TV architect George Clarke has revealed his fondness for our third fastest-growing city and can't understand the Hamil-scorn.

"If that's your worst place to see in New Zealand, you're doing pretty well," Clarke says. "If I took you to some of the worst places in the UK, they'd be a thousand times worse, so I don't think you've got much to worry about."

Clarke was recently in New Zealand filming the sixth of his self-titled Amazing Spaces series and spent time in Hamilton visiting his uncle Andy.



Clarke, who is planning to return to New Zealand next year, says he was often surprised at people's response when he mentioned he was spending time in Hamilton.

Hamilton Gardens The internationally renowned Hamilton Gardens.

READ MORE:

15 things no one told me about living in Hamilton

REINZ figures show further growth in Hamilton

Urban foraging in Hamilton

"Every time I'd say, "My uncle lives near Hamilton," people would actually start apologising for the place," says Clarke, who was baffled by city's reputation.

"I don't know why it does [have a bad rap]. Obviously because you've got some incredible towns and cities in beautiful locations in New Zealand, which I was lucky enough to see… but I always felt Hamilton got some unfair press," Clarke says.



"I got there and it might not be on the level of Waiheke [Island] and the Coromandel, which are ridiculously beautiful places, but I think Hamilton's great. It was green, really leafy, I really liked it."

Visit Hamilton Fresh produce from one of Hamilton's many markets.

So what is it about the long-suffering city that people love to hate? As one unnamed resident puts it:

"It's inland and utterly unremarkable. The gardens are pretty groovy, but what do you do the other 364 and three quarter days of the year?"

Even Lonely Planet found it hard to praise. The internationally renowned guide book applauded it for its "vibrant bars and excellent restaurants and cafes," but says it bypasses its most appealing attraction, the Waikato River.

"Oddly, the great grey-green greasy Waikato River rolls right through town, but the city's layout largely ignores its presence: unless you're driving across a bridge you'll hardly know it's there."

In defence of Hamilton, here's a list of some of the best things about New Zealand's largest inland city:

1. It has a great cafe and restaurant culture, with a number of award-winning eateries

2. The Waikato River, which flows for 16km through the city

3. It's great for shopping, boasting the country's largest shopping centre, The Base

4. It's green - the city has 145 parks and gardens including the magnificent Hamilton Gardens

5. It"s home to Feildays, the largest agricultural trade show in the southern Hemisphere, on right now.

6. It offers cheaper real estate than Auckland (although prices have risen by 25 per cent this year)

7. Its has a great market scene, including night markets, markets for foodies and arts and craft lovers

8. The Chiefs rugby team

Proudly renowned Hamiltonians

- Former Prime Minister Helen Clark

- Celebrity Chef Josh Emmett

- Opera Singer Dame Malvina Major

- Actor Richard O'Brien

- Singer Kimbra

- Singer Stan Walker

- Cricketer Daniel Vettori

- Author Frank Sargeson

Series five of George Clarke's Amazing Spaces will air Thursday 30th June, 7.30pm on TV ONE.