Find Youthful Atmosphere at Hamilton New Zealand

While there’s not much in the way of geographical features in this Waikato region of New Zealand, Hamilton offers some cheap and lively diversion and a location central to other points of interest. Half of North Island natural wonders are just a few hours’ drive away.

Hamilton New Zealand is Waikato’s hub, and as home to Waikato University, it’s a center of education and scientific research, gardens, parks, and dining and nightlife.

Aim your rental car in New Zealand toward the Auckland, Bay of Plenty, or Rotorua on weekdays and stick with a weekend layover, when this university town rocks. Though statistics list this as the fifth largest city with a population of 129,000 (mostly young people), Hamilton New Zealand features little more than the Waikato River and pea thick foggy nights in terms of natural attractions.

The real draw is young exuberance at an overabundance of bars and cheap restaurants typical of college towns. Weekends give Hamilton New Zealand its lively reputation. Droves of good, ethnic restaurants and cafes line Victoria street. The Southend is the heart of the café scene. Unique restaurants include Asian, Mexican, Indian, French, and Italian themes.

Live music venues, Irish pubs, university bars, and two movie theaters offer hopping night life. As a college town, live theater is also available with the best representation in Meteor.

Tolkien fans will recognize Hamilton New Zealand as one of the main filming locations for Lord of the Rings, and tours escort interested visitors to the filming site.

Waikato River attractions include a scenic paddleboat cruise, Waikato Museum of Art & History, the more contemporary Artspost Gallery, and the RIFF RAFF statue from famed Rocky Horror Picture Show. South of the business district along the river is Hamilton Gardens, with stunning themed English, Chinese, Japanese, American Modernist, Italian Renaissance, and Indian varieties.

Another popular spot for tourists and locals are the riverwalk pathways that provide stunning views in the heart of the urban environment.

New Zealand’s hostels have more flash elsewhere; those in Hamilton do not particularly lure backpackers and are spread out over town, so a car hire and reservations may be in order. Alternate accommodation, such as a cozy B & B, Hotel Alcamo, Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge, and Anglesea Motel & Conference center, tend to be nicer, as well as pricier.

Hamilton makes a nice North Island base with some lively North Island diversion thrown into the mix. Stop by this vibrant town on your New Zealand vacation!