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Fresh hospitality investment is set to lure diners to the banks of the Waikato River at a spot that’s long been eyed for projects to show off the city’s biggest natural asset.

A bar and restaurant - Regatta - is set to open late autumn in the former Ferrybank Reception Centre in Grantham St.

The development, on the most accessible section of city’s riverbank under arch of the Victoria Bridge, comes soon after the CBD’s South End was given a massive boost with the opening of the BNZ Theatre and Hamilton Hotel.

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The project is being welcomed as a sign of momentum on the city’s riverfront, with Hamilton deputy mayor Geoff Taylor - long an advocate of projects to turn the city back to the river - saying redeveloping the river was “absolutely integral” to revitalising the central city.

“I’m really hopeful that we’re going to see the southern part of Victoria Street buzz like it used to,” he said.

“The more people that you have in your central city, the more you feel a bit of a buzz, the safer you feel, it all sort of adds up.”

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Planning the perfect Valentine's Day celebration? You'll find everything you need right here in Hamilton Central, where romance meets convenience. Whether you're searching for an intimate dinner, stunning jewellery, or gorgeous flowers, Valentine's shopping in Hamilton Central offers something special for everyone.

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Dining Experiences

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Palate Restaurant – An Exquisite Evening

Located at 346 Victoria Street, Palate Restaurant invites you to spoil that special someone with an exquisite dinner for two. This is the perfect setting for an unforgettable Valentine's evening, where exceptional cuisine meets intimate atmosphere. Bookings are essential, so don't wait to secure your table.

Reserve your table here palaterestaurant.co.nz/events

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Le Rendez-Vous – French Romance

Bring your chérie to 113 Alexandra Street and celebrate love à la française at Le Rendez-Vous. This Valentine's Day, you're invited to enjoy an intimate dinner inspired by French romance. Their specially curated menu features authentic galettes and crêpes, crafted to be shared and savoured in a warm, cosy setting. Whether it's your first Valentine's together or one of many, they'll set the scene for a memorable evening filled with flavour, love, and French charm. Bookings are essential, reserve your table today here bookings.nowbookit.com

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Furnace Steakhouse

Valentine’s Day Lunch Degustation!

Join Furnace at 150 Victoria Street on Saturday the 14th of February as they host an exclusive Valentine’s Day lunch degustation, featuring five courses curated by acclaimed Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke.

Designed for a leisurely and romantic afternoon from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with a focus on sharing with your partner, this intimate event is limited to just 75 places. Tickets are $99 per person, or $129 with wine matches.

To book your table, email info@furnacerestaurant.co.nz

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Keystone Bar & Restaurant

Something for every couple at Keystone, 150 Victoria Street this Valentine’s Day, whether it’s burgers, pizzas, mains, or $12 plates that are perfect for sharing! Our tables are filling up so make sure to book now.

keystonebar.co.nz

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The Bank Bar & Brasserie

The Bank, 117 Victoria Street is the perfect spot for affordable dining this Valentine’s Day! They’ll have $15 lunches available from 11.30am - 4pm and $20 dinner mains from 5pm - late.

Book your spot early

thebank.co.nz

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The Helm Bar & Kitchen

Heat to the Helm at 22 Ulster Street and enjoy dinner followed by 2 for 1 Desserts!  

Chiefs live on screens with commentary and Happy Hour for the duration of the game.

Book a table today.

thehelm.co.nz

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Timeless Jewellery Gifts

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Goldsmiths Gallery – Stunning Selections

At 427 Victoria Street, showcases a wide range of stunning dress rings, pendants, earrings, bangles, bracelets, and chains. With so many beautiful options available, you're sure to find the perfect piece. Visit Goldsmiths Gallery to discover their collection.

goldsmithsgallery.co.nz

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Precious Metals – Your Unique Story

Located in Centre Place Shopping Centre at 501 Victoria Street, Precious Metals has made it their mission to help you celebrate your experiences in a way that is special and unique to your story. Discover Precious Metals and find a perfectly meaningful gift!

preciousmetals.co.nz

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Midas Diamond Jewellers – Handcrafted Excellence

Find Midas Diamond Jewellers in Casabella Lane at 307 Barton Street, where diamond specialists Paul and Suzanne bring 50 years of expertise to every piece. Paul is renowned for crafting exquisite, top quality handmade jewellery, specialising in one of a kind designs. If you're looking for something truly exceptional, visit Midas Diamond Jewellers today.

midasdiamondjewellers.co.nz

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Who: Sir Dave Dobbyn

What: The Selected Songs Tour

Where: BNZ Theatre, Hamilton

When: Sunday night

Reviewed by: Mike Mather

If Sir Dave Dobbyn had any doubt about the deep affection held for him by the people of Kirikiriroa, it would have been very quickly dispelled this weekend.

There were numerous exclamations of "We love you Dave!" yelled out after almost every song in the BNZ Theatre on Sunday night.

Dobbyn took the accolades, repetitive as they were, with a wry smile. "Well, I love you too," he replied at one point.

The beauty of this brand new venue is that as well as the sound of the music completely filling up the room with clarity, every audible ejaculation from the audience can be heard by those on the stage.

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If there was anyone in the BNZ Theatre on Friday night who was not a Teeks fan before this show they almost certainly will be now.

Not counting this week's civic community extravaganza, the concert was the first official gig to be held at Hamilton's new venue - certainly the first under the auspices of its management by Live Nation and the first by a top level artist.

Like a few other New Zealand singers (Tami Neilson, Troy Kingi, Rob Ruha and a few others) Te Karehana Toi is utterly deserving of international superstardom. The 32-year-old Northlander's dulcet voice has deservedly been compared to Al Green, or Elvis Presley in his prime, and should be heard by many ears far beyond these shores

The Waikato Regional Theatre will be called the BNZ Theatre for the next five years, as part of a partnership between the bank and Live Nation NZ.

The Waikato Regional Theatre will be known as the BNZ Theatre for the next five years, as part of a naming rights deal with Live Nation NZ.

The Tuesday announcement comes ahead of the regional theatre’s public opening on January 19.

BNZ chief executive Dan Huggins said the partnership reflected the bank’s long-standing commitment to the Waikato.

“We’re proud to support BNZ Theatre – Waikato’s premier new arts and entertainment venue located in the heart of Hamilton city,” Huggins said.

“Hamilton sits at the heart of New Zealand’s primary sector engine room – a city where agritech, research and rural enterprise intersect to drive billions in value for our national economy.”

An ensemble cast will take to the BNZ Theatre’s stage on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights in a unique - and entirely Waikato-made - multimedia production.

Incorporating drama, dance, musical theatre, kapa haka, projection and even puppetry, To The Stars/Ki ngā Whetū is a collaboration between about 500 performers and artists, all of whom either live in or whakapapa to the Waikato region.

Commissioned by the Waikato Regional Property Trust to mark the opening of Hamilton’s new $80 million performance venue, the show will tell a completely original story about a family - a grandfather, a mother and a child - who embark on what proves to be a journey of discovery.

Several cast members were in the Drama Room at Knighton Normal School when the Waikato Times went to investigate, deep in rehearsals under the watchful eye of co-directors Jeremy and Courteney Mayall, as well as the writing team - Dan Inglis, Scott Granville, and Aimee Anderson-O'Connor, and choreographer Alexis Holmes.

As the Waikato’s only dedicated coeliac-safe café, Wooden Spoon is a welcoming refuge for anyone living without gluten. Forget the process of menu scanning and simply enjoy, knowing every plate is crafted with equal parts flavour and peace of mind.

Where's the Party's At‍

The countdown is on, and if you're still wondering where to celebrate the arrival of 2026, look no further than your own backyard. Hamilton's central city is transforming into the ultimate party destination this New Year's Eve, whether you're into disco fever, electronic beats, or just want to dance the night away with your mates.

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SkyCity Hamilton 🕺✨

📍346 Victoria Street

Get your groove on at SkyCity's disco themed celebration kicking off around 8pm. This isn't just any party. You'll be treated to live music from Groove Street and the Gold Dust Divas, plenty of dancing, cash prize draws, and vibes that'll carry you right into 2025. R20

@skycityhamilton

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Nivara Lounge 🎧🔮

📍Basement, 266 Victoria Street

If you're after something a bit more underground and electric, Nivara Lounge is serving up CLUB ZION, a themed New Year's Eve dance party with Matrix inspired vibes. Featuring visuals, props and music from and inspired by the films; curated by their very own resident DJ Goldfinger and the Synth Obscura family. Cosplay encouraged. Strictly R18. 8pm-1am. Tickets $20.00 + $3.25 fees or $30 on the door.

@nivaraloungenz

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Etérna Café and Dine is a recent addition to the Hamilton food scene, but their 24/7 opening hours mean they stand out from the crowd.

Elevate Your Dining Experience in the Heart of Hamilton

It was cloudless skies and happy smiles as dozens of floats travelled down Anglesea St at this year’s First Credit Union Christmas Parade.

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Hundreds of families lined the street to watch, wave, and cheer as the procession went past on Sunday afternoon.

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For Teterina Ronald and her kids Selah and Zion, it was their seventh year enjoying the spectacle.

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“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.

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“So this is a bit of a family tradition.”

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She said they enjoyed seeing the Chinese dragon and the Māori float.

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“We also enjoy all the kids that take part in it and the dancing and the cheerleading as well.”

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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.

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Meanwhile, Suzanne Wong and Melanie Burr came to the parade each year with their families and friends.

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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.

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Hamilton’s favourite - and possibly least controversial - statue is soon to make a triumphant return to his traditional home in Embassy Park.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Premium E-Bike and Standard Bike Options

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River Riders offers an impressive range of cycling options to suit every preference and ability level:

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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

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Full Suspension E-MTB

• 4 Hours: $129 per person

• Full Day: $199 per person

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Classic Bikes

• 2 Hours: $39 per person

• 4 Hours: $49 per person

• Full Day: $69 per person

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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)

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Nau mai, haere mai. All welcome!

Brought to you in partnership between Hamilton City Council and Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery, the annual Waitangi Day Festival brings together whaanau, performers, makers, and creators to celebrate culture, creativity, and the stories of our region.

They're building on last year's energy with a programme that celebrates our community.

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Come along to the forecourt of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery for their Waitangi Day Festival 2026 concert. They’re bringing together the sounds and rhythms of Aotearoa and beyond, creating a vibrant space for whaanau and friends to gather.

● Wai Taiko Drummers: 1pm

● Sambatron 1:30pm

● Desi Rhythms: 2pm

● Toubab Crew: 2:30pm

● Dvyne Wun: 3pm

● Manu Mātātahi: 3:45pm

● Jamey Ferguson: 4:30pm

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Free (Entry fees apply for Air Playground)

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Part one takes audiences on a journey through the Eagles’ timeless hits, including Take It Easy, Desperado, Hotel California, and Life in the Fast Lane, all faithfully reproduced by world-class musicians. Part two shifts into high gear with CCR’s chart-topping classics such as Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Have You Ever Seen the Rain, and Green River, capturing the raw energy that made them platinum-selling legends. More than just a concert, this is an immersive rock experience, brought to life by a cast of internationally acclaimed performers. Climb aboard Proud Mary and cruise down the Dark Desert Highway for an unforgettable night of 1970s country rock anthems that will have audiences singing along from start to finish.

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Find out what's on in the central city this February!

Bring along your surplus and grow and give:

Fresh produce - fruit, vegtables, herbs

Seeds and seedlings

Preserves (jams, pickles, chutneys)

Garden tools, pots books

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Zero Waste Harvest

No money needed just sharing, swapping and connecting.

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For more information contact Mel-twk.engagement@gmail.com

Te Whare Kokonga - 07 843 8811

Fresh from international tours, this unique show blends science and comedy for an unforgettable night at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato.

ALSO CELEBRATING 21 YEARS OF THE RIFF RAFF STATUE AND 50 YEARS OF THE ROCKY HORROR
PICTURE SHOW!

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When: 7.30pm-11.00pm, Valentines Day, Saturday 14 February 2026.
▪ 7.30pm One Man Hit Squad plays a few tunes to warm us up.
▪ 8.00pm Sambatron brings the carnival.
▪ 8.30pm RICHARD O’BRIEN arrives, and with Mayor Tim Macindoe re-unveils the Riff Raff
Statue, and we all DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!
▪ 9.00pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show screens, with performance by the Hot and
Flustered shadow cast.

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Where: Embassy Park, now the plaza for the new BNZ Theatre, south end of Victoria Street, The
Tron-Kirikiriroa-Hamilton.

WHY IS RIFF RAFF RETURNING, WHERE HAS HE BEEN?
The Riff Raff Statue left Embassy Park when it closed in October 2021 to allow the building of the new
Waikato Regional Theatre next door (now the BNZ Theatre). He was outside the Waikato Museum from
March 2022 to July 2024, but has been in hiding since then.
Riff Raff was uncovered and returned to the public space last week, in time for the opening of the Theatre
- it was not possible to keep him under cover from then until our celebration, but we all knows what he
looks like anyway.
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Return of Riff event hosted by The Riff Raff Public Art Trust with the support of Love the Centre, Trek N
Travel and Hamilton City Council.
Riff Raff Cam and new website hosted by The Riff Raff Public Art Trust and supported by BluTui, Central
Communications, Divoli and Foster Group.
Embassy Park 3.0 rebuild designed and built by Hamilton City Council, Jasmax, Foster Group, and the
Embassy Park Working Group of The Riff Raff Public Art Trust.

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Riff Raff Cam will be re-activated in time for the event, for the first time since Embassy Park closed in 2021,
keep an eye on www.riffraffstatue.org.
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Contact: Mark Servian, The Riff Raff Public Art Trust, mark@mcgillicuddy.org.nz, 021 888 469.

Three dates to choose from in November!

Critically acclaimed stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and TV personality, Alan Davies, is delighted to announce an extensive Aotearoa tour for July and August 2026, unveiling his brand-new show, Think Ahead. It marks his first visit to Aotearoa in a decade!

The tour will commence in Kirikiriroa Hamilton on Friday, July 31 before heading to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Tauranga, Ahuriri Napier, Pōneke Wellington, Ngāmotu New Plymouth, Papaioea Palmerston North, Ōtautahi Christchurch, and concluding at Ōtepoti Dunedin’s Regent Theatre on August 13.

TOMMY EMMANUEL, CGP is a living legend in the world of acoustic guitar, celebrated for his jaw- dropping technique, innovation, and boundless musicality. He has enthralled audiences around the globe with his dazzling fingerstyle performances, and now, New Zealand will have the privilege of witnessing his mastery up close and personal.

“I feel like the Indiana Jones of the guitar world,” says the globe-trotting fingerpicker. “I’m on this wild journey, just making it up as I go, and I’m thrilled that so many people are having fun joining along with me.”

Tommy will be joined by the amazing Mike Dawes on his NZ tour shows. Mike is an English guitarist known for composing, arranging, and performing multiple parts simultaneously on a single guitar. He is regarded as one of the world’s most creative modern fingerstyle guitarists, with a repertoire spanning original viral videos and popular arrangements, alongside mainstream chart success performing with Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues.

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A new concert by 3-time Grammy®-winning SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR; celebrates songs and anthems of Nelson Mandela’s Freedom Movement in South Africa and the Civil Rights Movement of Dr Martin Luther King’s America.

Opening with a rousing program of South African freedom songs, the repertoire moves down through time to the USA, with beautiful renditions of the protest music of the Civil Rights Movement and more contemporary classics, including works by legendary artists Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Cynthia Erivo, Stevie Wonder and the one-and-only Aretha Franklin.

Formed to celebrate the unique and inspirational power of South African Gospel music, SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR is dedicated to sharing the joy of faith through music with audiences around the world, receiving critical acclaim and audience adoration for their powerful renditions of African American spirituals, gospel and classics.

Red Sunset will be released on Friday, February 13.

Recorded in Paris during the winter of 2025, the album is now available for pre-order and is Bic’s first collection of all-original material since 2011’s Belle, marking a radiant new chapter for one of Aotearoa’s most beloved artists.

The album’s lead single and title track, "Red Sunset," is out now. A powerful torch song of longing and desire, it evokes the tumultuous emotions of being the one left behind. The song and album are co-produced by Bic Runga and Kody Nielson.

The Red Sunset Tour kicks off at Black Barn in Hawkes Bay on Saturday, March 7, before heading to new venues in Hamilton and Auckland: the BNZ Theatre on Saturday, March 21, and the NZICC Theatre, Auckland on Friday, March 27. Bic will return home to Christchurch to play the Isaac Theatre Royal on Sunday, March 29, followe by a very special show with the NZSO at the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington on Thursday, April 2.

Bic Runga will be joined by special guest Silicon.

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Ladies, it’s time to embrace The Change with a night out full of uncontrollable laughter, uplifting celebration and shared sisterhood! The international phenomenon Menopause The Musical is back – touring New Zealand in March and April 2026.

Set in a department store, four women meet by chance while shopping for a black lace bra. Though they couldn’t be more different, they quickly discover a shared bond over memory loss, hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and much more. What follows is a hilarious, heart-warming musical journey through “The Change” — told with love, laughter and the greatest hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s.

From the producer of Chicago the Musical and under special license from GFour Productions, winner of over 40 Tony Awards, Menopause The Musical has entertained more than 17 million fans worldwide, been translated into nine languages and performed in more than 500 cities. The show’s enduring appeal lies in its honesty, hilarity and heart — celebrating women everywhere and turning shared experiences into shared joy.

As creator Jeanie Linders said, the show was “inspired by a hot flash and a bottle of wine.” Decades later, it remains enlightening, enriching, and empowering — transforming audiences and turning strangers into friends.

Fans from Kirikiriroa, Hamilton and Ōtautahi, Christchurch will get to boogie along to their noughties favourites and brand-new pop anthems from her latest album Perimenopop.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor will tour to the BNZ Theatre, Hamilton on Tuesday 3 February.