Hamilton, New Zealand

Hamilton Kirikiriroa
City
Hamilton Central Business District Hamilton Central Business District
Location of Hamilton in New Zealand Location of Hamilton in New Zealand
Coordinates:
Country	New Zealand
Region	Waikato
Territorial authority	Hamilton City
Founded	1864
Area
• Total	110 km2 (40 sq mi)
Population  (2023)
• Total	176,500
• Density	1,600/km2 (4,200/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+12 (NZST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+13 (NZDT)
Postcode(s)	3200, 3204, 3210, 3214, 3216
Area code(s)	07
Website	Hamilton City Council

Hamilton (Template:Lang-mi) is a city in the Waikato region of New Zealand. It is the country's fourth-largest city and is situated on the banks of the Waikato River, the longest river in New Zealand. Hamilton is known for its vibrant culture, educational institutions, and agricultural industry.

History

Hamilton was originally settled by the Māori people, who named the area Kirikiriroa, meaning "long stretch of gravel." European settlers arrived in the 1860s, and the city was officially founded in 1864. The city was named after Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, a British naval officer who was killed in the Battle of Gate Pā.

Geography

Hamilton is located in the central part of the Waikato region, approximately 130 kilometers south of Auckland. The city covers an area of 110 square kilometers and is characterized by its flat terrain and fertile soil, making it an ideal location for agriculture.

Climate

Hamilton has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The city experiences an average annual rainfall of 1,200 millimeters. The climate is conducive to a variety of outdoor activities and supports the region's agricultural industry.

Economy

Hamilton's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, education, and research. The city is home to the University of Waikato and several research institutions, including AgResearch and Ruakura Research Centre. The agricultural sector is a major driver of the local economy, with dairy farming being particularly prominent.

Education

Hamilton is a major educational hub in New Zealand. The University of Waikato is one of the city's key institutions, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The city also hosts several other educational institutions, including Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) and numerous primary and secondary schools.

Culture and Recreation

Hamilton boasts a vibrant cultural scene with numerous events and festivals held throughout the year. The city is home to the Hamilton Gardens, a popular tourist attraction featuring themed gardens from around the world. Other notable cultural institutions include the Waikato Museum and the Claudelands Arena, which hosts concerts, exhibitions, and sporting events.

Transportation

Hamilton is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The city is served by Hamilton Airport, which offers domestic flights to major cities in New Zealand. The Waikato Expressway provides a direct road link to Auckland, while the North Island Main Trunk railway line connects Hamilton to other major cities.

Sports

Hamilton is a hub for sports in the Waikato region. The city is home to the Waikato Rugby Union and the Chiefs Super Rugby team. Seddon Park is a prominent cricket ground that hosts international and domestic matches. The city also has facilities for various other sports, including football, netball, and rowing.

Sister Cities

Hamilton has several sister city relationships, including:

• Sacramento, California, United States
• Wuxi, China
• Saitama, Japan

Notable People

• Dame Patsy Reddy, former Governor-General of New Zealand
• Richard O'Brien, creator of The Rocky Horror Show

See Also

• Waikato River
• University of Waikato
• Hamilton Gardens
• Waikato Museum