Waikato
The Waikato region is known for its natural beauty, rich Māori culture, and agricultural heritage with something to offer visitors of all interests.
Photo location: Waipakihi River - Credit: Adriel Kloppenburg
About the Region
The Waikato region is located in the central North Island of New Zealand. It borders Auckland to the north, Bay of Plenty to the east, Taranaki to the west, and Manawatū-Wanganui to the south.
Waikato includes New Zealand’s longest river—the Waikato, plus internationally significant wetlands and over 1,000 kilometres of beautiful coastline. In the centre of Waikato is New Zealand's fourth largest city – Hamilton, which prides itself as a centre of education.
Health New Zealand - Waikato
About Health New Zealand
Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is the Government organisation that provides publicly-funded universal health care to 5 million Kiwis.
The management and delivery of health services are broken down into 'Districts' across the country, determined by both geographic location and population.
About the Health New Zealand - Waikato District
Health New Zealand – Waikato spans over 21,000 square kilometres, has a population of more than 425,000 and employs over 8,000 people. It extends from the northern Coromandel region to an area close to Mt Ruapehu in the south and from Raglan on the west coast to Waihi on the east coast. 59% of the population live in urban areas, and 41% in rural areas, of which 23% is Māori (compared to the national average of 16%).
There are 10 territorial local authorities within Waikato district boundaries – Hamilton City, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako, Otorohanga, (part of) Ruapehu, South Waikato, Thames-Coromandel, Waikato, Waipa, and Waitomo.
Photo location: Raglan Beach - Credit: Camilla Rutherford
Main Hospitals and Health Care Providers
- Waikato Hospital
- Thames Hospital
- Te Kuiti Hospital
- Taumarunui Hospital
- Tokoroa Hospital
- Southern Rural Health
Services and Specialties
A to M
| Ahikāroa – Community Housing Support Service |
| Allied Health |
| Anaesthesia |
| Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) |
| Audiology |
| Cancer services |
| Cardiology |
| Cardiology, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (CCTVS) |
| Cardiothoracic Surgery |
| Child Development Centre |
| Child Hearing Vision |
| Children's Health |
| Combined Stroke Service |
| Community Alcohol and Drugs (CADS) |
| Community and Southern Rural Health |
| Community Breastfeeding Support Service |
| Community Equipment & Supplies |
| Community Specialist Nurses |
| Consult Liaison |
| Continuing Care |
| Corporate and Performance Support |
| Crisis Assessment and Home Treatment (CAHT) |
| Critical Care |
| Dermatology |
| Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) |
| Dietitians |
| Disability Support Services (DSS) 0 to 65 |
| District Nursing |
| Gastroenterology |
| Gynaecology |
| Health Improvement |
| Health of Older People (HOP) |
| Health Protection |
| Heart Failure |
| Infant, Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ICAMHS) |
| Inpatient Mental Health facilities |
| Intellectual Disability Dual Disorder Service (IDDS) |
| Laboratory |
| Manaaki Raatonga aa Iwi (formerly iRS) |
| Maternity Services |
| Meals on Wheels |
| Memory Service |
| Mental Health and Addictions |
| Mental Health Service for Older People (MHSOP) |
| Mothercraft |
N to Z
| Newborn Hearing Screening |
| Obstetrics |
| Occupational Therapy |
| Older Persons, Rehabilitation and Allied Health |
| Orthotic Services |
| Paediatric Surgery |
| Patient Blood Management |
| Perinatal Mental Health |
| Peritonectomy |
| Physiotherapy |
| Population and Public Health |
| Psychology |
| Puawai: Midland Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service |
| Public Health Advisory and Development (PHAD) |
| Public Health Nurses |
| Radiation Therapy |
| Radiology |
| Respiratory |
| Sexual Health |
| Sleep Clinic |
| Social Work |
| Southern Rural Health |
| Specialist Eating Disorders (SEDS) |
| Speech Language Therapy |
| START (Supported Transfer Accelerated Rehabilitation Team) |
| Strategy and Funding |
| Suicide Prevention and Postvention |
| Te Puna Oranga |
| Thames Family Health Team |
| Thames Hospital |
| Triage |
| Volunteering at Waikato DHB |
| Waikato Hospital |
| Waikato Regional Diabetes Service |
| Waikato Trauma Service |
| Women's Health |
Relocating to Waikato
Discover true work-life balance, natural beauty and boundless opportunities that await you in Waikato.
Getting around
As New Zealand's 4th largest city, you can experience the best of both worlds: a tranquil escape for your outdoor adventures and a little bit of city life.
Getting around
Photo location: Hamilton - Credit: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism
When you arrive
Driving in New Zealand
You can legally drive in NZ for up to 12 months per visit with your current driver's license. After 12 months, you will need to convert to a New Zealand license. Learn more about driving in NZ here.
Other ways to travel around the Waikato
- Busit for Hamilton local bus routes, make sure you purchase a Bee card to use these buses
- Intercity Bus for national buses from getting to and from the region
- Te Huia train service
- Ride sharing services Wakarider.co.nz, Uber, Ola are also available as well as various rental vehicle options.
Housing options
Find your perfect place with a range of housing options! The region includes bustling cities like Hamilton, as well as smaller towns and rural areas, each with its unique charm and types of homes available.
Housing options
When you arrive
Short-term accommodation options
Rentals
Renting is a great way to explore and understand the area before deciding to purchase or build a house. Local rental agencies can assist you in finding a rental property, and searching online is a good place to start! Note that most rentals in Aotearoa are unfurnished however furniture and whiteware can be rented in some parts of the country.
Rental agencies
Buying or building a house
We understand that moving to a new country is already a big step, let alone buying or building a home. If you're a healthcare professional on NZ's Green List roles, you have a unique opportunity to expedite your residency process. Normally, only residents and citizens can buy a home to live in in New Zealand. When you can, use this tool to find out if you can purchase a house in New Zealand.
Have a Great Career in Waikato
Photo location: Raglan - Credit: Camilla Rutherford; Video: The Mighty Waikato - Credit: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism
Take the next step
Decided to move to New Zealand - Aotearoa? Fill out our five-minute form with your details, and we'll match you to your preferred location based on your experience and preferences.
Photo location + credit, from left: Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Hamilton Waikato Tourism); FMG Stadium (Hamilton Waikato Tourism)
We'd love to help, reach out to us!
Interested in relocating to the Waikato region? Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance and support throughout your journey, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.