HOST CITY

KIRIKIRIROA - HAMILTON

Hamilton - Kirikiriroa is home to many things, cow bells, hobbits, glow worms… and in 2026, the Holiday Parks NZ Conference & Trade Expo.

Hamilton sits right in the heart of the North Island and is the natural hub of the Waikato, surrounded by some of the country’s most recognisable landscapes. It’s a relaxed, river side city with a strong sense of place, easy to get around, and full of good food, good coffee, and locals who know how to get things done without fuss.

If you’re planning to explore a little before or after the conference, you’re well placed. Hobbiton, one of New Zealand’s leading visitor attractions, is just down the road in Matamata. Love the outdoors? The Waikato has no shortage of walking and cycling trails. Prefer it dark and spectacular? The glow worm Waitomo Caves are well worth the trip.

It’s a region that rewards curiosity and makes staying a bit longer feel like the obvious choice.

GETTING HERE

BY ROAD

Hamilton city is the centre of the upper North Island’s recently developed road network making it easy access from many parts of the North Island. Several highways pass through the region, including State Highway 1, which connects to Auckland in the north and Taupō in the south.

BY AIR

Hamilton Airport is a 20-minute drive from the central city and has direct flights from Wellington, Christchurch, Palmerston North, Gisborne, Great Barrier, North Shore, Whakatāne and Whangārei. There are also direct flights from the Gold Coast and Sydney. Hamilton is only Auckland International Airport, which is just over a 90 minute drive from Hamilton city.

Shuttles, taxis, and rideshare options are available from Hamilton Airport, as well as car hire (Park members can access heavily discounted rated with Hertz through your TIA affiliate.

BY TRAIN

A train service also operates between Hamilton and Auckland. State Highway 3 links Hamilton with Waitomo, taking in towns such as Ōtorohanga where the popular kiwi house and native bird park are located.