Something about us.
The Friendship Force of Hamilton is one of the oldest clubs in New Zealand and was set up in 1983. We have about 35 members and host two inward overseas exchanges a year.
: Hamilton has an airport with flights to cities in New Zealand and to Australia.
Hamilton is a city of about 140,000 and is situated in the North Island on both sides of the Waikato River.
We are a student city with a University, a Technical Institute and several language schools catering to overseas students.
Originally a rural centre Hamilton has several light industries and a developing aircraft industry. One of New Zealand’s largest dairy factories is on the outskirts of our city.
Hamilton’s best attractions are; one of the world’s loveliest public gardens, an impressive zoo, a fine museum, a lake set in parkland, and river walks. The city also has good shopping, theatres, cinemas, restaurants and cafes.
The country around us.
Hamilton is a short distance from bush areas, waterfalls and the coast and is surrounded by diary farms and horse studs. We take our visitors to the thermal city of Rotorua, 1 1/2 hours south east, and to the famous Waitomo glow worm caves. Most ambassadors will also visit east and west coast beaches during their stay with us.
Hamilton is 1 ½ hours south of Auckland International Airport where ambassadors can arrive (or fly out of). Our club will then arrange a bus to Hamilton which can incorporate a city tour if desired. The daytime train service between Auckland and Wellington, connecting with services to the South Island, also stops in Hamilton.
Our club members enjoy hosting people from other parts of the world and we are sure you will enjoy your stay with us.