10 Reasons to Hold Your Next Conference in Hamilton
Hamilton boasts a wealth of advantages for business travellers and events organisers, from a stunning riverside location and superb team building activities to world-class events facilities and transport links. So pack your briefcase, and get ready to sample Hamilton's hospitality...
- The Best of Everything
Hamilton sits at the heart of New Zealand's largest export region, located just an hour south of Auckland, and just 30 minutes drive from the world-famous surf at Raglan. Here you can easily have the best of everything. Dine overlooking the magnificent Waikato River then enjoy your after conference drinks in the heart of the city's vibrant entertainment precinct. Hamilton is New Zealand's fourth largest city and you'll find a tempting range of entertaining activities, convenient transport links and world-class event facilities.
- Easy Access
Hamilton is just an easy 10 minute drive from Hamilton International Airport, which has regular and direct flights to the most popular destinations in New Zealand, Australia and beyond. Pacific Blue flies direct between Hamilton, Sydney and Brisbane three times a week and through Pacific Blue's connections, travellers to and from Hamilton can fly throughout Australia, the United States and Bali. Hamilton is also about an hour's drive from Auckland International Airport and has easy transport links to most North Island destinations.
- Entertainment Central
Hamilton's compact city heart is entertainment central. Whatever you are looking for you can find it here - from fine dining and post-conference drinks to a casual meal or a fun night out. Hood Street is the city's thriving restaurant and bar precinct. At the top of Hood Street is the gorgeous and heritage-listed Artspost building. As Hamilton's contemporary art gallery, it sits next to the award-winning Waikato Museum, offering a range of permanent and temporary exhibitions. You can take your pick of the three theatres dotting the city centre or enjoy a picturesque walk along the banks of the Waikato River to the city's retail hotspots. Leading up to the corners of Ward and Victoria Streets, you'll find high-end labels or explore the boutiques of Casabella Lane for something a little unique.
- Accommodation for Every Need
Hamilton boasts about 2000 accommodation rooms, covering all the bases from hotels and motels to exclusive lodges and everything in between. The vast majority can be found on or close to Hamilton's main street, or head out of town and enjoy one of the spectacular resort locations like Brooklands Country Estate.
- Fantastic Team Building Activities
The mighty Waikato River winds through the full length of Hamilton, offering a range of great activates both on and off the water. Tackle the popular Waikato River walkway by pedal or on foot, see it from horseback or paddle your way by kayak. There are many parks, gardens and sports fields in the city including the popular Hamilton Lake and Hamilton Gardens - the perfect place for a relaxing lunchtime stroll. Delegates are just a short distance from the Waikato's most renowned attractions, including Raglan's famous left-hand break, the Hobbiton movie set at Matamata, Waingaro Hot Springs and the world famous caverns and glowworms of Waitomo Caves. The long list of activities for delegates includes cave tubing and abseiling, hot air ballooning, golfing, jet-boating, and even close-up animal encounters at Hamilton Zoo. Contact Hamilton i-SITE and together you can find the ideal team building experience for your group.
- Superb Dining Choice
Hamilton offers visitors one of the largest ranges of restaurants and bars you'll find anywhere in New Zealand - and that means quality too. Hamilton sits at the heart of New Zealand's largest export region with the freshest, locally farmed produce available. There are also many boutique producers of cheese, wine, fine meats and gourmet products. Choose from gastro-pubs or award-winning fine dining at an inner city restaurant or dine somewhere special on the outskirts of the city. If ethnic cuisine is your preference, you'll find tastes from all around the globe. There's plenty of choice when it comes to the setting, too. Dine riverside or by the vines, head out of town for lunch at Woodlands Historic Homestead, theme your conference facility or just pull up a chair at a local tapas bar - it's your choice.
- Iconic Events
Hamilton is home to two of New Zealand's largest annual events - Fieldays and the ITM 400, and every year Hamilton adds to its exciting portfolio of hallmark events. Each year the city hosts Parachute Music Festival, the Hamilton leg of the Australian V8 Supercars Championship, the Gallagher Great Race, the Hamilton Gardens Festival and Balloons Over Waikato - and that's in addition to the recent FIFA U17 Women's 
World Cup, the David Tua and Shane Cameron Fight of the Century. Coming soon to the city are the 2010 World Rowing Champs and the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
- World-class Facilities
As the home to so many world-class events, Hamilton can offer the very best of conference and event facilities. Venue options range from The Verandah's stunning 
lakeside setting and the heritage-listed Claudelands Grandstand, to five-star resorts like Brooklands Country Estate, where state-of-the-art conference facilities and teambuilding activities combine with luxury accommodation and fine dining. Other options include university campuses, event rooms field-side at Waikato Stadium, plush theatres and convenient convention rooms. Quality entertainment, expert audio-visual, professional theming and event hire are all readily available.
- Quality and Value
Whether you are an international or domestic visitor, price-wise Hamilton provides great value accommodation, entertainment, food and transport. Tourism, accommodation and hospitality providers are committed to giving you a wonderful experience at the right price.
- Free Professional Assistance
The friendly service of Hamilton's professional i-SITE team can't be beaten. You can contact Hamilton i-SITE by phone, in person or online - whatever suits you. The range of helpful advice includes a free planning service, bookings assistance, and a comprehensive website with free information.
Useful Information
Editorial and Images supplied courtesy of Visit Hamilton