Hamilton, Fourth largest city in North Island, New Zealand
Hamilton is the fourth most populated city on the North Island and sits in the heart of the Waikato region. The settlement runs along both sides of the Waikato River and is connected by more than a dozen bridges that link residential zones to commercial areas and green spaces.
After European settlers arrived in the 1860s, a military post was established on the site of an abandoned Māori village. The city grew as a trading hub for surrounding farms and developed into a regional administrative and education center during the 20th century.
The Waikato Museum holds numerous Maori wood carvings retrieved from local waterways, presenting the indigenous artistic heritage of the region.
The central business district sits close to the river and offers shopping, cafés and restaurants within easy walking distance. The city serves as a gateway to nearby wine regions and nature reserves and acts as a base for exploring the Waikato plains.
The Hamilton Gardens showcase gardening traditions from multiple cultures and eras, including a Japanese pond garden and an Italian Renaissance plot. Each section follows historical design principles and is maintained by a nonprofit trust.
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