Planning a move to Hamilton, New Zealand?
Hamilton, New Zealand’s largest inland city, nestled on the banks of the Waikato River, with tranquil gardens, flowing rivers and breath-taking bush walks it one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country.
What’s more, this vibrant city is known for its buzzing nightlife, top-tier dining, and outdoor activities. If you’re thinking of calling Hamilton home, read on – let’s take a look at what else Hamilton can offer.
Cost of Living
Ranked as one of the best countries in the world, living in New Zealand comes at a higher price.
The cost of living in New Zealand is more expensive compared to countries like the UK. This is due to New Zealand having limited competition in the market and most goods being imported due to the remote location.
When moving to New Zealand, you will need to consider costs for rent, health insurance, utilities, and daily living expenses. If you are moving to New Zealand on a budget, you should consider Hamilton. Compared to other major cities Auckland and Wellington, Hamilton is very affordable with the average cost of living being roughly $2,650 per month.
Housing
Whether you’re renting or buying, this city offers a wide variety of different types of housing to suit your requirements. These range from large lifestyle blocks on the outer suburbs to new to modern apartments in the city.
While house prices depend on the suburb Hamilton’s median house price (768,000) is still under the New Zealand Median (810,00) and significantly lower than Auckland ($1.2mil).
The most popular suburbs in Hamilton include Hamilton East, Hilcrest, and Rototuna.
Hamilton East is one of the most affordable suburbs in Hamilton and is popular with those who work in the CBD. Hilcrest is home to the University of Waikato and is a largely student-populated suburb. While Rototuna has seen a surge of housing developments in recent years creating a strong community feel.
Search and compare average house prices and find roommates at websites such as realestate.co.nz, trademe.co.nz, nzflatmates.co.nz, and easyroommate.co.nz.
HealthCare
Hamilton has excellent healthcare providers from General Practitioners to Dentists to Specialists and assisted living careers.
The Waikato Hospital located on Pembroke Street, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest single-site hospital. The 600 bed, 22 theatre hospital is a teaching facility and works closely with the University of Auckland, University of Waikato, and Wintec.
The hospital provides all services including, surgical services, paediatrics, gynaecology, and obstetrics.
Working in Hamilton
Hamilton is the centre of New Zealand’s largest dairy and agriculture area responsible for 25% of New Zealand’s milk supply. The city has a strong demand for workers in the primary industries including, dairy, agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and livestock farming specialists.
However, it’s not just the primary industries that are in high demand, healthcare, education, manufacturing, construction, logistics, IT, and finance are also popular in Hamilton.
Hamilton Population
Around 180,000 people live in Hamilton, roughly 3.5% of New Zealand’s population. When surveyed nine out of ten respondents said they have a good quality of life living in Hamilton.
Almost half of the residents are under the age of 30 and university students make up roughly 40,000 of the total population.
Home to over 80 different ethnic groups, Hamilton is a culturally diverse city. With 27% of people living there born overseas with the most people being born in England or Asia.
After English, the most common language spoken in Hamilton is Teo Reo Māori.
Hamilton Transportation
The best part about Hamilton is that many places are within walking or biking distance from each other.
The best form of public transport in Hamilton is the buses. With the local bus network covering 28 different routes with over 1,000 different stops. What’s more a free shuttle service runs in the central business district on weekdays, which locals say is the easiest way to get around.
Alternatively, Taxis and Ubers are also available.
Entertainment in Hamilton
There is so much to see and do in Hamilton! With large shopping centres, a bustling nightlife, and the Waikato River on your doorstep every day holds a new adventure.
Hamilton also hosts two of New Zealand’s most popular events, Fieldays and the Rugby Sevens.
Hamilton gardens
The Hamilton Gardens are the Waikato’s most popular tourist destination. The 56-hectare attraction focuses on telling the stories of gardens from around the world.
With over 26 different gardens to view, there is something for everyone. The main attractions include the culturally themed Japanese, Indian, Māori, and English gardens.
The best bit? The Hamilton Gardens showcase stunning views years round. Only a few minutes drive from the city centre and free entry there is never a bad time to visit.
hamilton zoo
Hamilton Zoo stretches over 25 hectares of rich surroundings and is home to over 600 animals. With New Zealand’s largest walk-through aviary dedicated to native New Zealand birds and plants, it is the perfect family outing.
Popular attractions include the Sumatran Tigers, Southern White Rhinoceros, and the Chimpanzees.
The Hamilton Zoo is also committed to the conversation of animals and the environment. They have various programmes and research projects including a breeding programme for endangered species.
Open 364 days a year, children under 3yrs are free and annual passes are available.
Hobbiton
If you’re a fan of The Hobbit, it is time to visit Middle Earth! Located 45 minutes out of Hamilton, Hobbiton is the perfect spot for a day trip with or without the kids. With Movie Set tours, evening banquets, and second breakfasts you can experience the magic of the 44 Hobbit Holes and Green Dragon Inn.
Platinum Transfer and Tours offer transport to Hobbiton in a luxury vehicle, while Helicorp offers a scenic flight experience. There are also regular bus services from Hamilton to Matamata.
What’s more, Hamilton is only a 1.5-hour drive to Auckland and Tauranga. Being the perfect location to explore the middle of the North Island.
Education in Hamilton
Hamilton has a world-class range of high-quality education facilities from early childhood to tertiary.
In New Zealand, all children are required to attend school from the age of 6 to 16 years old.
The most popular primary schools (age six to 11) in Hamilton include Rototuna Primary School and Hamilton East School.
While Hamilton Boys’ High and St Paul’s Collegiate School are popular choices for secondary school (aged 12 to 18).
Over 40,000 university students call Hamilton home, attending both The University of Waikato and The Institute of Technology.
The University of Waikato is in the top 1.1% of universities in the world ranking in the top 300 worldwide for Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, Business and Economics, and Education. Over 90% of the international students studying at The University of Waikato were satisfied with their experience.
Hamilton Cuisine
If you love Asian fusion, Spanish tapas, and Italian pasta you’ve come to the right place. With a diverse array of dining options, you’ll never be short of choice in Hamilton.
A must-try is Gothenburg, a tapa-style restaurant with a constantly evolving menu that is inspired by the food and service experienced around the world. Designed by Head Chef Cody Nicholson the dishes are locally and sustainably sourced. What’s more, it is situated on the bank of the Waikato River providing stunning views all year round.
If you prefer something heartier, Smith & McKenzie’s is the place for you. A New York inspired steak house, where all the steaks are dry-aged on-site using a slow cooking technique. This award-winning restaurant has an industrial yet modern feel with historical butchery elements creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Other popular restaurants include Madam Woo, The Chilli House, Mr Pickle, Winner Winner, Adriana’s, and Palate.
Shipping to Hamilton New Zealand
If you’re sold on moving to Hamilton, NZ Van Lines can get you there.
As one of the top moving companies in the Waikato our international moving staff have years of knowledge and experience on how to move your belongings securely and efficiently.
Whether you are moving from the United Kingdom, Australia, the USA, Asia, or any other country to Hamilton, New Zealand, Our Hamilton relocation team will be with you every step of the way. From the pre-move survey to unpacking the last carton at your new residence.