You can try Trade Me to find a place to live. Make sure to check how far your new home is from important places, like your place of study or job (if you're working part time).
Go fruit picking(external link that opens in a new tab): Picking your own fruit is great fun! You'll find strawberry, blueberry, apple and persimmon orchards in and around Hamilton. If you're having trouble deciding which one to visit, locals recommend The Strawberry Farm, as it has an amazing cafe with fresh fruit ice cream!
Hamilton Farmers' Market(external link that opens in a new tab): Held on Sunday mornings from 8am-12pm, the local farmers' market is a great place to buy delicious breakfast treats or cheap fruit and vegetables.
Go balloon spotting during Balloons over Waikato(external link that opens in a new tab): Every March, hot air balloons take over the skies of Hamilton. The centre of the festival is held at Innes Common. You'll see balloon pilots (balloonists) from New Zealand and all over the world show off their skills and compete in a number of activities. Take your camera! You're likely to see some interesting balloons like a rocket ship, elephant and love birds. Make sure you don't miss the Night Glow! This is the highlight of the festival with live music, carnival rides and an incredible light show held at the University of Waikato.
Watch the Hamilton Chiefs play rugby(external link that opens in a new tab): Learn about the most popular sport in the country - rugby, and support the local team at the same time!
