The permanent population of about one hundred and sixty thousand.

The earliest recorded settlers in the Hamilton area were Maor. The people called an area on the west bank of the Waikato River Kirikiriroa which is the Maori name for Hamilton today. The area was later renamed Hamilton after Captain John Charles Fane Hamilton, who was killed at the battle of Gate Pa in Tauranga in 1864.

In 1863, the New Zealand Settlement Act enabled land to be taken from Maori by the Crown. This resulted in one million hectares of land being confiscated in the Waikato region, and part of this land provided the basis for European settlement in Hamilton.

Formal European settlement was established on 24 August 1864, when Captain William Steele came off the gunboat and established the first Memorial Park.

A military outpost was set up. The Borough of Hamilton was established in 1877.

Vibrant, diverse and thriving Hamilton combines all the vigour and energy of a bustling city with a relaxed, easy lifestyle.

A melting pot of more than eight ethnic groups, the cities cosmopolitan flavour is accentuated by its multi cultural mix of cafes, pubs and restaurants that contribute to an exciting night life.

Hamilton is a great place to live. A safe environment with low crime rates where people are able to enjoy participating in their communities. A recent resident survey reflects that with more than eighty percent of residents saying they feel safe in their neighbourhoods.

It is home to the biggest agricultural trade show in the southern hemisphere, namely the Field days. Other tourist activities include the beautiful Hamilton Gardens.

The major attraction of Hamilton is its extensive garden complex that covers an area of fifty eight hectares and features a number of themed gardens, it is certainly not your average botanic garden experience.

The town is famous for its themed gardens, and the local zoo, which has the largest free flight aviary in the Southern Hemisphere an excellent chance to find out about distinctive native birds.

The southern end of Hamiltons Main Street offers an excellent choice of restaurants, cafes and bars.

If you feel like exploring and relaxing simultaneously a cruise down the Waikato River in style aboard the MV Waipa Delta is also worth considering. Offering morning and afternoon teas, buffet lunches and dinner and cocktails, this is sightseeing in style.

Arts and culture offers visitors and residents a chance to experience the cities unique identity. A theatre performance at the Meteor can demystify an unfamiliar culture. A visit to Te Winika at the museum can ground us in the familiar, and the visual arts, contemporary and traditional can mirror both.