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.
The Cut Hut offers individualised haircut services to all people and provides an environment that can cater to individual needs and sensitivities such as neurordiversity, LGBT, mental disabilities, and physical disabilities. This specialised service is called a "People Cut" and is a scheduled service with an experienced Hairstylist.
•Appointment (30 minutes) - $40
Includes consultation, "People Cut" & finish.
•Appointment (45 minutes) - $60
Includes consultation, hair wash, "People Cut" & finish.
•Appointment (1 hour) - $80
Includes consultation, hair wash, "People Cut" & finish.
Contact Lee directly on 022 479 6615 for any enquires or to schedule an appointment. Alternatively you can use the book now button on The Cut Hut Facebook page to request an appointment time
Payment options are cash, direct credit, or stripe payment (paywave only).
Please use the name and account number below with The Cut Hut as the reference
LEVIBLOOR T/A THE CUT HUT
12-3122-0411581-00
The Cut Hut is located at 12 Hood Street, Hamilton
When Charoenvach Suntronchatchavach and his partner took over Dora’s Café in 2023, it wasn’t just a new business venture - it was the continuation of a deeply rooted family tradition in hospitality.
For nearly a decade, the couple worked alongside Suntronchatchavach’s parents at the Jasmine Thai restaurants in Ōtorohanga and Taumarunui.
“It was six days a week, 10am to 9pm,” he recalls. “It was a bit too much for 10 years.”
Seeking a new pace and a fresh opportunity, the pair found themselves drawn to Hamilton’s city vibe - specifically, the little café his partner Pathitta Raksadee had grown fond of while studying at Wintec.
Every Sunday for the past 25 years, a mother and her son have walked into Scotts Epicurean and ordered the same dish.
It started with a one-week-old in a capsule, tucked beside her table. Now, that baby is almost 25, and their Sunday ritual continues - a weekly pilgrimage for a plate of aglio olio.
“Just yesterday, a customer sent me a photo of her with her one week old son in a capsule over there, and the son's coming up 25 now, and they still come in every Sunday,” says current owner Donna Ferguson.
The enduring love for aglio olio - the simple yet unforgettable combination of spaghetti tossed with garlic, chilli, parsley, olive oil, and parmesan - has become something of a legend in Hamilton.
The Crate Coffee serves up great coffee and a delicious range of sweet and savoury treats, all crafted with care.
Known for their famous cinnamon scroll, they're the perfect spot for a quality coffee break or a little something special on the go.
Friendly service, bold flavours and a welcoming atmosphere is what The Crate Coffee is all about.
They also have a name board out the front so if you see your name on the board it is your day for a free coffee!
A new wellness hub in the Hamilton CBD will soon have pilates, yoga, ice baths, meditation and massage all in one place.
O-Studio, at 18 London Street is under construction and will be run by ex-Black Sticks hockey player Brooke Hayde and her husband Cam .
The studio, in a building being developed by Stark Property, has a target opening date of June.
Get ready for a relaxing evening of candle-making and unleash your inner creativity.
Visionary Hamilton developer Matt Stark is putting more skin in the game and taking the city to new heights with a $100m-plus investment in the Federated Farmers block.
It’s the latest Stark Properties development, and Stark says the “well over $100 million” project is part of their investment in making Hamilton a “great place to live and work”.
The Waikato Farmer Trust announced the sale of its property portfolio to Stark Property on Tuesday.
The significant 12,094m² landholding includes the six-storey Farmer Trust building, existing tenanted buildings, car-parks and vacant land.
A recent deal between Tainui and a big US investor shows how Hamilton and its surrounds are on an economic roll say business and political leaders.
And others from outside the region are also knocking on the door, says the mayor.
Tainui Group Holdings’ agreement with major international asset manager Brookfield Asset Management is set to provide $1 billion-plus benefits for developing the Ruakura Superhub in a major boost for Hamilton, the Waikato and the wider country.
As vacancy across the CBD rises, a new kind of workplace is taking shape - softer, more flexible, and built around how people actually want to work.
Over the second half of 2024, office vacancy in Hamilton’s CBD rose from 7.2% to 9.0%.
While the numbers point to contraction - with occupied space falling by 9,300m2 in just six months - they also reflect a transformation in how and where people want to work.
Hot shot Hamilton property developer Matt Stark has scooped up the old Fed Farmers building in London Street.
Stark Property has bought all of the Waikato Farmer Trust’s property assets for sale on the site, a sizeable chunk on the west end of London Street opposite Seddon Park.
The Trust announced on Tuesday that they’ve sold their commercial properties which included parking lots, commercial properties and the 6-storey office building on London Street to Stark Property.
Known for its warm atmosphere and authentic flavours, this family-run gem invites you to slow down and savour the little joys of life—one crêpe at a time.
Whether you're craving a perfectly crisp galette filled with savoury delights, a melt-in-your-mouth sweet crêpe, or a golden, fluffy Belgian waffle, Le Rendez-vous delivers French comfort with a smile. The café’s menu blends tradition with creativity, offering something for every palate—from the curious foodie to the homesick Francophile.
Now offering dinner service on Thursdays and Fridays, Le Rendez-vous is the perfect spot to wind down your week with a relaxed evening of delicious French fare and friendly service.
Behind the counter is a passionate French family pouring heart and soul into every dish. With their welcoming spirit and attention to detail, Le Rendez-vous isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a place to connect.
Perfect for a cosy breakfast, casual lunch, or indulgent dinner, Le Rendez-vous is a local favourite and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hamilton’s culinary scene.
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.
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
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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10 Garden Place,
Hamilton Central