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.
Loren Ashley Skin are proudly a results focused facial treatment clinic, where they specialise in transforming skins.
They offer a one-on-one service where every treatment, planand skincare recommendation is proven and tailored specifically for achievingthe results you want to see.
They operate by appointment only offering working hours,late night and Saturday appointments.
What to expect
Step 1 — Skin Consultation
Confidential one-on-one appointment on your skin’s past,present and future. After a cleanse, skin analysis and discussion on your skins condition, your therapist will prescribe a complete at-home skin care regimeand in-clinic treatment plan to effectively address your skin’s needs.
Please note: This consultation is a prerequisite to all skin treatments
45 minutes | $55 redeemable on products purchased on the day
Step 2 — Initial Skin Strengthening phase
Series of DMK skin treatments designed to prepare skin for your more intense prescribed treatments.
Weekly to monthly visits over 3–6 month period dependingon skin condition.
Introductory Course of 3 enzyme treatments $599
Step 3 —Skin Corrective treatment program
Skin corrective treatments commence. Designed to achieve results this is where the magic happens.
The result? Makeup-free, happy, healthy skin.
Bi-weekly – Monthly for 6–12 month period, depending ontreatment and client needs.
Step 4 — Maintenance
Restored, rejuvenated skin is treated to maintain its condition and further improve results for beautiful skin with longevity.
Recommended frequency: every 4–6 weeks
In today’s fast-paced world, finding a moment of peace can be a challenge. At Oriental Spa, they aim to provide a serene escape from the daily grind, allowing you to immerse yourself in relaxation and holistic wellness. Their spa is designed to cater to your every need, offering a range of treatments inspired by ancient Eastern traditions combined with modern techniques. Here, they will explore the various aspects of our spa, the treatments they offer, and how they can benefit your overall well-being.
Oriental Spa also embraces modern advancements in wellness. Their facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, providing a comfortable and luxurious environment for our guests. From tranquil treatment rooms to soothing ambiance, every detail is curated to enhance your experience.
Their menu features a blend of classic treatments and innovative therapies, catering to diverse preferences. Whether you’re seeking a traditionall massage or a ontemporary facial, their offerings are designed to meet your needs while maintaining the essence of Eastern wellness practices.
Signature Treatments at Oriental Spa include:
Traditional Massage Therapies
Thai Massage
Shiatsu Massage
Balinese Massage
Rejuvenating Facial Treatments
Asian Herbal Facial
Rice Bran Facial
Pearl Glow Facial
Holistic Wellness Therapies
Acupuncture
Aromatherapy
Meditation and Mindfulness
Founded and curated by Laura, Skin Depot is a place where you can have some much needed time out as well as always leavingwith glowing skin. Bespoke skin plans & treatments & a LED light loungeare on offer.
Skin Depot offer:
Tailored Facials: Their signature "Facial Skinsations" come in Glow, Illuminate, and Luxe options, each customised to your skin type and concerns
Advanced Treatments:
Dermal Needling (collagen induction therapy)
LED Light Lounge (quick, non-invasive light therapy for collagen stimulation and radiance
Skin Quiz & e-Book: Tools to help clients identify their unique skin type and build a personalised skincare routine
Curated Skincare Packs: Options for dry, oily, sensitive, and normal skin, featuring clean, clinical, and luxurious products
Skin Depot emphasises results and relaxation - a fusion of modern technology and traditional techniques to deliver glowing, healthy skin. Steering clear of generic beauty treatments, focusing instead on skin health and transformation.
Krystal and Nikki are the friendly faces greeting you at Journey+ Co and are only too happy to help you find the perfect gift for any occasion.
Known for their thoughtfully curated selection of quality brands and artisan goods. Situated at 6 Princes Street, they offer a warm, boutique shopping experience that caters toa wide range of gifting needs—from stylish home décor to unique personal gifts.They stock popular brands such as Hinza, Glasshouse Fragrances, Frank Green, Ecoya, Pepper & Me, Moana Road and many more.
Corporate gifting made easy! Journey + Co specialise in corporate gifting, providing welcome home packs and celebratory packages.
When you purchase from Journey+ Co you are supporting Local Artisans with the store proudly showcasing local craftmanship, offering handmade and creative items that reflect New Zealand’s vibrant artisan culture
With in-store and online shopping available you have the flexibility to purchase that special item.
For a quarter of a century, Nes has been craftingtimeless fashion in New Zealand—designed for women who know themselves, andthose still discovering who they are. Their pieces are more than clothing;they’re a quiet rebellion against fast fashion, a celebration of individuality,and a companion in every chapter of life.
They believe style should evolve with you. That confidencegrows with every wear. And that fashion should be lived in, layered, and loved.
Made for women. Made in New Zealand.
Discover flattering, contemporary pieces created for womenon the move. With a signature blend of innovation, edge, and enduringstyle, Nes is fashion that empowers—designed to last, designed tolead.
Venues across the country are firing up their grills and melting their best ingredients between two slices of golden bread. Let the cheesy, crunchy, pickle-packed pilgrimage begin.
Participating central city venues:
@frankfoodnz - McClure's Pickleback Short Rib Focaccia
@furnacesteakhouse - Lord of the Rinds - Matt’s Pork Scotch Bacon Melt
@joesgaragenz - Schnitz & Giggles
@keystonehamilton - Lamb and Chorizo Smash Toastie
Check out the toasties on The Great NZ Toastie Takeover website in the comments below...they look so unbelievably cheesy and delicious!
Only for a limited time!
You wouldn’t think of a building as having a central nervous system - but deep in the interior of the new Waikato Regional Theatre there is a special room that will be exactly that.
It’s a hub where the theatre’s peripheral nerves - the 30 kilometres of glass fibre optic cables that flow throughout the entire structure - meet and connect, carrying audio, video, paging, and other forms of raw data from the main auditorium to all other parts of building.
The $80 million theatre is undoubtedly the most advanced such building to be constructed in New Zealand for decades and the sound system, once completed, will be the equal of any such facility anywhere in the world.
“For a building built around sound and vision, this is the heart of it,” said Mike Orum, one of the eight data technicians who are charged with the task of ensuring that every last strand of cable is correctly connected to each of about 600 termination points in 205 different locations.
Right now, it looks like a spaghetti factory.
And unravelling the strands are two local firms - Structured Technologies and Feisst Electrical.
“It’s cool it’s being done by all Hamilton companies,” said Orum. “There’s not busloads of labour being brought in from somewhere else.”
Hamilton’s vibe is hard to pin down, but impossible to ignore. Emerging suburbs and hidden laneways lined with undiscovered gems paint the picture of a city undergoing an evolving urban transformation.
At every corner, this unassuming city surprises those who take the time to look beyond the surface. With cosy bars tucked away from the main drag, breathtaking gardens that transport you to another time, and serene river views, there’s a bit of everything. Whether you’re up for a well-crafted cocktail, keen to uncover your next read, or just want to bask in the sun by the river, we’ve uncovered the best seats in the city for all of the above.
Whether you prefer small, intimate settings or large entertainment spaces that can host over 1,000 people, our city centre has itall. Enjoy performances from both local and international artists at these venues.
Last Place Bar – 54 Collingwood Street
A vibrant spot known for its great atmosphere, tasty food, and a solid line up of gigs two to three evenings each week. Also known to have one of the most extensive beer menus in the city. Check out the What’s On page of their website to find upcoming gigs.
lastplacedivebar.co.nz
Nivara Lounge – 266 Victoria Street
An underground retro lounge with a great live music line up each month of both local and touring musicians. Keep an eye on their Facebook page and Event Finda to keep up to date with what’s coming up.
nivaralounge.com
The Factory – 28 Alexandra Street
The Factory is a large entertainment venue that hosts a widerange of concerts and gigs, featuring both local and international artists. Find out what’s coming up on their website and social pages.
thefactoryhamilton.co.nz
Biddy Mulligans -17b Hood Street
Biddy Mulligan’s is Hamilton’s only authentic Irish pub! A great spot to go for live music from Monday to Sunday along with their great pub food and Guiness. Hamilton Blues Society Blues are at Biddy's every Sunday afternoon from 3pm.
biddyshamilton.com
It’s not often you’d think to send a postcard while travelling to someone at a retail shop back home, but for visitors to Colin’s store, that feels like exactly the right thing to do.
An outdoor enthusiast in every sense, we grab Colin Hancock, owner and operator of Trek ‘n Travel, to hear some tales of what it’s like to live in the ‘gateway of adventure’.
It’s not often you’d think to send a postcard while travelling to someone at a retail shop back home, but for visitors to Colin’s store, that feels like exactly the right thing to do.
An outdoor enthusiast in every sense, we grab Colin Hancock, owner and operator of Trek ‘n Travel, to hear some tales of what it’s like to live in the ‘gateway of adventure’.
There are few better ways to feed your spirit than a day spent exploring Hamilton’s best boutiques and galleries. Slinging the works and wares of Kiwi artisans, you’re sure to stumble upon some inspiration and quality goods. From conscious fashion and homewares stores to traditional and modern galleries, here’s how to get your creative fix in Hamilton.
True
302 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Waikato
True focuses on ‘unique designs, ethical production and elevated quality.’ This boils down to respect for the highest quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship, ultimately championing clothing that moves us towards a more sustainable future. In short, they only stock garments from designers with reputable production processes. Here you’ll find international brands like VEJA and Bassike, as well as local names like Mahsa and Caitlin Crisp.
Sisters on London
61 London Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Get your global fashion fix in the heart of Hamilton, thanks to the stylish sibling duo over at Sisters on London. Slinging collections from the likes of Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Karen Walker and P.E Nation, you’re covered from head to toe with these designer threads. On the accessories front, you’ll find bags from Deadly Ponies and Status Anxiety, as well as jewellery by Meadowlark and Stolen Girlfriends Club.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery
1 Grantham Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
For a taste of New Zealand history through Hamilton’s lens, book in time at Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato. As the beating heart of the CBD’s creative district, the museum offers plenty of new experiences, exhibitions and events to discover. We recommend blocking out a whole day to unpack everything on offer across the themes of art, history, Tangata Whenua and science. From craft workshops to the annual Contemporary Art Award exhibition, there’s never a dull moment at the museum.
ArtsPost
120 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
The heritage candy-coloured facade is your first hint that ArtsPost is worth the trip. Inside the former Post Office, you’re sure to uncover something new thanks to the ever-rotating collection of artists. Wind your way through three thoughtfully curated galleries, and you’ll be greeted by a frenzy of whimsical pieces like textiles, pottery, artwork and jewellery.
Soul Gallery
300 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
If you need a dose of inspiration, hightail it to Soul Gallery over on Barton Street. Here, you have permission to lose yourself in all things quirky and colourful, celebrating New Zealand-made art, crafts and treasures. Founder Lisa Voigt’s vision for the gallery is 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.
Laree Payne Gallery
286 Victoria Street, Hamilton
Ideally situated between Riverbank Lane and the Waikato River, it’s easy to drop by Laree Payne Gallery on any day out in central Hamilton. Gallerist Laree prides herself on offering the only dealer gallery in Waikato, with new exhibitions popping up every month. It’s all about contemporary Kiwi artists here. Works span engaging mediums like three-dimensional wall hangings, thought-provoking sculptures, and serene nature-inspired pieces.
Ramp Gallery
111 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
With more than 20 years in the business, Ramp Gallery is an institution in Waikato’s creative scene. Fittingly situated adjacent to Hamilton’s Wintec School of Media Arts, Ramp delivers an inclusive space for students and locals to soak up work by Aotearoa’s contemporary artists. From provocative large-scale installations to poignant yet powerful artworks, there’s no doubt this spot will get your creative cogs churning.
Located at 68 Bryce Street in Hamilton Central, Munchies Eatery is a newly opened spot that’s quickly gaining popularity for its affordable menu—everything is under $10.
Designed to be a budget-friendly option for locals and visitors alike, offering a variety of tasty food and drinks without breaking the bank.
Over 30 classes per term, tutored by experienced artists with Fine Arts degrees and/or teaching degrees. Classes are a maximum of 8 students so you have a high quality experience.Workshops run from time to time at WSA and to book simply click on the Workshop tab to take you to any coming up.
Every year in August, Hamilton Book Month celebrates New Zealand authors and their writing, with events covering different genres and age groups. Readers from the Waikato and beyond are invited to meet authors, listen to them discuss their work, and ask questions. With activities and events for all ages, all month, this is a local celebration you won't want to miss.
Visit their website for the full schedule of events.
Opening: 5.30 - 7.30pm
Thursday 14th August 2025
Exhibition Date: 14th August - 13th September 2025
In Reflex, Sarah Munro invites viewers into a quiet, instinctual space — where watercolor becomes not a tool of control, but a collaborator in uncertainty. These works arise from a process of immediate, unfiltered response: to memory, to mood, to the body’s own rhythm.
Watercolor, with its fluidity and resistance to overworking, mirrors Munro’s interest in what lies beneath conscious thought. Each brushstroke is a reflex — quick, unrehearsed, and honest. Color seeps, bleeds, and settles in ways that cannot be entirely predicted, revealing the tension between surrender and intention that defines her practice.
Rather than plan or perfect, Munro listens. She listens to the way water moves, how pigment pools or vanishes, how gesture meets gravity. The result is work that feels ephemeral yet grounded—at once fleeting and deeply rooted in presence.
Reflex is not a narrative. It is an impulse. A visual record of the moment before interpretation, before language. In this body of work, Munro explores what happens when we trust the immediacy of the hand, the weight of the brush, and the quiet logic of the unconscious.
Han Chao - Hanrad Gallery
Artist Statement:
I am a studio-based painter in Hamilton, New Zealand and an academic specialising in creative practice research in painting and embodied cognition. I have exhibited in New York, Italy and France. Since 2018, I have taught art theory and supervised Honors and Masters-level creative practice research at Waikato Institute of Technology. My doctoral studies explored how painting activates embodied cognition and I am committed to developing this research in both my painting practice and teaching.
Sarah Mitchell Munro
The Bruce Springsteen Experience is an international-level show dedicated to honouring the timeless music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Featuring a full nine-piece lineup, this captivating performance delivers an electrifying blend of visual and audio excitement. Audiences are consistently wowed, with standing ovations being the norm.
As 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic "Born to Run" album, The Bruce Springsteen Experience will perform the album in its entirety, along with a selection of The Boss's greatest hits. This special celebration promises to be a remarkable tribute, allowing fans to relive the magic of Springsteen’s music like never before. Don't miss this unforgettable experience!
Saturday Night Fever defined the disco era and the high-energy second act delivers chartbuster after chartbuster from the Bee Gees, K.C. and the Sunshine Band, Yvonne Elliman, The Trammps, Graham Bonnet and others – Night Fever, Jive Talkin’, Disco Inferno, Stayin’ Alive, More Than A Woman, Emotion, Warm Ride, If I Can’t Have You, How Deep is Your Love, You Should be Dancing and so much more.
Saturday Night Fever was the biggest selling sound recording between 1977 and 1980 with highest daily sales of 200,000 USA copies, and topped the popularity surveys of Billboard, Cashbox and Record World.
Awarded the Album of the Year Grammy in 1979, the release stayed in the Top 200 for 29 consecutive months and made Barry Gibb the first solo songwriter in history to have three consecutive #1’s and four songs in the Top Ten simultaneously.
Saturday Night Fever has since been added to the American National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress as “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant”. Stayin’ Alive continues to make history as it features the first drum loop ever recorded on a pop music track and the Brooklyn Shuffle moves are still in evidence on the dance floor.
After humble beginnings in a garage, to a record-breaking rise to the top of the podcast charts, Aotearoa’s favourite trio — Jordan Vaha'akolo, Brook Ruscoe, and Marc Peard — are taking The Morning Shift to the people. This August and September, they’ll be bringing eight massive shows across Aotearoa and Australia in their first-ever LIVE tour.
Real people, real talk and now real life. Expect all the stuff you love from the podcast: deep kōrero, big laughs, a few tears, spontaneous/questionable singing, plus whatever Jordan decides to overshare that night. The live show brings the podcast to life, with that signature Morning Shift energy that turns commutes into therapy sessions and takes gym workouts to another level.
The Morning Shift is more than a podcast, it's a community. Having now ticked over two years of being #1 in your hearts (sometimes #1 in the charts), their podcast has become a staple for thousands of New Zealanders who tune in daily.Whether you’re a Day One Shifter or just joined the movement last week — this is your moment.
Rally the crew, book the babysitter, and get ready for a night that promises to shift you.Thanks to Nando’s, who’ve helped take this dream from the garage to the stage.Shift Nation, we on.
The Black Flames are ready to burn the house down.
It’s been 30 years since Aaron Gascoigne stormed Hamilton stages fronting local rock legends ColdShock — a band that left its mark on the city with raw power, sweat, and sound. Now he’s back. And this time, he’s bringing fire, brass, and a full-blown musical machine.
The Black Flames are an 11-piece supergroup fusing rock, funk, and soul — the brainchild of Netherworld Dancing Toys founder Nick Sampson, alongside longtime collaborators Tim Robinson and Steve Shaw.
Up front:
Gascoigne — Waikato-born and battle-tested — a showman with the grit of rock and the heart of soul.
Beside him: Moana Richardson — a phenomenal young soul vocalist whose star is rising fast. Taking on the mantle once held by Annie Crummer, Moana brings undeniable power, grace, and soul well beyond her years. She’s the real deal — and she’s just getting started.
On guitar and vocals, Nick Sampson — the songwriter behind some of New Zealand’s biggest anthems (and yes, For Today is in the set).
In the engine room: Steve Shaw (The Loving Arms) on bass, Tim Robinson on drums, and Michael Larsen (ex-Jan Hellriegel band) on keys.
Overhead? A horn section that slaps — five of NZ’s finest from The Instigators, Wonderfish Collective, The Alibis and more — razor-sharp and loud as hell.
Their brand new single launches live on the night.
And it’s not just The Black Flames lighting up the room — opening the night are two of NZ’s most exciting young bands:
Pocket Watch — a gritty, high-energy crew with killer riffs and youthful swagger.
The Rain — indie rock with soul, heart, and hooks that stay with you long after the lights go out.
This isn’t just a gig — it’s a homecoming.
A new chapter.
And a chance to dance like it's 1994 again — but bigger, tighter, and groovier than ever.
A celebration of Afrikaans with Bobby van Jaarsveld, Ruhan du Toit and Corlea Both with JD Mars.
This is three hours of great Afrikaans music by the best from South Africa. Kom kuier saam in jou taal by Afrikaans is Lekker. Moontlik gemaak deur die ondersteuning van Afriforum Wereldwyd.
Hamilton’s own Berkley Normal Middle School turns up the volume with Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical!
Mitchie, Shane and their friends square off against rival Camp Star in a winner-takes-all showdown bursting with guitar-driven anthems, energetic choreography and hits like “This Is Me,” “Can’t Back Down” and “We Rock.”
Packed with humour and heart, this 70-minute, family-friendly production proves that friendship beats fame and music shines brightest when shared. Enjoy high-energy performances and irresistibly catchy pop-rock numbers, brought to the stage by Berkley students. Book now and join the jam!
Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are supplied by MTI.
SkyCity Hamilton this August presents the very best in Local and International Stand Up comedy once again.
Their headline act this month is the amazing Hayley Sproull. Star of the ZM Morning show, Taskmaster, 7 Days and host of this year's Comedy Gala, we are honoured Hayley will be at Hamilton's newest and best comedy club.
Support will be from one of Hamilton's finest exports, Paul Douglas. The master yarn spinner has been one of the busiest comedians in New Zealand since he broke onto the scene 10 years ago with commanding performances on The Comedy Gala and 7 Days.
“There are many ways to enjoy pleasure and laughter as a human being, one of the easiest is watching Paul Douglas” - Dai Henwood
The show will be hosted by the hairiest and best known faces in NZ comedy, Ben Hurley.
R18
General Admission: $43.28 each ($39.00 + $4.28 fees)
Step inside a compelling visual narrative that challenges society’s assumptions and celebrates the power of change. RAW Beauty is a transformative photographic master’s exhibition curated by Annah
Stretton, bringing to light the stories of waahine with lived experience of incarceration not as statistics, but as women of deep strength, mana, and untapped potential.
In this collection of striking portraits and personal reflections, the exhibition directly responds to the historic injustice of the state mugshot imagery captured and circulated without agency or consent. Here, those same women reclaim their image, voice, and future on their own terms.
The work has been developed in partnership with the waahine of RAW (Reclaim Another Woman), a pioneering social initiative that supports high-risk women to exit cycles of offending, poverty, and dependence. RAW offers a long-term, wraparound model of care that includes education, employment, and whaanau reconnection, walking alongside women both during and after their time in prison.
11am – 12.30am
1pm – 2.30pm
3pm – 4.30pm
5pm – 6.30pm
7pm – 8.30pm
Ticket Price
Non-Members Ticket Price - $50
Bookings for a Table of up to 4 Guests
Choose from 40+ available wines to taste
8 different countries and over 20 different regions
Taste up to 15 different wines & Specialty Products
No BYO. Food availability at venue
Parking available on site
Book a table for up to 4 people
Exclusive Event Only offers available on the day
Limited seats available. Register early to secure your preferred day & session time.
The Wine Community Members (and guests) - FREE
No Large Group Bookings. Maximum 1 Table per group
After months of hard work, Bruce Cooper and I are proud to share The View from Poets Corner – a short film packed with creativity that brings Bruce’s poetry to life.
Premiere Night – Saturday 9 August
Nivara Lounge, Hamilton
Doors 7PM | Screening 8PM
Koha/donation entry – everyone welcome
Join us for the very first public screening, with a live poetry reading from Bruce and music from the incredible one-man band Mike Conlon.
Come grab a drink, hear the words, and see the film on the big screen for the first time.
Big Thanks To Hamilton City Council, The Creative Communities Scheme, and Creative Waikato for Funding and Support in the Development of this Film
About the Film.
Bruce Cooper, a Māori street poet from Fairfield, shares four raw and reflective poems inspired by the signs and stories of Poets' Corner. Filmed with a DIY spirit, it blends lo-fi charm and poetic grit – with cardboard props and handmade sets bringing Bruce’s words to life. Honest, creative, and rooted in place, The View from Poets' Corner turns everyday struggle into spoken word theatre.
Champagne Weather sounds like diving headfirst into a pool. For a moment, everything disappears. For a moment, you're wrapped in a bubble that drowns out the noise.It's bold new music from Canadian Folk Music Award-winners and JUNO nominees James Hill and Anne Janelle. Both artists have one foot in folk music and the other in contemporary classical. Champagne Weather finds them artfully bridging these two worlds with a sound that evokes Philip Glass and Steve Reich even as it harks back to Appalachian fiddle and English folksong.Champagne Weather creates space. Space between the mind and the body, space to be together, space to be alone. Strange and beautiful music for strange and beautiful times.Special opening set by Wildhorse.
All ages.
$19.00+BF
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