This riverine park is a compelling new connection between Hamilton’s city centre and its great, although often ignored, feature: the Waikato River. The amphitheatre park mixes meticulously detailed urban elements – a refined material palette and complementary planting – with stepped gardens, terraces and wide boardwalks that are universally accessible so that all may enjoy the setting. The overall effect is of peace and calm, although there is no doubt the environment could easily scale up from lunching workers to larger crowds enjoying a riverside event.

Te Kahui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects