Discover the vibrant city of Hamilton and its thriving workforce. Experience top-notch dining, a buzzing nightlife and an active outdoor lifestyle. Find where to live and work in Hamilton and enjoy the perfect work-life balance. With a range of job opportunities to choose from, there is something for everyone.
Hamilton Population and Demographics
Situated on the banks of the Waikato River, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city. It’s currently one of the fastest growing urban areas in the country. The population of Hamilton is youthful and innovative – around half of its residents are under the age of 30. It’s also a very culturally diverse city, home to more than 80 ethnic groups.
Hamilton Weather and Climate
Hamilton’s climate is generally mild, warm and temperate. The average temperature in summer is 21C and 14C in winter. On average, the warmest month is February and the coolest month is July. There is a significant amount annual rainfall in Hamilton, which helps keep the city green.
Places to Live in Hamilton
Hamilton’s relaxed lifestyle has made it an attractive place to live in New Zealand. If you are planning to move to Hamilton, you will have many options regarding accommodation. A record number of building consents were granted in 2018. As a result, home construction is expected to surge significantly. Diverse house types are popping up all over the region. Choose from townhouses, duplexes, apartments and traditional homes.
Do you enjoy city life? There are residential suburbs all around the inner CBD offering modern housing. There are also semi-rural properties located about 20 minutes from the city centre. These properties are popular amongst residents seeking a quieter way of life, and are also ideal for families who want home that is close to the city but still contains more open space.
Hamilton Entertainment & Things to Do
There is a wide array of things to do in Hamilton and the Waikato region. The city centre is packed with restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos where you can have a fun night out. The vibrant nightlife scene is a draw for many travellers and migrants – and on the weekends, you’ll find various markets selling gourmet food and locally-crafted artwork and goods. The city also hosts events like sports matches, concerts, festivals and comedy shows that attract hundreds of locals and visitors every year.
Hamilton is also well known for its stunning parks and gardens. The Hamilton Gardens is the most popular attraction in the Waikato region. This award-winning attraction is well-loved by tourists and locals alike. The Garden takes you on a journey through a gallery of local and international species, with beautifully-manicured examples of traditional gardens from Japan, Italy, China, and much more that each tell their own unique story. Other fun places to spend time include the Hamilton Zoo, the Waikato Museum and Water World.
Hamilton also has close proximity to other regional destinations. Tourist hotspots like Auckland and Rotorua are within a couple hours’ drive from the city – so on your weekend breaks, you can venture out of Hamilton and explore more of the central North Island.
Cost of Living in Hamilton
Hamilton is an affordable place to live in comparison to Auckland or Wellington. The average monthly cost of rent for a two-bedroom house is $1750. The average cost of living in Hamilton per month is estimated to be $2,650. If you want to enjoy comfortable living in a beautiful city, then Hamilton is the place to be.
Major Industries in Hamilton
Hamilton is located in the centre of New Zealand’s largest dairying area. Agriculture is the main contributor to the city’s economy. This field has an abundance of job opportunities available, with a demand for skilled workers that is only expected to increase with the growth of the area.
Hamilton is also home to some of New Zealand’s top science research industries. Education and research are amongst the region’s leading job providers. Other key industries in Hamilton include manufacturing, wholesale and retail. The current minimum wage in New Zealand is $16.60 and $13.20 before tax. These hourly wages are reviewed by the Government each year.
Getting Around in Hamilton
Getting around Hamilton is easy, which is part of its appeal. Many places can be reached within walking or cycling distance. But the city also has a comprehensive public transport system. The local bus network has over 28 routes, and 10 others throughout the wider region.
The Hamilton Transport Centre is the main hub for public passenger services, with national coach buses available here. A free shuttle bus also operates in the central business district from Monday to Saturday. If you’re working in the CBD, shuttle buses are the quickest and most convenient way to get around. Taxi and Uber services are also available throughout the city.
Education in Hamilton
Hamilton offers wonderful opportunities for education, proven by its youthful population of over 40,000 tertiary students. The University of Waikato is the most well-known in the region. In 2017, it was rated in the top 1.1% of universities in the world (according to the QS World University Rankings). The University has received numerous awards in the business, management and engineering disciplines. Other major tertiary institutes in Hamilton include the Waikato Institute of Technology and Te Wananga o Aotearoa. Hamilton is also home to many excellent primary and secondary schools.