Bounded by lush, verdant pastureland, cleaved in two by the majestic Waikato River, is Hamilton, New Zealand’s fourth-largest city. Hamilton lies at the heart of the fierce and proud Waikato region in the North Island, where the New Zealand Land Wars were fought and the Kingitanga (Maori King) movement was formed.

These days, more prosaically, the city forms New Zealand’s educational hub, and is one of its fastest-growing urban centers. The Waikato region has a strong agricultural heritage. Several high-profile businesses, such as Anchor, AgResearch and Gallagher Group, have emerged from the area. The city boasts booming dairy and biotech industries and is now home to no fewer than 9200 businesses. This thriving urban hub provides a lower-cost alternative to Auckland, which now ranks among the world’s top twenty most-expensive cities to live in. The city suffers very little traffic congestion and boasts a world-class mass transit system, including the country’s largest railway junction.

Fantastic live music venues, galleries, cafes and superb educational facilities combine to create a city living environment that oozes appeal. Beyond Hamilton’s borders, the Waikato region offers enviable lifestyle options for both young and mature professionals alike.