I
had privilege to stay in and explore this scenic and beautiful southern
hemisphere country New Zealand. In first 5 minutes after leaving the Auckland
airport, I was convinced that this country has lot to offer for tourists and
nature enthusiasts.
The
fourth largest urban area of New Zealand, Hamilton is 120kms from Auckland
International Airport and the transport is available from airport itself.
Either you can book your taxi in advance or you can book your transport with
Intercity buses at their airport counter as well as in advance via internet.
While the ambience of Auckland- Hamilton motorway had already left me
spellbound, cruising at 100kms on that 6 lane motorway was another thrilling
experience. The roadside was full of lush green paddocks with grazing cattle
and hills which had cover of rare fern trees as well as pine trees. The
motorway runs parallel to the biggest river in the region called ‘Waikato’.
Small town on the way to Hamilton called Ngaruawahia exhibits the architecture
of early settlers and native Maori culture.
Believe
it or not Hamilton welcomes you with ‘Radhe Krishna’ temple right at the
entrance of the city. The city has good network of roads with lane for cyclists
and adequate space for walkers. The city is situated on the banks of the river
Waikato and one of the must do things while in Hamilton is to enjoy the
riverside walk.
The
city offers many options to shopping frenzies with malls in city center,
Chartwell and Base (Te Rapa). Victoria St., the main street of the city is full
of cafes, pubs and restaurants with specialties meaning the place is crowded at
least 18 hours a day.
Hamilton
also has rich cultural history and monuments to be shown. There is St. Peter’s
cathedral which was built in 1916. The Waikato Museum located in CBD (Central
Business District) has as many as 12 galleries which shows tourists glimpses of
Maori history and culture in addition to others. Artificially created Hamilton
lake is also a wonderful place to visit and relax.
The
main attraction of Hamilton is Hamilton Gardens which is located in South
Hamilton. The garden has numbers of attraction ranging from valley walk and
waterfall outlook. It has also themed gardens of Italian, Japanese, Chinese,
Japanese and Indian. The garden will surely keep you engaged for an entire day
and yet leave you with a feeling of not getting enough.
The
city is also home to Waikato University which has campus wide spread campus
including grounds that holds annual festivals such as balloon’s over Waikato.
Round the year Hamilton hosts one or another festivals, concerts or events
which will neither let you bore nor make you restless.
Surely,
Hamilton’s relaxed pace of life and peaceful environment is best for those who
want a break from their hectic life but yet want to remain urban.
