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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.
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.
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.Select the class you want to enrol into. The majority of the classes run for 8 weeks each term.
Children’s classes have all materials supplied. Adults classes have the first lesson’s materials supplied and then the tutor will let you know what you need to bring.
Alison is still floating!
"What an incredible honour to be named Business Person of the Year at the 2025 Wedding Industry Awards NZ.
Celebrating 25 years in business feels especially meaningful surrounded by so much support. I'm grateful to my incredible team— their dedication, creativity, and heart make all the difference. To my former colleagues and cherished friends, your encouragement has meant more than words can say.
I've been privileged to have been chosen by our beautiful clients, letting us be part of their love story.
Here’s to continuing to do what I love in an industry that celebrates love".
Feeling so grateful — and so lucky
Alyson
Join Goldsmiths Gallery Designer Jewellers as they celebrate their 25th anniversary, the week of 23rd to 28thJune 2025.
Goldsmiths Gallery started their journey at 426 Victoria Street, Hamilton, then moved to 441 Victoria Street, Hamilton and then moved once again to 427 Victoria Street, Hamilton, (as well as having their store at Chartwell Shopping Centre from 2014-2023). With each move came a bigger and more beautiful store.
Their exceptional workmanship has not changed over the last 25 years! While the manner of making Jewellery has changed their love for their craft has not. Their retail store is filled with stunning pieces, and they do repairs, custom CAD manufacturing, remodeling, hand-makes, all completed instore. It’s a one stop Jewellery shop.
They are incredibly grateful for the loyal customer support they have received over the past quarter-century and would love for you to celebrate with them.
Go instore and wish them a happy birthday. They will have a different surprise for you each day...including a guess the dollar value of the gold bar and go into the draw to win it!
There are also incredible specials- 15% off Gold; 20% off Diamond Rings;30% off Sterling Silver!
It's their way of saying thank you for being a part of their story.
Whether they’re ordering a “pretty insane” amount of steak or bringing in a mechanical bull, Hamilton venues are preparing for a full-on Fieldays week.
With crowds set to descend upon Mystery Creek from Wednesday until Saturday, bars, pubs and restaurants are gearing up for an influx of customers - whether its cockies or the “logistics and sales force” that comes with them.
And it’s not the only sector affected - out-of-town High Court judges won’t be brought in during a busy week which has already prompted warnings about traffic snarl-ups.
At Furnace Steakhouse in the CBD it’s all hands on deck, with a wagyu steak at Furnace being cooked by head chef Matt Gemmell.
Welcome to Beeji Food and Desserts — Hamilton Central
At the heart of Hamilton Central, Beeji Food and Desserts stands as New Zealand’s premier pure vegetarian and vegan-friendly Indian boutique restaurant. They take pride in offering an authentic culinary experience, staying true to the rich flavors, traditions, and diversity of Indian cuisine.
Their carefully curated menu showcases a wide range of pure Indian delicacies, thoughtfully prepared using time-honored recipes and the freshest ingredients. From vibrant street food classics to royal Mughlai dishes, and from wholesome vegan options to indulgent desserts — every plate tells a story of India’s rich culinary heritage.
Why Choose Beeji:
Delicious Culinary
Live Music
Pop Up Stores
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!
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
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!
Tree registrations will close at 5pm on Saturday 15th November or until we reach our max number - so please get in quick!
The Trees at The Meteor exhibition will run from 10th-19th December 2025.
More info coming soon.
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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.
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!
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
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.
Held on the second Friday of every month (excluding December).
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.
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.
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.
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)
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
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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