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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.
If you love art and puzzles, then this is for you!
Confinement Games and Boon Art is perfect for you! With cryptic directions and clues, find the art, solve the question, and move on. Learn about the artist, the artwork, have fun exploring the city, and discover artworks you may have never seen!
Choose which area you want to explore, grab your team, or go it alone. For groups, we recommend the purchase of individual games so that each player can have access to the app on their own device. This way players can read and play at their own pace. There is no minimum or maximum number of people that can play at any given time.
Can be played anytime with no time limit either as a team or an individual. Solve clues, find the art!
Matthew Cooper of Sport Waikato and Dr Jeremy Mayall of Creative Waikato met to experience Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha.
Active and creative activities have long been recognised as pillars of community wellbeing, fostering physical health, mental resilience and social cohesion.
The uniting features of these activities are found in newin-app experience, Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha, an interactive animated guided arts experience developed by Creative Waikato in partnership with PickPath.
This unique creative experience takes participants through the city’s CBD, exploring local street art and cultural stories in a game-like mixed media format.
Walking from the river to the highest point of Kirikiriroa Hamilton CBD, it creates a fun way to incorporate active movement through a creative experience.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s so much to rediscover and enjoy. Start your journey with lovethecentre.co.nz, your ultimate guide to the best places to eat, shop, and experience in Hamilton’s central city.
Hamilton has a thriving arts scene, and it's just getting better and better all the time.
Opening night for the $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre has been pushed out to next year, about a year later than originally planned, because of a tight market for materials and other factors. However, the budget is still going to script and structural.
Hamilton has a thriving arts scene, and it's just getting better and better all the time.
This is the view of one of those who has been a driving force in local theatre, both on the stage and in the back office.
“Green tights and a big plant outfit” is where it all started for theatre-maker and Clarence St Theatre general manager Shaun Bugden while a student at Hillcrest High School.
The region’s leaders, canvassed on their key takeaways from 2024, have come up with some remarkably similar conclusions - and some great expectations.
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said her main lesson from 2024 was to “to keep the optimism and positivity to get through the tough times ... As a politician it is important to keep a positive lens on whatever it is you are doing.
There is one thing I can’t forgive myself for after living 13 years as a JAFA - I didn’t know about Waikato River as a tourist destination.
I’d been to Hamilton many times before moving here. On a typical family trip, we would spend a morning at the Gardens and hop to Sichuan Style on Collingwood Street for their spicy fish fillet - a typical itinerary for many Auckland Chinese.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery celebrates its reopening with a jam-packed season ahead of amazing exhibitions and programmes.
After a six-month closure for extensive renovations, the Museum is ready to welcome visitors to their opening weekend’s ‘housewarming’ celebration to experience the improvements as well as the four new exhibitions alongside established favourites including Exscite.
Waikato Regional Theatre general manager Gus Sharp says the new deal “puts Hamilton on the map of the Interational touring circuit with a nail, not a thumbtack”.
A non-stop cavalcade of top international talent is now guaranteed for the city with the world’s biggest live entertainment company signing a 15-year lease to run the Waikato Regional Theatre.
The deal is with Live Nation, which operates top Auckland venue Spark Arena and, among other feats, recently brought Coldplay to New Zealand.
Hamilton’s civic Christmas tree is the largest of all the four main centres, and on par with them in terms of ratepayer funding.
Of Aotearoa’s four main centres - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton - the city’s tree stands at a whopping 27m to the tip of its star and is by far the tallest.
Back in 2012, former Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker was keen to turn the city into New Zealand's Christmas capital, but received a grinch-like response from some locals.
Welcome to Escapist NZ, Hamilton’s premier destination for immersive escape rooms, mind-bending puzzles, and a haven for board game enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or a curious newcomer, their unique blend of adventure and relaxation promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Immersive Rooms and Puzzles
Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with their meticulously designed escape rooms. Each room offers a unique storyline, challenging puzzles, and an immersive environment that will transport you to another world. Work together with your team to uncover clues, solve riddles, and escape before time runs out. The rooms are perfect for friends, families, and corporate teams looking for a fun and engaging activity.
Board Game Café
After your escape room adventure, unwind in the cozy boardgame café. With a wide selection of classic and modern board games, there’ssomething for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a strategicgame of Settlers of Catan or a light-hearted round of Codenames, the friendlystaff are always on hand to help you find the perfect game.
Retail Store
Take a piece of the adventure home with you from the retail store. They offer a variety of board games, puzzles, and escape room-themed merchandise. Whether you’re looking for a new game to add to your collection or a unique gift for a friend, you’ll find it here.
Visit Today
Located in the heart of Hamilton, Escapist NZ is the perfect place to escape the ordinary and dive into a world of fun and excitement. Book your escape room experience today and discover why they're a favorite spot for adventure and entertainment.
A game of wits and teamwork - find locations and solve cryptic puzzles to unlock secrets!
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Hamilton with Te Ahurei Māori Tourism. Founded by Les Tuteao, a descendant of local Māori teachers and storytellers, Te Ahurei offers an authentic and engaging experience that brings the history and art of the Waikato region to life.
Experience the Art and Stories of Hamilton on a captivating two-hour walking tour that highlights seven significant public artworks throughout Hamilton. Led by Les Tuteao, this tour intertwines local historical narratives with the stories behind each artwork, including Michael Parekowhai’s“ Tongue of the Dog” and the interactive sculpture “Tōia Mai.” These pieces transform the streets of Hamilton into an open-air gallery, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists.
For more information and to book your tour, contact Les -tuteao@teahureimaoritourism.nz
Discover the heart and soul of Hamilton with Te Ahurei Māori Tourism. Your journey into the rich tapestry of Māori culture awaits.
It’s a chocolate lover’s dream at Theobroma Chocolate Lounge.
Located in the heart of Hamilton’s CBD, the chocolate themed cafe sells creamy Belgian chocolate delights, from gourmet hot chocolates to bite sized chocolate ducks and fish.
Surrounded by sugary delights every day, owner Ian Roberts-Thomson said his favourite part of the job isn’t the chocolate, but the look of delight he sees on customers’ faces.
Their bestseller is a traditional Belgian hot chocolate.
26 September
31 October
28 November
Join us on the last Friday of every month (except December) for a relaxed morning at the Museum designed especially for whaanau with babies and pre-school aged children.
Enjoy a welcoming space to connect with others and explore the galleries at your own pace. We'll be in a different gallery every month and our friendly team will be on hand to answer questions and help you feel at home.
Whether you're new to Hamilton or just looking for a gentle outing, this is a great way to enjoy art and culture in a baby-friendly environment.
Join for one or both of the following practice sessions:
Monday 15 September, 1pm – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum
Wednesday 17 September, 3:30pm – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum
This joyful community experience welcomes singers of all levels to join together in song at waiata practices during September, culminating in a vibrant waiata nui (big sing) in the galleries of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum.
Join te waiata nui - the big sing!
This year marks a special milestone – 50 years of Te Wiki o Te Reo Maaori. To celebrate, we’re inviting our community to come together for Te Waiata Nui – The Big Sing in the galleries of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum.
Led by local legend and kaiako Harley Pitihira, this event is a celebration of music, language, and connection. Whether you’re a confident singer or just love to hum along, everyone is welcome.
The annual First Credit Union Christmas Parade is a must do Christmas experience for the young and young at heart. Come and join us for the festival fantasy as around 80-90 floats parade down Anglesea Street in central Hamilton.
This years’ beloved holiday parade features colourful grand floats representing the unique communities of Hamilton. Come and join us to see crazy characters, lively marching bands, dance group, ethnic groups, characters, amazing character balloons, and of course Santa Claus!
The Parade starts at the corner of Rostrevor and Anglesea Streets, travels down Anglesea Street, and ends at the corner of Anglesea and Knox Streets. The length of the route is 1.2km.
Get ready for an unforgettable night as we light up the Christmas tree for the first time. This exciting event promises a night of festive fun and dazzling lights! Join us in Garden Place on Saturday, 29 November, from 5pm to 9pm. We’ll have food trucks, various characters, face painting, balloon art and live entertainment! Don’t forget your picnic blankets. Stay tuned, the full programme will be available soon.
Join us at The Factory for Hamilton’s biggest Rock 2000 countdown party on Friday the 26th of September. This is the only place in the Waikato where you can enjoy the biggest rock songs of all time with a classic Beerfest twist. We’ll have a limited number of one litre steins (available with your favourite brew), free BBQ and spot prizes for heading down early. Entry is still free and doors open from 3pm
Saddle up, Cowboys and Cowgirls!
Get ready for The Country Superstars Experience, where the spirit of the Wild West meets the best of country music!
Join us for a boot-stompin', hat-tippin' party like no other, as Rodeo Rhythms brings you the ultimate country extravaganza!
Dust off your cowboy boots and two-step your way to our ranch for a night of dancing under the stars to the biggest country anthems from the decades! 
Featuring a live band alongside Morgan Wallen & Luke Combs Tribute.
Experience the magic of live performances, DJ sets, and dancers as they bring the hits of legends like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Shania Twain to life, alongside modern favorites from Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Taylor Swift!
Wing Valley Productions brings Outside In
Seven women navigate their lives and themselves inside prison, trying to manage how much the outside seeps in. As a new inmate arrives and another prepares to leave, the cracks appear in a dangerously-thin veneer of order.
Beaton created the script out of “…a desire to create roles for women where they are seen as the subject and not the object”.
Playmarket describes it as, “Brutal, funny and at heart, a love story…. an intensely honest portrayal of seven women’s lives within the hostile world of prison.”
24th September, 2025 (Wed) 2:00pm
24th September, 2025 (Wed) 6:00pm
Coming to Hamilton in the September school holidays, New Zealand’s own ‘Circus of Illusion Magic Show’. 90 minutes of fast-paced family entertainment!
Featuring New Zealand’s premiere Illusionist Andre Vegas and Company performing large-scale mind-blowing illusions. Special guest artist, Joel Fenton, known as Cirque Stuntman. With a mix of comedy and audience participation see him juggle chainsaws and get sucked inside a giant balloon.
Witness the incredible and stunning Nunya Bender. Presenting amazing aerial and contortion acts that need to be seen to be believed. New Zealand’s leading female magician, Felicity Rogers, weaves magic, puppetry, dance and theatre into her mesmerising original performances. Felicity will also turn the traditional gender roles in ‘magic’ upside down by sawing a man in half! Kids look out for Felicity’s son 11-year-old Leonardo who will present his very own illusion.
A theatre spectacular for all ages from preschoolers to grandparents and everyone in between.
The Hamilton Community Gospel Choir is a choir with heart, and is a wonderfully varied group from the Waikato Region who like to entertain and inspire our community with a contemporary range of music, mainly in the gospel style.
This September the concert will be full of fun, meaning and foot tapping melodies to brighten your Waikato winter, with a great variety of songs for all tastes. Songs will once again range from the following artists, amongst others: Mississippi Mass Choir, Chicago Mass Choir, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Faith Hill, Natalie Grant, Tauren Wells, CeCe Winans, Tori Kelly and the Waikato’s very own Te Rautini.
The choir has a great line up of soloists including Yolande Jooste, Debbie Shepherd, Christina Mellar and Sheena Smith, each bringing their unique style and sound.
We look forward to seeing you there, and leading you on a journey through our ‘You Will Be Found’ concert.
Join us for a day filled with colorful performances, authentic African cuisine, stunning artwork, vibrant music, performances and more.
Celebrate with us and experience the diverse beauty of Africa right here in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Entry to the event is free!
Experience one of the world's premier celebrations of Fleetwood Mac with Seventh Wonder. This electrifying show brings the full "Rumours" album to life, featuring classics like "Go Your Own Way," "Dreams," and "Don't Stop." This All - Star band mesmerizes with Fleetwood Mac's greatest hits including "Little Lies," "Gypsy," and "Say You Love Me."
As one of the most influential bands in rock history, Fleetwood Mac's legacy spans over 100 million records sold worldwide, with their 1977 masterpiece "Rumours" achieving over 45 million copies sold. Bloom's dedication and exquisite vocal talent ensure an unforgettable evening, honoring Fleetwood Mac's iconic sound and emotional depth.
Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness the magic of Fleetwood Mac's timeless music brought to life by one of Australia's most applauded vocal talents " Bloom", and her incredible band, featuring musicians from Jon English band, The Angels and more.
Described as "Sonically Perfect" and "As Good As It Gets", No other show comes close.
Enjoy an exciting evening of Pacific dance, singing and storytelling from the Students of Talents of the Pacific Academy – TOPA’s Enhancement and Development Classes.
You don’t want to miss this!
Don’t miss this 11 Piece Powerhouse band featuring internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, and many more MOTOWN Legends.
This amazing and uplifting show presents classic hits including: Reach Out, Stop In The Name Of Love, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, Heatwave, Get Ready, I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Dancing in The Streets, Uptight, Signed Sealed Delivered, You Can’t Hurry Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Standing On Shakey Ground, My Girl , Can You Feel It and many more.
The dynamic "all-singing all-dancing" band has performed at many sold out shows Internationally!
Watch the show videos and listen to the Live Recorded Album on the website:
www.dancingintheshadowsofmotown.com
Check out the YouTube Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZYL9NeZYRE
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