4. Hamilton
More affordable than Auckland and growing almost as fast, Hamilton’s economic indicators are currently pointing to ‘boom’.
The city has a youthful, multicultural demographic and 3 major tertiary institutes: the University of Waikato, Te Wananga o Aotearoa, and the Waikato Institute of Technology.
Kids can enjoy the Hamilton Zoo, Hamilton Gardens, the Waikato Museum, and the Otorohanga Kiwi House and Native Bird House, or try something more active like walking tracks, Waterworld, or kayaking.