Hamilton, New Zealand: description of the city

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Hamilton is a city in New Zealand, located deep in the North Island on the banks of the largest Waikato River. A favorable mild climate with abundant rainfall, fertile soils and hard work of the inhabitants contribute to the development of the region. Although the processing of agricultural products is the main specialization of the townspeople, a number of large industrial enterprises operate in the village, including the aerospace industry.

Description

Hamilton in New Zealand ranks fourth in terms of population among all cities in the country. Depending on the evaluation criteria, 160-230 thousand people live in it. At the same time, it is the administrative, cultural and economic center of the Waikato region with one and a half million inhabitants. City blocks spread over an area of 111 km². The territorial agglomeration (including suburbs and satellites) occupies 877 km^2.

If you look at the photo of the city of Hamilton in New Zealand, it immediately becomes clear that the layout is dominated by individual low-rise buildings. The heart of the settlement is the business center located on the left bank of the river. More modern high-rise blocks rise in small islands.

Geographic information

Hamilton's landscape in New Zealand was shaped by the last eruption of the Lake Taupo volcanic complex 1,800 years ago. Waves of lava slid northward, forming a characteristic ridged landscape. With the exception of low hills located to the west of the city, as well as an extensive network of ravines, the terrain is relatively flat. In some areas, such as Te Rapa, there are traces of the old riverbed, altered by the volcano.

Due to the abundance of rain and soft volcanic soil, the area is swampy in places. There are about 30 lakes and 7 large peat bogs in Hamilton and the surrounding area. During the time of the first settlers, high humidity contributed to the epidemic of tuberculosis, which held back population growth. In order to divert excess water, the construction of 6 large drainage complexes began in the 1920s. Today the situation in the city is quite favorable.

Climate

Hamilton, New Zealand's climate is oceanic, with very mild temperatures due to the surrounding Pacific Ocean. Despite this, due to the location of the city in the interior of the island, frosts down to -4 ° C are possible in winter. For the same reasonsummer is one of the hottest in the country, when temperatures exceed +29 °C. Hamilton has very high humidity, comparable to a tropical climate. For example, it is the same as in Singapore. This can lead to poor he alth of people suffering from weather dependence. Snow falls very rarely.

Historical background

Earlier, on the site of Hamilton in New Zealand, there were settlements of the Maori tribe. One of the villages was called Kirikiriroa. By analogy, the modern Aboriginal language city is also called Kirikiriroa. In the 1820s, local residents fought with the colonialists, but by the 1830s, the parties made attempts at reconciliation. Missionaries settled in the village and built a chapel. Trade was established: the Maori purchased wheat, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, supplied clothes, household items, axes, blankets. A significant event was the construction of a water mill.

In 1863, the region was captured by the British army. A militia regiment was stationed in Hamilton. However, the settlers quickly became disillusioned with the area, which abounded in swamps. A few years later, out of 3,000 inhabitants, no more than 300 souls remained in the settlement. At the end of the 19th century, first a dirt road was brought to the town, and later a railway. This contributed to the development of the region. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population exceeded 1000 people.

Reclamation work gave its result. The area, getting rid of excess moisture, has become one of the most fertile in New Zealand. Along the Waikato Rivercommunication has been established with settlements on the seashore and further - with Auckland. Archival photographs of Hamilton in New Zealand in the 1920s have survived. This is not the same village that was 20-30 years ago. The city is crossed by wide cobbled streets, and on their sides there are snow-white 2-3-storey houses and shops.

Our days

Today, Hamilton is experiencing a development boom. The population is steadily increasing, the infrastructure is developing. Skyscrapers are no longer curiosities, taking more and more space from patriarchal villas and cottages. For the most part, the settlement expands to the north, towards the ocean. Connection to Auckland (which is 1 hour away) is via rail and expressway.

The city has become one of the largest educational centers in Oceania. About 70,000 students study here. According to reviews, in Hamilton (New Zealand) the best educational institutions are:

• Wikato Institute of Technology (20,000 students).
• University of Waikato (10,000).
• Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (35,000).

Attractions

Although New Zealand cannot become a major tourist destination due to its remoteness, there are more than enough travelers from Europe, Australia and the US. What do seasoned tourists advise to do in Hamilton?

First of all, this is a local zoo. It opened in 1969 in the northwest of the city at 183 BrymerRoad, Dinsdale. More than 600 mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds have found a second home here. In conditions close to natural, you can see both local reptiles tuatara and exotic Sumatran tigers, white rhinos and, of course, monkeys. There is also a free aviary where visitors can observe the life of birds.

Notable objects are:

• Hamilton Gardens Botanical and Leisure Park, with over a million visitors annually.
• The second largest shopping center in the country, The Base. Its 190 stores attract 7.5 million shoppers a year.
• Wikato Museum.
• Lost World Cave with unique lifeforms.
• Hamilton Astronomical Society Observatory.
• Art Gallery Arts Post.
• The Hobbit Village built for the filming of The Lord of the Rings.
• SkyCity Casino.

Just a 20-minute drive away are Maori historical sites: Ngaruawahia, Turangawaewae Marae and the home of Maori King Tuheitia Paki. A few tens of kilometers away is the famous volcanic lake Taupo and the valley of geysers.