Hamilton

Introducing Hamilton

Landlocked cities in an island nation are never going to have the glamorous appeal of their coastal sisters. Rotorua compensates with boiling mud while Taupo has its lake – but Hamilton and Palmerston North, despite their majestic rivers, are left clutching the short straws.

However something strange has happened in Hamilton recently. Perhaps it’s a sign of the rising fortunes of Waikato farmers that the city’s main street has sprouted a sophisticated and vibrant stretch of bars and eateries that – on the weekend at least – leave Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour for dead in the boozy fun stakes. You’re probably not going to be tempted to stay a week, but there are enough interesting sights to fill up a couple of days.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009