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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.
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.”
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.
Dining Experiences
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
Timeless Jewellery Gifts
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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
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
It was cloudless skies and happy smiles as dozens of floats travelled down Anglesea St at this year’s First Credit Union Christmas Parade.
Hundreds of families lined the street to watch, wave, and cheer as the procession went past on Sunday afternoon.
For Teterina Ronald and her kids Selah and Zion, it was their seventh year enjoying the spectacle.
“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.
“So this is a bit of a family tradition.”
She said they enjoyed seeing the Chinese dragon and the Māori float.
“We also enjoy all the kids that take part in it and the dancing and the cheerleading as well.”
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.
Meanwhile, Suzanne Wong and Melanie Burr came to the parade each year with their families and friends.
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.
Hamilton’s favourite - and possibly least controversial - statue is soon to make a triumphant return to his traditional home in Embassy Park.
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.
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.
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.
Are you looking for reliable, comfortable shuttle rides around the Waikato region? Te Awa Shuttles, proudly operated by River Riders, offers premium transportation services tailored to meet the needs of tourists, locals and travellers alike. As a 100% mana wahine Māori owned business, they bring cultural authenticity and exceptional service to every journey.
Premium Fleet for All Your Transportation Needs
Te Awa Shuttles boasts an impressive fleet designed to accommodate various group sizes and transportation requirements:
• Luxury 12-Seater Shuttle – Perfect for group transfers, events, and tours
• Five-Seater Electric Ute – Environmentally friendly transport option for smaller groups
• Professional Drivers – All drivers hold TSL (Transport Service License) and P endorsement, ensuring your safety and comfort
What sets Te Awa Shuttles apart is their commitment to providing premium service while honouring Māori values and sustainability principles. The sleek black vehicles offer stylish transportation with professional drivers who know the Waikato region intimately.
This festive season looks like it’ll be a mixed bag for Hamilton’s hospitality scene - but one key player sees a $3.2b boost on the horizon.
With Christmas, and Christmas party season, kicking off the Waikato Times spoke to two of Hamilton’s key hospitality players to get their gauge on how the sector was looking.
Cook Bar owner and Hospitality NZ Waikato president Chris Rollitt was able to offer some Christmas cheer.
“We’re busy,” he said.
“A lot of workplaces start to do that social connection thing. You’re getting bigger groups coming out, wind-up functions. [They are] just celebrating getting through the year.”
Hamilton’s newest culinary offerings are preparing to step into the spotlight — and some of them have already taken centre stage.
Five distinct eateries and bars are set to open in the Waikato Regional Theatre precinct, with two already open to the public. Visitors can already get a bite to eat before washing it down with a drink at the newly opened Hamilton Hotel and revamped Wonder Horse bar.
Hamilton Hotel owner Mat Pedley, who is also behind popular local eatery Mr Pickles, said it was a “phenomenal” feeling to be opening in the new theatre.
He described the venue as “French meets New York bistro” inspired. The interior was designed by local firm Designwell, and features plush banquettes, large windows looking onto the street front and oak detailing.
Ballet fans in the Waikato will not want to be caught napping for this production.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet’s first official show at the new Waikato Regional Theatre will be Sleeping Beauty, which will tuck itself in for a three-day residency in November next year.
Featuring the music of Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the ballet’s story is one that will be familiar to almost everyone: A princess falls into an enchanted sleep after pricking her finger, but is eventually wakened by a kiss from her true love.
It was first staged in 1890 in St Petersburg, quickly becoming the second-most popular ballet in the repertoire of the Royal Imperial Ballet.
At full length it runs to a whopping four hours. Waikato audiences will be relieved - or possibly disappointed - they will be getting the more popular shortened version.
However it is still a big deal. There are 200 costumes - not including headdresses or shoes - and 32 dancers. About 60 people are involved in staging the show.
The Waikato Regional Theatre will become disco central on Tuesday, February 3, when British pop star Sophie Ellis-Bextor comes to play.
The Hamilton venue is one of only two on her just-announced tour of New Zealand - the other being the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch.
One of the biggest British artists to emerge from the early 2000s, Ellis-Bextor established her pop diva credentials with hits like Murder On The Dancefloor, Get Over You and Take Me Home.
Now with seven studio albums to her name. Ellis-Bextor’s discography encompases numerous genres, from dance-pop and folk to prog-rock and orchestral pop.
The London-born Ellis-Bextor grew up in a creative household, and took an interest in performing at an early age.
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