Life is good in the Waikato.
With easy access to Auckland, Tauranga and surrounding areas in the region – it’s easy to commute to work, catch up with friends, and take children to child care, school and sports activities. In fact, 85 per cent of residents say they love living in the Waikato.
Location
Located at the heart of the upper North Island with easy access to New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, and the rest of New Zealand, Waikato people can enjoy the benefits of being part of a large population without the stress of big city living. Excellent roading and communications infrastructure make it easy to do business and keep in touch with family and friends.
Environment
The environment underpins our economy and is also our playground. Waikato has the most varied environment of any region in New Zealand - stunning coastlines, lush pastoral landscapes, forests, cave systems, mountains, the largest lake in Australasia, the longest river in New Zealand, geothermal activity, and internationally renowned wetlands – which means you can experience all the different elements of New Zealand’s great outdoors in a single day.
Economic Diversity
The region has one of New Zealand’s most diverse economies so job and career prospects are generally good, and further enhanced by the region’s world class education, science, research, health and other professional services
Culture and Connections
The region’s rich Māori and European heritage creates a unique regional identity. People are warm and welcoming, with around 70 per cent of Waikato people saying they know they can call on others when they need a hand. There are countless opportunities to gather as a community thanks to a varied cultural and sporting events calendar.
The Waikato region is home to a vibrant artistic community.
This is evident in the number of events, museums and galleries throughout the region. From sculptors and painters to illustrators and fashion designers, creativity is flourishing in the region providing ample opportunity to enjoy the arts.
View a locals guide to the arts scene, or visit Creative Waikato's Facebook page.
Housing
There is a wide range of housing, from apartments to lifestyle blocks with room for a pony and other livestock.
News
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Found just over the fence: 50th anniversary uncovers local Playcentre history
Hamilton families celebrating 50 years of community at Peachgrove Playcentre discover their founding member living right next door, along with the story of how a group of determined Waikato women created a lasting legacy for young children and their families.
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Christmas Market focuses on 'buy local'
A Christmas market about to launch in the Waikato was borne out of the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdown earlier this year.
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Walking alongside women a privilege for this Māori midwife and educator
Finding balance as a midwife was a challenge for Wintec midwifery graduate Tamara Karu but she’s found the perfect mix, delivering childbirth education and working with whānau to deliver their babies.
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University of Waikato to host the next Boon Street Art Festival
The University of Waikato is proud to host the next Boon Street Art Festival taking place from 16 - 20 November. The Boon on Campus festival will see five artists from Waikato and Bay of Plenty painting six murals around the Hamilton campus ranging between 2m-19m long. The week-long event will include activities for students, staff and the community to get involved including a grand unveiling for each mural on Friday 20 November.