The Star of the Hamilton Show.

Greeting everyone.

As the title states today's entry is about the main attraction of Hamilton, the Waikato River. It is the longest river in New Zealand and has some amazing river walks throughout most of the river. Some of these river walk being in the city itself and with in minutes you find yourself in a natural environment that gives New Zealand its clean green images. These locations are exactly the places that tourists come to capture or collect to further their cultural and social capital. There is a strong cultural value associated with the Waikato region especially the Waikato River because it use to be the lifeline for many of the Maori tribes in the early day of New Zealand's existence. It is truly magnificent these river walks. It was clearly seen when I did one of these walks with some tourist and they were blown away by the clarity of the water and the amount of fish that could be seen. Experiences like these that can be collected in photo's and taken home to friends and family is what travelling is about. Many youth tourist could be seen on these walks posing for photo's and just emerging into the natural beauty of the surroundings "Breathing in" their cultural capital.

Till Next time.

Luke.

Seddon Park

Seddon Park is one of only two purpose built cricket venues in New Zealand after Basin Reserve in Wellington. It is the home of Northern District cricket and also a international venue for cricket. It is a beautiful cricket oval and one of only a few that still has the traditional picket fence around the field. It is a common place to gaze upon the identity of Hamilton's cricket heartland. It is a social constructed space where all ages can enjoy and collect the surrounding of this magnificent cricket environment. I personally thoroughly enjoyed my time at this park and seeing the identity of visitors from abroad mixing with the identity of the Hamilton created a fantastic atmosphere that would rival any stadium in the world. For most visitors to Hamilton it would not be a attraction to collect but i believe that it is a essential part of the Hamilton culture and experience, similar to that of Waikato Stadium. For youth travellers it is very affordable to attend a cricket match at this venue and will make for a pleasant and enjoyable day for all. Even the ones who are not cricket fans will enjoy the character that this cricket ground possesses.

Till next time.

Luke.

Waikato Stadium

Today I was talking to some locals and they told me if i wanted to get a unique and true identity of Hamilton I would have to go to a rugby game at the Waikato Stadium. The home of the Waikato NPC rugby team and the Chiefs in super Rugby. It is also a international rugby venue with any All Black games being played there. I went to a match between the Chiefs and the Bulls from South Africa with some of the young tourist I have meet. It was a good night to experience the passion and excitement of a live rugby game. But I must say that there is a clear indication of here to sit relevant with your age. The youth tourist are more likely to be in the " Green Zone" which is a grass bank where you stand behind the post. It is the cheapest tickets available and a rater loud and youthful since. It is one of New Zealands best stadiums and always has an excited atmosphere within. I was not in the " Green Zone" but was seated in the stands which was an very enjoyable experience. I would recommend to anyone that want to to experience the identity of Hamilton, would only have to look as far as Waikato Stadium to see it is full motion.

Till Next Time.

Luke.

The Hamilton Zoo

Greeting to my new Entry. (Images ca

Today was an amazing day. The bad weather had passed and i was able to continue my journey around Hamilton. The Hamilton Zoo not as well know as Auckland Zoo but I believe has a brighter future the Auckland Zoo. Is is due to the conversation that I was luckily enough to have with a Senior Staff member at the Zoo. He took me around and give some very interesting information about not just the animals but also the 10 year development plan that the Zoo is starting. I felt it was the best way to gain cultural capital compared to others who just watch the animals and move along. It is a beautiful attraction for all ages and a fantastic place to capture images of your favorite animals and some shots of native species that a tourist can show their families. It is a well presented and easily accessible attraction and is well worth a visit with family, friends or for a tourist to spend some time relaxing. If has an unique section of New Zealand wetlands that give the tourist a identity of the character the land has and also through this continuously gaining more social and cultural capital. It is a wonderful attraction on one that is a must see if you ever travel to Hamilton. It is socially constructed for your entertainment and has designated paths that must be followed therefore the construction of the zoo is clear in it's layout.It has all the favorite animals plus a few which most people would not have seen before such as the fishing cat. It you what a relaxing day for all ages of tourist it is the perfect place for a visit. You will not be disappointed trust me.

Till Next Time.

Luke

The Hamilton Gardens.

Hello again
Today I visited one of Hamilton's most popular tourist attractions the beautiful and mesmerising Hamilton Gardens. to find such a peaceful location, located close to the heart of New Zealand's forth largest cities was truly amazing. It is a socially constructed tourism attraction for families, youth tourist and anyone who is in need of a relaxing walk. The gardens within was captivating to see the culturally themed in Indian, Italian and Early English to name a few. It is a places where you can gain identity not just from the attraction but also for yourself.

(Image captured by R, van der Merwe 19 May 2010).The gardens are a great location for youth tourist who what to collect attraction to gain more cultural capital and also a perfect area to just socialise with friends. After my visit to the Hamilton gardens, I can clearly see why it is a must do in the Hamilton region.

Till next time

Luke.