While Hamilton was crowned New Zealand’s most beautiful city (2020), when it comes to attracting international students, it has much more than just beauty to offer.
In saying that, the entire Waikato region is loaded with aesthetic appeal. It’s only a short drive to escape the city and see completely different scenery from rolling hills and beaches, to mountains and lakes.
With two institutes of study providing world-class education located in Hamilton City – Wintec and the University of Waikato – there are ample study options to choose from.
Make your way through Hamilton and you’ll be enveloped in its clean and green embrace. The popular Hamilton Gardens and large amounts of greenery throughout the main central business and urban areas creates a lovely atmosphere to walk or cycle through.
Students are often seen relaxing in main parks, reading or enjoying picnics with friends between classes. You can easily grab some fresh air and take a riverside stroll, but generally the city has minimal pollution and no smog, making it an attractive place to be all year round.
Rental properties are abundant in and around Hamilton City. Rent is generally relatively affordable and there are plenty of housing options near student hotspots such as Hamilton East, Hillcrest and Knighton (near the University of Waikato campus).
It’s easy to get around if you don’t own a car. Most things are within walking or cycling distance and buses are user-friendly and inexpensive.
Whether you choose to spend time in the city or head out to the wider region, there’s plenty to do.
Check out Hamilton’s nightlife, with bars situated mainly around Hood, Victoria and Alexandra Streets. The atmosphere is fun and vibrant with live bands and dancing Thursday-Saturday nights.
If you’re a sports fan, you might like to attend some of the various events during the year. Netball and rugby tend to be popular in the Waikato with games held throughout the winter season.
For a more relaxed evening or daytime activity, check out the local cinemas (Lido, Hoyts and Event Cinemas), go tenpin bowling at SkyCity, try an escape room or grab some friends and take a Lime Scooter tour of the city.
If you need to get away for the weekend you can head to Raglan – one of New Zealand’s most stunning beaches – and relax on sand or take a surfing lesson. To get a good view of the coastline, hike up the nearby Mount Karioi.
This beautiful region is nestled in New Zealand’s heartland, with an easy commute to Auckland. Studying and living in Hamilton, you can enjoy the lifestyle you want without the expense of living in a major city.
