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Waikato taniwharau. He piko he taniwha, he piko he taniwha.
There's always something new to discover in the heart of Hamilton city. Let us be your guide as you rediscover the charm, culture, and character that make our city centre unique.
It was cloudless skies and happy smiles as dozens of floats travelled down Anglesea St at this year’s First Credit Union Christmas Parade.
Hundreds of families lined the street to watch, wave, and cheer as the procession went past on Sunday afternoon.
For Teterina Ronald and her kids Selah and Zion, it was their seventh year enjoying the spectacle.
“We've really enjoyed every time, every year, with our kids,” Ronald said. “As they grow up, each year, it just gets bigger and bigger.
“So this is a bit of a family tradition.”
She said they enjoyed seeing the Chinese dragon and the Māori float.
“We also enjoy all the kids that take part in it and the dancing and the cheerleading as well.”
Both kids were looking forward to the Christmas season - Selah said she was excited for their family holiday and Zion was looking forward to Santa coming.
Meanwhile, Suzanne Wong and Melanie Burr came to the parade each year with their families and friends.
Wong said her daughter Dakota was looking forward to seeing Santa, the elves, and the princesses, while Burr’s son Cooper was excited to see the trucks and the cars in the procession.
Hamilton’s favourite - and possibly least controversial - statue is soon to make a triumphant return to his traditional home in Embassy Park.
Actually, Riff Raff is already back. He’s just all wrapped up and nonchalantly tucked away in a corner of the park outside the new Waikato Regional Theatre.
Riff Raff Public Arts Trust chairman Mark Servian said the Riff Raff statue was lifted back into his old home by a mobile crane last Thursday.
The effigy of the deviant butler from The Rocky Horror Show will remain under wraps until shortly before the park - which is still under construction - is opened to the public.
Looking for the perfect way to explore Te Awa 'The Great NZ River Ride' and the Waikato River Trail? River Riders offers premium e-bike and standard bike rentals from their convenient Victoria Street hub in central Hamilton. Whether you're a tourist discovering local treasures, a resident enjoying weekend adventures, or a cycling enthusiast seeking new trails, River Riders provides the ideal cycling experience for every rider.
Discover the Waikato on Two Wheels
The Waikato region boasts some of New Zealand's most picturesque cycling trails, and there's no better way to experience them than with quality bike rentals from River Riders. Their strategic location at 371 Victoria Street puts you right at the gateway to adventure, with easy access to stunning riverside paths and scenic routes.
Premium E-Bike and Standard Bike Options
River Riders offers an impressive range of cycling options to suit every preference and ability level:
E-Bikes (Step Through and Hardtail E-ATB)
• 1 Hour: $49 per person
• 2 Hours: $69 per person
• 4 Hours: $99 per person
• 8 Hours: $129 per person
Full Suspension E-MTB
• 4 Hours: $129 per person
• Full Day: $199 per person
Classic Bikes
• 2 Hours: $39 per person
• 4 Hours: $49 per person
• Full Day: $69 per person
The variety of options ensures that everyone from casual cyclists to serious trail enthusiasts can find their perfect ride. E-bikes provide that extra boost for longer journeys or challenging sections, while standard bikes offer a traditional cycling experience at a more accessible price point. (internal link opportunity for bike safety tips)
Are you looking for reliable, comfortable shuttle rides around the Waikato region? Te Awa Shuttles, proudly operated by River Riders, offers premium transportation services tailored to meet the needs of tourists, locals and travellers alike. As a 100% mana wahine Māori owned business, they bring cultural authenticity and exceptional service to every journey.
Premium Fleet for All Your Transportation Needs
Te Awa Shuttles boasts an impressive fleet designed to accommodate various group sizes and transportation requirements:
• Luxury 12-Seater Shuttle – Perfect for group transfers, events, and tours
• Five-Seater Electric Ute – Environmentally friendly transport option for smaller groups
• Professional Drivers – All drivers hold TSL (Transport Service License) and P endorsement, ensuring your safety and comfort
What sets Te Awa Shuttles apart is their commitment to providing premium service while honouring Māori values and sustainability principles. The sleek black vehicles offer stylish transportation with professional drivers who know the Waikato region intimately.
This festive season looks like it’ll be a mixed bag for Hamilton’s hospitality scene - but one key player sees a $3.2b boost on the horizon.
With Christmas, and Christmas party season, kicking off the Waikato Times spoke to two of Hamilton’s key hospitality players to get their gauge on how the sector was looking.
Cook Bar owner and Hospitality NZ Waikato president Chris Rollitt was able to offer some Christmas cheer.
“We’re busy,” he said.
“A lot of workplaces start to do that social connection thing. You’re getting bigger groups coming out, wind-up functions. [They are] just celebrating getting through the year.”
If you’re moving into a new home, starting a renovation, or simply ready to refresh your space, finding the right furniture store in Hamilton makes all the difference. Step into McKenzie & Willis on Alexandra Street—where quality, comfort, and Kiwi-made style come together under one welcoming roof.
A Proud Legacy
Founded in Christchurch in 1906, McKenzie & Willis is a family-owned interior design destination with seven showrooms nationwide. The Hamilton location continues that tradition of excellence, offering a curated collection of New Zealand made and imported furniture, window furnishings, soft home linens, and beds.
There’s plenty for every taste—think beautiful beds for a perfect night’s sleep, lounge suites for relaxing in style, dining tables perfect for gatherings, and those finishing touches that make a house truly feel like home. Each piece is chosen to suit New Zealand living and crafted with care.
All in One Place
Customers will find renowned names including David Shaw, Kovacs, Montreux, Profile Furniture, and the in-house Belle Interiors collection. It’s a one stop shop for anyone who wants to see a full palette of home furnishing options in a single, vibrant setting.
McKenzie & Willis goes beyond simply selling beautiful pieces. Their complimentary interior design service is a real standout—helping shoppers piece together their perfect space, whether they need help with colours, textures, or layout. And for those looking to frame their view, the Hamilton team are window furnishings experts, ready to guide you on curtains, blinds, shutters, and motorisation.
Service, Selection and Local Inspiration
McKenzie & Willis stands for more than furniture. Visitors notice genuine care and attention to each customer’s needs. The business continues to buil
d on its legacy of service and quality, always looking to improve the showroom experience, expand its range, and help every customer make the most of their space.
Call in Today
McKenzie & Willis makes it easy for new homeowners, renovators, interior design enthusiasts, and local businesses to create inviting interiors, right in the centre of Hamilton. Visit the showroom at 52 Alexandra Street and discover that your new favourite look, crafted for life in New Zealand, is waiting.
Hamilton’s newest culinary offerings are preparing to step into the spotlight — and some of them have already taken centre stage.
Five distinct eateries and bars are set to open in the Waikato Regional Theatre precinct, with two already open to the public. Visitors can already get a bite to eat before washing it down with a drink at the newly opened Hamilton Hotel and revamped Wonder Horse bar.
Hamilton Hotel owner Mat Pedley, who is also behind popular local eatery Mr Pickles, said it was a “phenomenal” feeling to be opening in the new theatre.
He described the venue as “French meets New York bistro” inspired. The interior was designed by local firm Designwell, and features plush banquettes, large windows looking onto the street front and oak detailing.
Ballet fans in the Waikato will not want to be caught napping for this production.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s first official show at the new Waikato Regional Theatre will be Sleeping Beauty, which will tuck itself in for a three-day residency in November next year.
Featuring the music of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the ballet’s story is one that will be familiar to almost everyone: A princess falls into an enchanted sleep after pricking her finger, but is eventually wakened by a kiss from her true love.
It was first staged in 1890 in St Petersburg, quickly becoming the second-most popular ballet in the repertoire of the Royal Imperial Ballet.
At full length it runs to a whopping four hours. Waikato audiences will be relieved - or possibly disappointed - they will be getting the more popular shortened version.
However it is still a big deal. There are 200 costumes - not including headdresses or shoes - and 32 dancers. About 60 people are involved in staging the show.
The Waikato Regional Theatre will become disco central on Tuesday, February 3, when British pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor comes to play.
The Hamilton venue is one of only two on her just-announced tour of New Zealand - the other being the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch.
One of the biggest British artists to emerge from the early 2000s, Ellis-Bextor established her pop diva credentials with hits like Murder On The Dancefloor, Get Over You and Take Me Home.
Now with seven studio albums to her name. Ellis-Bextor’s discography encompases numerous genres, from dance-pop and folk to prog-rock and orchestral pop.
The London-born Ellis-Bextor grew up in a creative household, and took an interest in performing at an early age.
Families can kick off the summer holidays with an interactive neon quest as multi-sensory show GLOtron! comes to Hamilton.
Described as a blend of science, education, art, storytelling and puppetry that combines all of Glow Show’s previous installations, GLOtron! will pop up in Centre Place Shopping Centre from December 6.
Glow Show creative director Sarah Burren told the Waikato Times that while she did not want to give too much away, families could expect the installation to be like “walking into a giant storybook”.
“It’s a 40-minute experience where you have a quest and beautiful photo opportunities. The whole thing is glow-in-the-dark.”
The show will include 350 characters and puppets from popular stories such as Matariki, Bad Jelly the Witch, and more.
Looking for a café in Hamilton’s south end that ticks all the boxes? Whether you’re powering through a workday, meeting up with a friend, or exploring the Waikato Museum, Hood Street Bistro is a great spot for coffee, lunch, and more.
A Fresh Start Under New Ownership
Hood Street Bistro, now under new management, is quickly racking up glowing Google reviews. Locals love the welcoming vibe and friendly service, making it a great choice no matter how you like to start your day—or keep it going.
All Day Menu, Every Option You Want
Breakfast before a gallery wander? An energy boost after a big meeting? This all day café menu covers every craving, from classic favourites to treats that feel a little bit special. There’s something satisfying about grabbing your coffee or lunch and settling in with a front row seat to the flow of Victoria Street.
Location, Location… and Connection
Just steps from the Waikato Museum, Hood Street Bistro is ideal for anyone wanting to make a day (or a morning) of it in the city. Pop in for a cheeky flat white before your artsy adventure, or swing by after for something delicious with friends or colleagues.
The GLOtron! pop-up show opens in December and will run over summer. It can be found near the Fun Zone on Level 1 at Centre Place, and was made possible with the help of Hamilton City Council.
GLOtron! brings together eight years of fabulously successful Glow Shows into one wild and whimsical adventure. It is a magical maze of glow-in-the-dark stories, which create an utterly original world for children to explore. It invites children to wander through its mysterious interactive stories and discover multi-sensory glow-tastic creatures and characters.
Each twist and turn through GLOtron!’s mysterious maze brings extraordinary sensations for the senses, from knife and fork lightning glowing in the sky, to being eyeballed by enormous giants or feeling the tickles of huge fluffy cylinders.
As children and adults alike enjoy this extraordinary storytelling, they also learn; playing number and word challenges as they move through this whimsical world.
The Glow Show’s mashup of science, education art, storytelling and puppetry has charmed more than 120,000 children throughout Aotearoa since it was created in 2017.
Suitable for whole family, ideal for 3- 12-year-olds
Experience lasts approx 40 minutes.
A relaxed and classy vibe awaits food lovers, with the flavours of Thai cuisine coming to life, right in the heart of Hamilton central.
Thai Classic, at the northern end of Victoria St, has been operating for 15 years and can fit up to 35 diners with Noi McKay taking over three years ago.
The previous incarnation of Thai Classic had blue carpet and maroon-coloured walls, which McKay did not like.
She gave the walls a greener, “more relaxed and classy” look and the flooring a wood lino look.
“Green is also my favourite colour,” McKay said.
In addition to Thai Classic, McKay is also the co-owner of Chim Thai restaurant in Rototuna, with Don McIlraith.
New Year's Eve
Party kicks off from 8pm
Main Gaming Floor, Amuse Bar & Kitchen, Number Eight Bar
Get ready to shine, sparkle and dance your way into 2026!
This New Year's Eve, SkyCity Hamilton is turning back the clock with a full-blown Disco-themed celebration - glitter, groove and good vibes guaranteed.
Feel the funk with high energy live music from Groove Street and Gold Dust Divas in Amuse Bar & Kitchen and Number Eight Bar.
What's New Years' Eve without a little extra excitement? We'll be having cash prize draws at 8.30pm, 10.30pm and 12.30am, with $2,026 cash up for grabs at each draw - find out more here.
Dust off the sequins, bring your best dance moves, and let's celebrate the new year the disco way!
See you on the dance floor.
R20
Game Responsibly.
The Breeze Waikato is proud of the return of the Breeze 12th Day of Christmas. To show the love this Christmas, we have teamed up with Love the Centre to bring you a morning full of Christmas cheer!
Meet Stu and Camille at the centre! They will be set up at Garden Place, outside the Christmas Tree, from 7:30 am on Friday, 12th December, with a massive range of prizes, thanks to the love from local businesses.
Each hour starting from 6am until 9am on Friday, 12th, we will be uploading a giveaway to the Breeze Waikato Facebook page, valued at over $2,000 from 25 businesses.
We will be giving away 4 prize packs, including:
Prize 1: $568
Prize 2: $560
Prize 3: $570
Prize 4: $570
After taking Australia by storm, Pleasure P brings A Night of Pleasure to Aotearoa for the very first time! Performing his timeless solo hits and Pretty Ricky anthems live, this is the ultimate throwback for R&B; lovers — an intimate concert experience filled with passion, rhythm, and connection.
Powered by Titan Entertainment, the New Zealand run features nine cities across the country, delivering the full R&B; experience to fans from the South Island to the North.
✨ Proudly supported by Hamilton City Council as part of Summer in the City ✨
Get ready to celebrate the festive season with Carols in the City — a magical evening filled with live entertainment, delicious food, and the Christmas spirit right in the heart of Hamilton! 🌟
📅 Date: Friday, 19th December 2025
🕔 Time: 5 PM – Late
📍 Location: Garden Place, Hamilton CBD
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly night featuring:
🎤 Live Music
🍔 Tasty Food Stalls
🎶 Christmas Carols
🎬 Outdoor Movie Screening
Bring your whānau, a picnic blanket, and your best singing voice — it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season together! ❤️
🚌 Getting There:
Catch a free bus ride with BUSIT to and from the event — Hamilton services only!
Let’s light up the city with joy, laughter, and Christmas cheer. 🎅🎁
Supported by J.Tajor+ Richie Cattell
This December, DJ Noiz, Kennyon Brown and Donell Lewis bring their signature island sound for a long-awaited New Zealand tour, hitting Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland and Hamilton.
Known for hit records 'Senorita', 'Chill', 'Amelia', 'Island Girl' and more, the trio have become global ambassadors of modern Pacific R&B — blending smooth vocals, island grooves and soulful production that’s earned them millions of streams and loyal fans worldwide.Joining them on the road is special guest and viral superstar J.Tajor known for his hit record ‘Like I Do’.
Together, they promise an unforgettable celebration of Pacific music, culture and connection — a summer tour that captures the soul of the islands.Buy tickets via futurenowmusic.comDoors 7pm • 18+ Only • ID Required
Biddy Mulligan’s Annual Christmas Party - don’t miss it!
Check out the full lineup of festive events happening at Biddy’s this December, with something on almost every night, it’s the perfect spot to get into the Christmas spirit.
Christmas Sewing Workshops for Kids: aged 8 - 16
A little Christmas magic for the kids - and a few free hours for you!
Thursday 18th - Tuesday 23rd December
9:30am - 12:30pm
Our School Holiday Christmas Workshops introduce kids to the wonderful world of festive sewing in a structured and supportive environment.
These beginner-friendly workshops cover the basics - from threading the machine to sewing achievable projects. ‘Getting Started’ is about learning how to thread and use the machine safely while sewing a simple project. ‘Master the Basics’ is building on their skills to sew other projects while learning new techniques.
Led by a trained primary school teacher and a skilled assistant, you can be sure that your child will have a memorable workshop filled with loads of learning AND a finished project.If your child has never sewn before then ‘Getting Started’ is a must, after that, they can sign up for any of the other kids workshops in any school holidays.
Included: All fabric, tools and equipment, as well as a hot chocolate and a snack from one of our local cafes.
Wriggle & Rhyme takes place during term time only:
Wednesdays, 10.30-11.00am, Central Library
Looking for a relaxed, fun group where you and your baby or toddler can enjoy music and movement together? It's time to Wriggle & Rhyme! Classes combine singing, movement and rhythm, in a way that will delight and stimulate your child. This programme is aimed at babies and children under two years, but older siblings are welcome.
During school holidays or other times we are unable to hold Wriggle & Rhyme, you can see our playlist of Wriggle & Rhyme videos to enjoy classes at home.
Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries.
Tuesdays, 10.30-11.15am, Central Library
Taking place during Term Time Only
Storytime is a fun-filled preschool programme tailored specifically for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. The programmes feature stories, songs, movement and interactive fun which foster children's literacy. Caregivers can bond with their children while enhancing their social, cognitive, motor and musical skills.
During school holidays or other times we are unable to hold Storytime Puaawai, you can check out Suzy's Book Corner to watch at home.
Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries.
View a list of exciting events happening over summer in Hamilton!
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Find out what's on in the central city in December.
Dates:
21st December, 2025 (Sun) 4:00pm
21st December, 2025 (Sun) 7:30pm
The Greatest Christmas Show is New Zealand’s #1 family Christmas event, blending heartwarming moments, spectacular dance, and world-class entertainment into one unforgettable night.
Prepare for a breath-taking spectacle featuring soaring vocals that will fill the theatre with the spirit of Christmas, while our cast of incredible dancers and a jaw-dropping cirque aerial act bring the stage to life in a flurry of wonder, skill, and glittering costumes.
From high-flying feats to touching moments that capture the true meaning of Christmas, and a very special visit from Santa Claus himself, this is a show that will warm hearts, inspire smiles, and create cherished memories for the whole family.
🎟Don’t miss the magic. Don’t miss the laughter. Don’t miss the #1 family show this Christmas.
After racking up over a million followers online and making audiences across the globe laugh until they cry, Blake Pavey is hitting New Zealand with his brand new hour of stand-up! Fresh off two national tours and a YouTube comedy special, Blake’s bringing plenty of cheeky stories, sharp punchlines, and his signature charm across the ditch!
“Pavey’s stand-up delicately weaves elements of darkness and light, moving the audience to the brink of tears, before landing a hefty punchline that leaves them in (metaphorical) stitches.” – The Age
Get your tickets and come see why he’s more than just “that guy off TikTok!”.
Running time: 70 mins
Content warning: 18+, adult themes, coarse language
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