HAMILTON

The gateway to the Central North Island, Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city, straddling the superb Waikato River. With a young, smart and innovative population, Hamilton's warm and welcoming spirit, rich history and contrasting splendours ensure visitors are spoilt for choice for places to relax, enjoy and do business. From magnificent parks and gardens to a thriving cultural precinct, the city offers a vibrant combination of fine dining and nightlife options as well as an eclectic mix of leisure, lifestyle and activity choices.

Fast facts

• NZ's largest inland city.
• NZ's longest river, the Waikato, flows for 16 kilometres through the city.
• Hamilton's population ranks fourth in the 67 districts in NZ.
• Has a youthful population - around half of residents are less than 30 years old.
• NZ European make up three quarters of the population and Maori 19 per cent.
• The city is home to more than 80 ethnic groups.
• Mild climate and moderate year round rainfall keep the city and surrounding area very green.
• 145 parks and gardens and 63 sports areas.
• The city has more than 1,000 hectares of open space.
• Three international sports venues – the multi-purpose FMG Stadium Waikato, the boutique international cricket ground Seddon Park, and indoor sport venue Claudelands.

Tourist Information: Visit Hamilton

HALIFAX

Halifax is Nova Scotia's capital city and the business, educational and cultural centre of maritime Canada. Located on a rounded peninsula bordered on the east by ten-mile-long Halifax harbour (second largest in the world), and a slender arm of the sea, the city of 120,000 offers a perfect blend of old and new - 19-th century buildings mix with concrete and glass office towers; town criers introduce jazz festivals; there's both a formal Victorian garden and an astro-turfed football field. The heart and soul of the city is its magnificent spoon-shaped harbour. Halifax today is the location of Canada's east coast navy, a busy shipping port, a cruise ship port of call and popular vacation destination for tourists, honeymooners and conventioneers.

DISCOVER HALIFAX
NOVA SCOTIA TOURISM

EAU CLAIRE

Located at the junction of the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers, the city of Eau Claire was one of the state's busiest lumber towns in the 1800s. Local museums explore the area's heritage, which includes ties to the Woodland Indian culture. Bike trails offer breathtaking views to both walkers and cyclist in summer and snowmobilers in winter. Eau Claire is an ideal base for day trips to surrounding communities (Augusta includes an Amish settlement of more than 150 families).

For more information, log on to visiteauclaire.com

PIETERMARITZBURG

Natal's capital city, Pietermaritzburg is a thriving modern city of charm and dignity, at her loveliest in spring when masses of azaleas burst into bloom. The slogan of 'Heritage City' for the capital of Natal is most appreciate. The heart of the city retains a distinct character and charm, due largely to its well-preserved Victorian and Edwardian red-brick buildings, dignified schools and civic buildings and 31 national monuments. It has a small but busy airport, and residential townships have swept over the surroundings hills. Today, the city enjoys modern lifestyle, boasting top quality shops, hotels and restaurants. 

City Hall. The ornate red brick building which has aptly been called a tribute to Victorian design, features a 47-m high clock tower, a 12-bell carillon, domed rooftops, stone carvings and beautiful stained glass windows. Declared a national monument in 1969. Recognised as the largest all-brick buildings in the southern hemisphere, the hall was built in 1900.

Old Supreme Court. A fine example of colonial architecture which formed the centre of the capital's defensive system during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. A major attraction today is the Tatham Art Gallery which houses a collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century paintings as well as exhibits of china, glassware and clocks. It housed the SA Supreme Court until 1983.