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.

Take your friends on an exhilarating adventure in a new reality and experience immersive entertainment together.Fight robots and dragons, survive a zombie horde, throw a virtual snowball, or even play Angry Birds!The choice is yours, only at Fun Zone.

The Laser Tag arena features state-of-the-art technology, with the very best equipment from Megazone and using the latest visual and sound effects to create an adrenaline fueled battle zone.It’s the perfect venue for team-building events, a great night out with friends or family. Ready to do battle?

Designed for any kids who have a basic understanding of colour. It's a great introduction to our games requiring players to solve clues, find locations, and best of all, get the opportunity to grab a free prize at the end.
Whilst it's targeted at 5 to 10 year-olds, the game can be enjoyed by slightly younger kids with assistance and older ones too! Get the kids outside, off devices, and into a bit of exercise. It's suitable for prams and strollers; perfect for mums or dads with babies and toddlers in tow. Grab a coffee en-route and enjoy helping your kids play! A 60 minute time frame is recommended.

The revelation comes from Sanjil Mistry and Pienaar Piso, who own the city’s current tallest building, the Mistry Centre in Ward St which towers over Centre Place.
It’s currently being transformed into a 191-bed Pullman hotel operation with beds over 12 floors, with several floors of office and retail space as well. Hotel opening is scheduled by the end of next year.
The revelation is the latest in what is rapidly becoming a hotel boom for the city.
Mistry’s and Piso’s comments on them looking at a second hotel came on Thursday in an interview arranged long before the announcement the same day that Auckland’s Templeton Group had gone unconditional on a deal with the city council.

Players will encounter a savage caveman surrounded by menacing, long-toothed predators including the wild Sabre-tooth cat and the giant woolly rhino.

Passersby on Hamilton’s Victoria Street got the first look at another section of the Regional Theatre’s new façade after scaffolding was removed on Wednesday.
The appearance of a fresh section of the restored plaster façade of the old hotel frontage is another visible milestone for locals and visitors in the ongoing construction of the 1300-seat theatre that promises to revolutionise entertainment in the city.
The decision to preserve the building’s neoclassical façade is getting the tick from people seeing it for the first time, who say it blends old and new.

The new hotel development from the Templeton Group will be a few shops down from Riverbank Lane on Victoria Street.
At around 100m high, it’ll be nearly twice the height of the Mistry building which is currently the tallest building in the CBD.
Riverbank Lane’s Kopi Cafe owner Dave Tourelle had a visit from the mayor and Templeton founder Nigel McKenna on Wednesday when they came for a coffee, and says he thinks McKenna will do a “really good job”.

Auckland-headquartered Templeton and the city council announced on Thursday they’ve struck an unconditional deal with the city for the land next to Victoria on the River and promised to create an Auckland Viaduct-style hospitality precinct linking to the river.
The deal sees Templeton pay $6 million for council property at 242-254 Victoria St, Adjoining property at 260-266 Victoria St will be retained by the council and used to expand public space.
The new building’s still-to-be-finalised 25-storeys could be nearly double that of the current highest city building, the 13-storey Mistry Centre towering above Centre Place.

The Waikato Local
Opinion: Vanessa Williams
Hamilton's central city is buzzing with activity, making it a prime spot for businesses and events to flourish.
Recently, Love the Centre and NAI Harcourts showcased the exciting growth happening in the area, with a development tour for the central city business community.
The tour kicked off at the south end of town with the impressive Waikato Regional Theatre.
This project is really taking shape, and attendees got a unique perspective from the rooftop of the newly refurbished Subway building at 159 Victoria Street.
The theatre, which is set to be completed this year, reached a milestone on March 3 with the removal of the last crane, dramatically altering the city's skyline.
For a striking view of the Hinuera stone- clad walls, auditorium structure, and the crowning Fly Tower, the theatre team recommends visiting Victoria on the River and looking upstream.
Next, the tour visited the redeveloped Westpac House at 426 Victoria Street, where attendees admired the state-of-the-art 'end of trip' facilities, including a fully equipped gym for Westpac House tenants, Tompkins Wake.
The tour continued to 500 Victoria St, across from Centre Place, where Prime Property highlighted their substantial investment in modernising this iconic seven-story building, enhancing its prominent status and offering stunning views.
The final stop on the tour was the tallest tower in the central city, where attendees learned about the Pullman Hotel development,which is set to be completed next year and incorporating a variety of unique offering for guests.
This exciting project promises to significantly contribute to the revitalisation of Hamilton's central city area.
These substantial developments give even more reason to Love the Centre.
Vanessa Williams is the general manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association
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The popular bakery has opened a new production kitchen next door to its original location, marking a major milestone in just four years of business.
The added space will help streamline operations and support the growing demand, allowing the team to focus on speciality products without the constraints of the main bakery.

Flex Fitness provide access to state-of-the-art equipment and expert advice, ensuring you have everything you need to achieve your fitness goals.
Why Choose Flex Fitness?
Staffed Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 10am - 7pm
Friday: 10am - 4pm
Saturday: 9am - 12pm
Join Flex Fitness Hamilton and take the first step towards a healthier, happier you!

Centuries ago, Genghis Khan’s warriors cooked their meals over fire on their shields as they journeyed to conquer the world.
Fast forward nearly a thousand years, and Hamiltonians are hooked on the sizzling flavours of Mongolian cuisine - minus the battle gear.

At Anytime Fitness Hamilton, their mission is to provide you with a total fitness experience designed to help you reach your goals. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t start and stop at the gym—it starts with a plan, which is why we offer solutions that incorporate fitness, nutrition and recovery to provide a 360 approach to your wellness journey. The first step begins with a coach, so contact us today to get started!
Their goal is to help you tackle anything that stands in theway of a healthier you, together. They know fitness journeys don’t follow astraight line, and our coaches are fluent in helping you get back on trackafter detours. They are ready to meet you where you’re at, build a customizedplan that works for you and keep you feeling motivated, strong and confident.
They’ve got everything you need to reach your goals fromcoaching to equipment—and everything in between. Enjoy a customized workoutplan, 24-7 access to the gym, squeaky clean surfaces and equipment, along with24-7 security to keep you safe while you make healthy happen.
See hours for staffed hours.

Calling all students and anyone who remembers what it's like to party like one. The Outback Inn is hosting Hamilton's biggest student New Year's Eve bash, with doors opening at 10pm on 31 December. Bring your energy, bring your friends for a great night. R18

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. Cosplay encouraged. 8pm-1am. Tickets $20.00 + $3.25 fees or $30 on the door. R18 event.

When you want to dance until your feet hurt (in the best way possible), House on Hood has you covered. DJs will be playing from 9pm right through until 3am. R20

Lucky Finns is throwing open its doors at 10pm with DJs Kellyn and Ric Rush on the decks, free entry, and drink specials to keep the good times flowing. Enjoy a fun night out with your favourite people. R18

New Year's Eve
Party kicks off from 8pm
Main Gaming Floor, Amuse Bar & Kitchen, Number Eight Bar
Get ready to shine, sparkle and dance your way into 2026!
This New Year's Eve, SkyCity Hamilton is turning back the clock with a full-blown Disco-themed celebration - glitter, groove and good vibes guaranteed.
Feel the funk with high energy live music from Groove Street and Gold Dust Divas in Amuse Bar & Kitchen and Number Eight Bar.
What's New Years' Eve without a little extra excitement? We'll be having cash prize draws at 8.30pm, 10.30pm and 12.30am, with $2,026 cash up for grabs at each draw - find out more here.
Dust off the sequins, bring your best dance moves, and let's celebrate the new year the disco way!
See you on the dance floor.
R20
Game Responsibly.

After taking Australia by storm, Pleasure P brings A Night of Pleasure to Aotearoa for the very first time! Performing his timeless solo hits and Pretty Ricky anthems live, this is the ultimate throwback for R&B; lovers — an intimate concert experience filled with passion, rhythm, and connection.
Powered by Titan Entertainment, the New Zealand run features nine cities across the country, delivering the full R&B; experience to fans from the South Island to the North.

✨ Proudly supported by Hamilton City Council as part of Summer in the City ✨
Get ready to celebrate the festive season with Carols in the City — a magical evening filled with live entertainment, delicious food, and the Christmas spirit right in the heart of Hamilton! 🌟
📅 Date: Friday, 19th December 2025
🕔 Time: 5 PM – Late
📍 Location: Garden Place, Hamilton CBD
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly night featuring:
🎤 Live Music
🍔 Tasty Food Stalls
🎶 Christmas Carols
🎬 Outdoor Movie Screening
Bring your whānau, a picnic blanket, and your best singing voice — it’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday season together! ❤️
🚌 Getting There:
Catch a free bus ride with BUSIT to and from the event — Hamilton services only!
Let’s light up the city with joy, laughter, and Christmas cheer. 🎅🎁

Supported by J.Tajor+ Richie Cattell
This December, DJ Noiz, Kennyon Brown and Donell Lewis bring their signature island sound for a long-awaited New Zealand tour, hitting Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland and Hamilton.
Known for hit records 'Senorita', 'Chill', 'Amelia', 'Island Girl' and more, the trio have become global ambassadors of modern Pacific R&B — blending smooth vocals, island grooves and soulful production that’s earned them millions of streams and loyal fans worldwide.Joining them on the road is special guest and viral superstar J.Tajor known for his hit record ‘Like I Do’.
Together, they promise an unforgettable celebration of Pacific music, culture and connection — a summer tour that captures the soul of the islands.Buy tickets via futurenowmusic.comDoors 7pm • 18+ Only • ID Required

Christmas Sewing Workshops for Kids: aged 8 - 16
A little Christmas magic for the kids - and a few free hours for you!
Thursday 18th - Tuesday 23rd December
9:30am - 12:30pm
Our School Holiday Christmas Workshops introduce kids to the wonderful world of festive sewing in a structured and supportive environment.
These beginner-friendly workshops cover the basics - from threading the machine to sewing achievable projects. ‘Getting Started’ is about learning how to thread and use the machine safely while sewing a simple project. ‘Master the Basics’ is building on their skills to sew other projects while learning new techniques.
Led by a trained primary school teacher and a skilled assistant, you can be sure that your child will have a memorable workshop filled with loads of learning AND a finished project.If your child has never sewn before then ‘Getting Started’ is a must, after that, they can sign up for any of the other kids workshops in any school holidays.
Included: All fabric, tools and equipment, as well as a hot chocolate and a snack from one of our local cafes.

Wriggle & Rhyme takes place during term time only:
Wednesdays, 10.30-11.00am, Central Library
Looking for a relaxed, fun group where you and your baby or toddler can enjoy music and movement together? It's time to Wriggle & Rhyme! Classes combine singing, movement and rhythm, in a way that will delight and stimulate your child. This programme is aimed at babies and children under two years, but older siblings are welcome.
During school holidays or other times we are unable to hold Wriggle & Rhyme, you can see our playlist of Wriggle & Rhyme videos to enjoy classes at home.
Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries.

Tuesdays, 10.30-11.15am, Central Library
Taking place during Term Time Only
Storytime is a fun-filled preschool programme tailored specifically for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. The programmes feature stories, songs, movement and interactive fun which foster children's literacy. Caregivers can bond with their children while enhancing their social, cognitive, motor and musical skills.
During school holidays or other times we are unable to hold Storytime Puaawai, you can check out Suzy's Book Corner to watch at home.
Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries.
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