Hamilton Maps

Hamilton is the fourth most populous city in New Zealand, located in the North Island. Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, it serves as the major city of the Waikato region with a population of approximately 192,000 residents (June 2024). The city was named after Captain John Fane Charles Hamilton, a British naval officer who was killed in the Battle of Gate Pa during the New Zealand Wars.

Originally settled by Māori people in the 1300s, the area where Hamilton now stands was known as Kirikiriroa, which means "long stretch of gravel" in the Māori language. The modern city began to take shape in 1864 when British military settlers established a township as part of the government's campaign to colonize the Waikato region. The city experienced significant growth during the 20th century, transforming from a small rural service center into a major urban area.

Hamilton's economy is diverse, with strong foundations in agriculture, education, and research. The city is home to the University of Waikato and the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec), making it an important educational hub. The surrounding region is known for its dairy farming, and Hamilton hosts the National Agricultural Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere's largest agricultural trade show.

Notable attractions in the city include the Hamilton Gardens, which features 21 themed gardens representing different civilizations and garden styles throughout history. The Hamilton Zoo houses over 600 native and exotic animals and is involved in several conservation programs. The Waikato Museum showcases the region's art, history, and Māori culture, while the SkyCity Hamilton casino and entertainment complex is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The Hamilton Lake Domain, also known as Lake Rotoroa, provides recreational opportunities in the heart of the city.

The city's climate is temperate with mild winters and warm summers. Average temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) to 25°C (77°F) throughout the year, with annual rainfall of approximately 1,100mm (43 inches). Hamilton serves as a major transportation hub, connected to other major cities via State Highway 1 and regular air services through Hamilton Airport. The city operates an extensive public bus network and is developing cycling infrastructure to promote sustainable transportation options.

The Facts:
Region: Waikato.
Island: North Island.
Population: ~ 192,000 (June 2024).

Suburbs of Hamilton: Beerescourt, Western Heights, Bader, Te Rapa, Crawshaw, Deanwell, Dinsdale, Stonebridge, Fitzroy, Ashmore, Callum Brae, Pukete, Chartwell, Chedworth Park, Claudelands, Enderley, Fairfield, Peacocke, Somerset Heights, Fairview Downs, Melville, Flagstaff, Hamilton East, Maeroa, Harrowfield, Hillcrest, Huntington, Riverlea, Magellan Rise, Queenwood, Ruakura, Rototuna, Nawton, Silverdale, St James Park, St Petersburg, Forest Lake, Frankton, Glenview, Grandview Heights, St Andrews, Hamilton Central, Hamilton North, Temple View, Hamilton West, Livingstone, Rotokauri, Thornton, Whitiora.

Main sights in Hamilton: Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton Zoo, Waikato Museum, St Peter's Cathedral, Hamilton New Zealand Temple.

Postcodes: 3200, 3204, 3206, 3210, 3214, 3216.
Area code: 07.
Google Map of Hamilton
Website: hamilton.govt.nz.

Major highways: State Highway 1, State Highway 3, Ring Road.
Universities: University of Waikato, Waikato Institute of Technology and Te Wananga o Aotearoa.