Templeton Group reveals design for Hamilton’s landmark $100m, 25-storey hotel

An intimate wedding shouldn’t mean compromising on beautiful details or timeless keepsakes.
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Love in the Loft is Hamilton’s newest intimate wedding experience, offering pop-up elopement styled weddings in the very heart of Hamilton. Nestled in an 1899 character building, the space is drenched in natural light with big windows, creamy white walls and high ceilings. There's something naturally romantic about it, you'll almost forget you're in Hamilton Central once you're inside. Intimate by design, there is a capacity of up to 10, including the couple and celebrant, which is the perfect excuse to keep your guest list close and intentional.
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As a wedding photographer, Shan has seen the big wedding budgets, the navigating family dynamics and the post-wedding blues. Some couples feeling like their day was taken away from them. Love in the Loft makes this moment all about the couple, and those closest to them.
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Our story begun when a recently married friend saw the potential in our humble photography studio, sharing that she would have loved an option to get married in a space like ours. Since then, conversations with celebrants, vendors in the wedding industry and couples has proven that there is a need for something like this. How special to bring something like this to our CBD, bringing in a little extra love and magic into the heart of Hamilton.
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This is for the ones who just wish they could run away and tie the knot, but don't want to go too far. The ones who want their day to feel like theirs. The ones who don't want to miss out on their dream dress or their desired honeymoon destination. Maybe even a destination wedding for those visiting from overseas.
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We’ve teamed up with some local vendors and this winter we're offering an all-inclusive package to make tying the knot this season easy and stress-free. Our Winter Launch Special includes the venue, registered celebrant, photographer, florals, styling and food and drink. Our team takes care of the details so you can show up looking your best, marry your soul mate, leave with a new ring and some gorgeous photos! All of this for $2,800, with July and August dates available now.
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We’ll also be opening our books for custom bookings, for those who have fallen in love with the space but aren’t ready to marry just yet.

All couples are welcome here.

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Palate – 346 Victoria Street

Celebrate Matariki 2026 with a Lunch on Sunday 12th of July featuring NZ Winter Truffles.

3 Course Lunch $95 per person

12pm -3pm

12th July 2026

palaterestaurant.co.nz

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Eat Burger – 346 Victoria Street

Celebrate Matariki with some good kai

This month, get your fried bread (He Paraaoa Parai) fix with our Roast Poaka Burger - juicy pork and watercress, with caramelised apple & kawakawa, and crunchy crackling, all encased in our house-made fried bread.

If you're after something sweet, grab a side of Fried Bread, served with maple syrup and butter. Yum!

skycityhamilton.co.nz
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Mr. Pickles – 298 Victoria Street

Mr. Pickles Bar & Eatery invite guests to observe Matariki with us, with a special menu curated to showcase our time-honoured favourites of kai Māori - spanning renditions of kai kōhua (boilup), kina, kōwhitiwhiti (watercress), pūrini mamaoa (steamed pudding) and of course parāoa parai (frybread)! From the 7th-11th of July.

mrpickles.co.nz

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Confinement 6 Sapper Moore-Jones Place

Locals Day 25% Off

10 – 12 July

Make the most of Matariki Weekend with Locals Day at Confinement! This weekend only, do any of our escape rooms and save 25%

Don't miss out and book your spot now!

hamilton.confinement.co.nz

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Hamilton Central Library - Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiriroa

Matariki Stars T-shirt Printing

6 July | 3.30pm – 5.30pm

Come along to the Auaha Makerspace at Central Library and print Matariki stars on your favourite dark-coloured t-shirt or hoodie!

BYO clothing item to print on. Cotton and natural fibres and dark colours work the best.

hamiltonlibraries.co.nz

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Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

Matariki at the Museum

Looking for a fun and creative way to keep tamariki engaged? Join us for our Matariki School Holiday Programme, featuring two unique hands-on experiences inspired by nature, culture and creativity.

Week One – Eel-y Good Fun!

6th & 8th July | 9am–3pm

Ages 8–14

$55 per child, per day

Discover the fascinating life of freshwater eels through science, art and play, then create your own unique soft-sculpture tuna.
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Week Two – Taonga Puuoro

13th, 15th & 17th July 2026 | 9am–3pm

Ages 8–18

$55 per child, per day

Immerse tamariki in music with a hands-on introduction to taonga puuoro and discover the sounds of traditional Maaori instruments.

Limited spaces available! Register online or at our front desk.

tewharetaonga.nz

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Winter days are made for getting out and doing something that feels easy, fun, and memorable. Across Hamilton central city this July school holidays, you can book hands on creative workshops, jump into family friendly shows, explore museum programmes, catch a movie for a great price, or settle in for cosy games and treats.

Plan a full day or just pick one highlight. Either way, you’ll find plenty happening right in the heart of the city.
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Get moving (and level up your skills)
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Soccer United (ATS Football Training Centre) | 443 Anglesea Street

One on One indoor training (1 hour sessions)

School holiday bookings are now open for one on one sessions focused on core fundamentals including agility, technique, and spatial awareness, with training developed in house and overseen by experienced coaches. Find details here: ATS Football Training

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Bowl & Social - 346 Victoria Street

With world-class lanes and stunning views of the Waikato River, it’s the perfect place to play, relax, and have fun. Follow Love the Centre socials for Family Pass bowling package giveaways these holidays.

‍Book here

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FunZone - Level 1 Centre Place, 501 Victoria Street

Pick your adventure! Endless fun, all in one place. Ice Age Mini Golf, Laser Tag, Escape Rooms, Arcade Machines.

Find out more here

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Running Grid - 126 Alexandra Street

New Zealand's 1st interactive gaming experience! Their mission is to combine the thrill of gaming with the excitement of physical activity, creating an innovative and engaging adventure for all ages.

Find out more here

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Big screen family time
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Lido Cinema Hamilton - Level 1 Centre Place, 501 Victoria Street‍

If you’re after something the whole family can enjoy, Lido is running three family movies across the school holidays, with a special deal where kids tickets are$12.50 and adult tickets are also $12.50. There are plenty of sessions scheduled across the holidays, and booking is recommended. See sessions and book here: Lido Cinema Hamilton

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Metro by Hoyts - Centre Place, 56 Ward Street

A great range of movies these school holidays including Toy Story 5, and Minions & Monsters.

Check out their Grandkids Movie Offer! Treat the grandkids to a day at the movies and save BIG with our Grandkids Movie Offer*. HOYTS Rewards members aged 60+ can enjoy one seniors ticket and two child tickets from $36*.

Find out more here

The Great NZ Toastie Takeover is back!

Go support your local. Eat. Vote. Repeat.⁠
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Participating Hamilton central city venues are:

Four Daughters - 198 Victoria Street (Smokehouse Cubano)

Joe's Garage - 6 Bryce Street (The Hambo)

Last Place - 54 Collingwood Street (Kimcheese and Pickles)

Wooden Spoon - 169 London Street (The Focc'n Buffalo)

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