Hamilton central city skyline from across the Waikato River
I think that views across water always seem to be  interesting, hence this shot taken during our grand daughter's Waka race on Saturday. It is a view of the back of buildings which mainly face Hamilton's main shopping street, Victoria Street.

The Waikato River is one of Hamilton's natural beauty attractions. What makes it an interesting one is that it is only straight where it runs past the central shopping centre. The remainder of the river's course meanders through the city, adding to its interest and beauty. There are well laid river paths on the city side which run for several kilometres and are shared between walkers and cyclists, and some limited paths also along the opposite side of the river.

Our city is now beginning to gain a tourist interest, but mainly it is a place of interest and beauty for our residents. Click on the photo to enlarge.

Hamilton Band Rotunda
This band rotunda is a part of Hamilton's history and has been there for as long as I can remember, and I was born and grew up in this town. Unfortunately, today being Sunday and with libraries shut I was unable to find any information about this structure other than that it has been used in recent years as an entertainment facility often for the use of pop-bands, though in years gone by it would have been used by traditional bands to entertain local people, probably on sedate Sunday afternoons, though I must admit I have never been to such an activity.

Jill and I had to rise early the day this photo was taken, and it is a bit of an unusual shot for me because the sun was just rising over the trees across the Waikato River and was shining directly onto the structure illuminating it nicely.

Click on the photo to enlarge.

Pukeko
The Pukeko is a New Zealand wading bird, found around lakes or swampy land. Because it is so prevalent around the Hamilton Lake many people treat it with contempt, much like you might a seagull or pigeon. But I like the Pukeko and think it is an attractive bird with its blue/black colouring topped off with its red 'cap.'

It is generally a shy bird, non-aggressive and co-exists easily with other wild fowl like ducks, geese and pigeons. In spring to summer it usually has one or two chicks and protects them by encouraging them to stay amongst the reads.

Though most of the Pukeko found in Hamilton are not credited with flying we have visited other habitats elsewhere in NZ where they fly quite readily and can be seen roosting in the trees.