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This co-operative store brings together eight passionate collectors, each offering their own carefully curated collections to the community. From records and decor to rare memorabilia, there is a diverse and ever-changing mix of items for passionate collectors and curious shoppers alike.The idea for Fossick was born from a group of friends with extensive collections looking for a way to sell their items. By pooling resources and sharing responsibilities, they were able to ensure consistent hours in its first year of opening, one of the keys to Fossick’s initial success.

HANRAD is a creative space where founder Barry and his team work with their clients to create rugs that are truly unique to them. To some, rugs are just rugs, but at HANRAD each rug is bespoke, a work of art. The concept is simple: each client experiences an individual journey to arrive at the perfect rug, and whether it’s an art inspired design or one of HANRAD’s in-house designs, each rug can be customised to the ideal size, shape or colour.Barry’s inspiration for design stems from his love of art and, in particular, contemporary art. Previously based in Beijing for 10 years, Barry worked on exciting interior design projects, sourcing inspirational design solutions.

At the helm are Dida and Erin, two individuals whose love for florals is only matched by their knack for bringing people together. Add to the mix their resident mascot (a mastiff border collie cross named Boy), and you’ve got the heart and soul of a place that’s as much about the banter as it is about the blooms. Drag your eyes away from the creative window displays and the store’s aesthetic is a striking blend of untamed natural beauty and thoughtful design. Plentiful greenery cascades from wooden shelves and hanging pots, creating a botanical haven that feels calming to the soul. The choice of wooden accents and earth-toned decor seamlessly marries the store’s urban setting with a rustic, wild charm.

Here, you have permission to lose yourself in all things eclectic and colourful, celebrating the true meaning of New Zealand-made art, crafts and treasures.Founder Lisa Voigt’s vision for the gallery was to “create a haven where people could come to appreciate a melting pot of New Zealand art and design.” It’s safe to say she’s absolutely nailed that.Upon entry, your eyes are spoiled for choice, with a range of paintings, glasswork, prints, ceramics and jewellery (and much more) to peruse. You’ll spot favourites from established Kiwi creatives as well as up-and-coming artists.

Housed within the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is Exscite, an interactive discovery centre offering a vibrant and engaging learning experience. Exscite’s seamless blending of fun with education makes it an ideal destination for families, especially those with children under the age of 15. Exscite reopened in July 2024 with a whole new look. It spans two floors, each level providing a unique focus. The ground floor, known as Exscite: Home, highlights the role of science in everyday life, while the upper floor, Exscite: Taiao, draws inspiration from the awa (Waikato River) and New Zealand’s interconnected natural environment.

Their annual street art festival has been breathing life into the streets of Kirikiriroa since 2015. You can still find their early murals hidden down curious little laneways around the inner city, but recent years have seen them commissioning both local and international artists to take over iconic hero walls across the city. ‘Art everywhere, everyday’ is Boon’s vision in a nutshell. The crew at Boon are big fans of public art and what it can do for the people who live and work in that area.

If you just can’t face another treadmill, and the thought of stepping into a gym makes you feel sick—we hear you. For those who are tired of the status-quo exercise tropes, listen up: Hamilton is home to a boutique fitness studio that will shake up your next sweat sesh.Founded by competitive pole dancer and qualified AntiGravity Fitness Instructor Laura Lockhart, HIGH ABOVE is a fitness hub like no other. Specialising in both aerial and pole classes, working out here is all about getting fit through having fun.

Something like a plush lounge meets garage: low-lit, slightly grungy and carpeted, of course. Hamilton’s Last Place Bar doesn’t have to be the last place you visit in a night, in fact, it’s well set up to be the beginning, middle or end of your evening, depending on your mood. Offering good beer, bad beer and everything in between, the crew at Last Place Bar are confident there will be something on the menu for every beer drinker. How could they not when they have one of the most extensive beer menus in the city? There are 10 brews on tap and over 100 beers in the fridge.

In addition to the number of keen buyers and sellers, it’s the city’s security measures that are working in its favour, according to owner owner Henrik Stovring.Some buyers and sellers have embraced the concept of an offline Facebook-like marketplace and 163 stalls have popped up since it opened on May 1 yet there’s still space for another 400 to 600 stalls.

NORTH & SOUTH + Hamilton Business AssociationThe revitalization of central business districts is a global phenomenon, with cities adapting to new realities in a post-COVID world. Hamilton is no exception. The city’s central area is transforming into a vibrant hub that merges business, social, and experiential elements, ensuring it remains relevant and competitive. We spoke with Vanessa from the Hamilton Central Business Association to understand how local businesses are navigating this landscape and thriving in the new normal.

Sometime in the 1990s, Hamilton acquired the unofficial, ironic slogan “City of the future”.Lacking the cosmopolitan airs of Auckland or Wellington’s theatre scene, Hamilton was viewed by many as nothing more than a daggy blip on SH1.But these days, thanks to relatively inexpensive housing, significant investment in the city’s infrastructure both by the council and property developers like Stark Property, and the completed Waikato Expressway, Kirikiriroa is the fastest-growing city in New Zealand – and it’s got the hospitality scene to match.

From humble beginnings on Hood St to becoming a stronghold in Hamilton’s culinary scene - popular restaurant Gothenburg has had quite the journey.Now, the foodie hotspot is celebrating its 15th year in business.Gothenburg was founded by Susanna Rislund Fullana and Carl Bloxam in a small location on Hood St in 2009.

Dagu Rice Noodle chef Lynn Zhang and Hamilton branch owner Kim Wang love the meals served in the restaurant. Wang said he eats the chicken katsu every day.

Delicious Culinary

Live Music

Pop Up Stores

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Feat: Imachef, Toro Churro, Panda Golden Ear Dumpling, Mizzoni Pizza, Meezie Kitchen, Patrons Blazing BBQ PLUS MANY MORE!! 

Bar will be open with drinks flowing. Also boutique market stalls and live music.

in Casabella Lane on Saturday 11 October from 10 till 4pm

Spend $20 or more and get a lucky dip prize - there are books, totes, pens and more up for grabs.

Buy any two Penguin books and get your free 2025 Personal Penguin

Write a love letter to your bookshop to enter the draw for$250 in book tokens - 8 prizes to be won around NZ.

Keep an eye out for the Libro.fm Golden Ticket to win a year's audiobook subscription.

And pick up a copy of the brand new Summer Reading Guide. It's never too soon to start your Christmas wishlist!

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Australian Irish dancing touring company PACE LIVE is bringing all the craic of an Irish Christmas to New Zealand with their high-octane show, A Celtic Christmas! The cast features Auckland champion Irish dancer Keely O’Grady, who was the 2024 New Zealand & International Rose of Tralee; and Christchurch champion Irish dancer Mitchell O’Hara. These New Zealand locals will perform alongside world-class musicians and exceptional Irish dancers to bring New Zealand audiences the very best in the industry, including world champion dancers from international hit shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. The family show brings the heart-warming spirit of an Irish Christmas into a feel-good extravaganza filled with laughter, Christmas cheer, and the pure joy of the festive season for the whole family to enjoy. The show has recently enjoyed a hit on off-Broadway in 2024, and will tour across the North and South Island of New Zealand throughout November and December 2025.

Audiences can immerse themselves in the magnificence of Christmas in Ireland as they are transported to a land where energetic music and dance embody the beating heart of good craic! This feel-good show aims to give audiences a bit of Irish charm and features a company featuring over 15 of the world’s leading Irish performers and musicians. Featuring a powerful mix of traditional tunes, heartfelt ballads and all your favourite carols, A Celtic Christmas combines incredible music with jaw-dropping dance talent in an unforgettable night of storytelling and Irish charm.

Two Shows:

17th November, 2025 (Mon) 7:30pm

17th November, 2025 (Mon) 3:30pm

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Fire up the hot glue gun, mix up your paint pots, and sharpen your scissors! Whether you’re having yourself a Mini Little Christmas, or your tree puts the T in OTT, we want you to show us what the season means to you!

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Tree registrations will close at 5pm on Saturday 15th November or until we reach our max number - so please get in quick!

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The Trees at The Meteor exhibition will run from 10th-19th December 2025.

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More info coming soon.

Mark you calendar - Hamilton Central is the place to be this October!

Tickets from $20

Step into Exscite after dark for a Halloween adventure like no other. Hear ghost stories around the campfire, follow the trick-or-treat trail, and enjoy free face painting for all ages.

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Activity for the whole family!

We'll have activity stations for the whole family, including code-cracking and treat-bag making.

Follow the trick-or-treat trail and collect stamps to unlock a bag full of treats to take home.

Get into the Halloween spirit with free face painting from our friends at Enchanted Entertainment.

Gather around the campfire in Exscite to hear local ghost stories that will send a shiver down your spine.

Make your own treat bag at our creepy craft station.

Look out for a special guest roaming Exscite for photos.

Come along in costume whether you're a kid or a grown up!

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Jeremy Mayall will bring the music, you bring the craft. Bring a project from home to work on or enjoy a drink and soak in the vibes of our latest exhibitions.

29 October onwards

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Make a night of it

We're very excited to extend our hours for these monthly Open Late sessions.

Instead of closing at 5pm, Te Whare Taonga will be open until 9pm so that you can enjoy the exhibitions after-hours.

With drinks and nibbles available to purchase from our bar, you can get in the groove with a DJ or live music. Each month we'll have a new floor talk or panel discussion to get ideas sparking as you check out the galleries.

For our October session, we'll enjoy a performance by Dr. Jeremy Mayall, composer/performer/innovator and CEO of Creative Waikato. While he performs, you are encouraged to sketch or write or craft to relax. Bring a project to work on from home or enjoy a drink and explore our latest exhibitions.

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Held on the second Friday of every month (excluding December).

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Take a creative lunch break to explore art through poetry.

These free drop-in poetry sessions are the perfect way for beginners and poetry lovers alike to explore their creativity.

With a focus on ekphrasis (poetry written in response to art), this is a fun and creative experience that is about expression, not perfection.

Be inspired by our exhibitions and explore new ways to look at art and language.

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What to expect

Educator and poet Cassandra Barnett will introduce easy poetry techniques and prompts, help you see and connect with works of art, and encourage you to find your own creative voice.

Wander the galleries with pencil and paper, and support on hand, and poem what you see.

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Poetry prompts

If you can’t join the lunchtime session, drop in at any time on the day of Poetry in the Galleries and pick up a poetry prompt. Let the galleries guide your words and enjoy writing at your own pace.

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On a mission to create your dream home, renovate to sell, or ramp up the value of investment? Don’t miss the annual Waikato Home & Garden Show, where you’ll find everything you need to renovate, build, decorate and landscape your home under one roof.

As well as some great show-only deals, hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand to present exciting new products, stylish trends, innovative ideas and top quality service to help make your project a reality.

That’s not all – you’ll find something for the whole family including live cooking demos, seminars, demonstrations, food and drink, a kids zone and so much more!

10am - 5pm (4pm finish on last day of the show)

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Come and celebrate the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers with By The Way, NZs latest and greatest tribute band.

Be prepared to be transported to another galaxy, as the band perform the Chili Peppers greatest hits, with all songs you know and love - By The Way, Otherside, Californication, Under The Bridge…

Playing in Hamilton for one night only at the fabulous Nivara Lounge, doors open from 7pm with the band onstage at 8.30pm.

7pm Doors Open - 8pm Start

Earlybird Tickets $20

GA Tickets $30

TWO comedians, ONE night, ONE great price.

The most Haunted Comedian in all of New Zealand (Callum Wagstaff) and indie darling George Fenn (as Sexy Ghost Boy) are here to Split your Sides this Spooky Season, using comedy to defang all of your worst fears.

The show is strictly R18. It contains sexual themes and nudity up to underwear.

Doors open from 7pm, show at 8:30pm. There will be an intermission.

Tickets $30 waged / $20 unwaged / $35 on the door.*LIMITED* Early Bird 241 Tickets $15 each.

GEORGE FENN (he/she/they) George is a genre bending comedy theatre maker based in Ōtautahi specialising in audience interaction, described by witnesses as a hot mess mash up of Mr Bean and Marina Abramović.

Winner Organised Chaos Award (Auckland Fringe 2024) Bizarre and Charming Award (Hastings Fringe 2024) Spirit of the Fringe (2017 and 2020.) Nominated Outstanding Performer (Dunedin Fringe 2025)

“a theatrical alchemist, Fenn has the rare talent to create something utterly ridiculous yet very clever..." - Rosheen Fitzgerald, Theatreview

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12th October

9th November

14th December

$10 Entry

Join Hamilton Operatic Society at Nivara Lounge to get your musical theatre fix and support local performers!

The 'Downtown Musicals' nights aim to provide a platform for up-and-coming theatre performers to get experience performing in front of audiences, as well as those wishing to try something new or who maybe haven't performed in some time.

Each night performers will pick their songs based on a theme. The theme for October is Cinematic Showstoppers.

Doors open at 7 pm with performances starting at 7.30 pm.

Note: These Nivara Lounge nights are now 18+ for performers and R16 for audience members accompanied by a parent or guardian. For performers under 18, please look out for our Downtown Musical Jr afternoon sessions.

For any queries or to use membership tickets, email Pip at admin@hamiltonoperatic.co.nz

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