Waikato

Where can I find information about the local histories of Waikato?

Colour photo of a bend in the Waikato River at Ngāruawāhia. A bench is by the river and trees and hills on the other side.

Image: Waikato River at Ngāruawāhia by Rida Rehman is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0. Courtesy of Rida Rehman.

The Waikato is the fourth largest region in New Zealand. Kirikiriroa | Hamilton is the only main city centre in the Waikato region. It was declared a borough in 1877 and a city in 1945. It was named for Captain John Hamilton, a Royal Navy officer.

Close up black and white photo of Princess Te Kirihaehae Te Puea Herangi.

People of Waikato

The Waikato is the fourth largest region by population in New Zealand. This page will recommend where you can go to find out the histories of its people.

Learn about people of Waikato
Photo of Hood St, Hamilton, showing 2 heritage buildings. The former Bank of New Zealand and former Post Office.

Places of Waikato

Here are some sources you could look at if you'd like to find out about important historical places in Kirikiriroa | Hamilton and wider Waikato.

Learn about places of Waikato
1863 black and white photo of a group of bell tents near the Waikato River. The tents are in the foreground to the left of the image, in the distance the river and a small island are visible.

Events of Waikato

Waikato, known for its rich, fertile farmland, was the scene of significant battles during the Land Wars of the mid-19th century. Find out how to explore these histories and more.

Learn about events of Waikato
Six cartoon characters site around a table using a tablet, laptop and books.