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The kind of place that almost gives you the shudders it’s THAT beautiful, this Hamilton store goes on to prove that shopping at RUBY is always an experience. How to say no to those stunning long dresses? Those fun, bright shoes? The fantastic floral earrings? We say: don’t bother trying to refuse. A visit to RUBY is as much about topping up your wardrobe with some envy-inducing clothing items as it is about supporting a tried and true New Zealand label that has always stuck to its values.

The only one of its kind in town, this bright curated store is a gentleman’s space through and through. Beer crates are used as shelving, and an old arcade machine tucks in amongst the clothes, while the place itself is staffed by laid-back dudes happy to help you pick out your next piece.Hamilton local and store owner Blair, has more than ten years experience in the street wear industry and started his own version after seeing the continued demand for sleek, sophisticated clothes for men.

Trek ‘n’ Travel prides itself on the best quality equipment and clothing for tramping, trail running and travel - this specialist independent store is one of the last of its kind. Open since 1997, the Victoria Street mainstay has attracted faithful locals since day one and welcomes many Waikato out-of-towners through its door too. Store owner Colin spent time travelling the country before settling in Hamilton, and artefacts from his travels (and those of others) can be found perching on shelves around the store.

True is connecting the dots between Hamilton and the wider fashion world, with friendly service and a particularly sharp eye for warm colours, rich fabrics and high-quality clothing. The boutique opened in March 2017 as one woman’s dream to put some more goodness in this developing city and is now part of a close network of retailers who pride themselves on fine clothing and goods.True’s range of beautiful, ethical European labels is carefully laid out and arranged to help you curate your look with timeless style.

Sustainability is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment, and the small changes we can make to keep our country clean, green and free from pollution are paramount. To put it plainly: beating the heavy city traffic on a good ol’ electric pair of wheels seems like a bloody good idea. Enter: Electrify. Without even planning it, Dee and Dan Tairaki started their journey with electric bikes on “Car Free Day”. From the humble Kiwi beginnings of a marquee and a couple of bikes to a 200m² building, the popularity for e-bikes is growing as people come from all over for the team’s willingness to give honest and helpful advice (without the sales pitch).

We all know what it’s like to try on (what feels like) millions of jeans in a shop until you inevitably leave feeling frustrated and hopeless. Thankfully, Texas Radio is here to change that. This is a true denim speciality shop (there’s only a handful left in the country!). They carry as many as 25 brands - including the classic and coveted Levi 501s - so you’re sure to find a pair of jeans that suit your figure. The passionate and knowledgeable staff make you feel right at home while they get to work finding you the ideal fit for your preferences and body type.

This co-operative store brings together eight passionate collectors, each offering their own carefully curated collections to the community. From records and decor to rare memorabilia, there is a diverse and ever-changing mix of items for passionate collectors and curious shoppers alike.The idea for Fossick was born from a group of friends with extensive collections looking for a way to sell their items. By pooling resources and sharing responsibilities, they were able to ensure consistent hours in its first year of opening, one of the keys to Fossick’s initial success.

HANRAD is a creative space where founder Barry and his team work with their clients to create rugs that are truly unique to them. To some, rugs are just rugs, but at HANRAD each rug is bespoke, a work of art. The concept is simple: each client experiences an individual journey to arrive at the perfect rug, and whether it’s an art inspired design or one of HANRAD’s in-house designs, each rug can be customised to the ideal size, shape or colour.Barry’s inspiration for design stems from his love of art and, in particular, contemporary art. Previously based in Beijing for 10 years, Barry worked on exciting interior design projects, sourcing inspirational design solutions.

At the helm are Dida and Erin, two individuals whose love for florals is only matched by their knack for bringing people together. Add to the mix their resident mascot (a mastiff border collie cross named Boy), and you’ve got the heart and soul of a place that’s as much about the banter as it is about the blooms. Drag your eyes away from the creative window displays and the store’s aesthetic is a striking blend of untamed natural beauty and thoughtful design. Plentiful greenery cascades from wooden shelves and hanging pots, creating a botanical haven that feels calming to the soul. The choice of wooden accents and earth-toned decor seamlessly marries the store’s urban setting with a rustic, wild charm.

Here, you have permission to lose yourself in all things eclectic and colourful, celebrating the true meaning of New Zealand-made art, crafts and treasures.Founder Lisa Voigt’s vision for the gallery was to “create a haven where people could come to appreciate a melting pot of New Zealand art and design.” It’s safe to say she’s absolutely nailed that.Upon entry, your eyes are spoiled for choice, with a range of paintings, glasswork, prints, ceramics and jewellery (and much more) to peruse. You’ll spot favourites from established Kiwi creatives as well as up-and-coming artists.

Housed within the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is Exscite, an interactive discovery centre offering a vibrant and engaging learning experience. Exscite’s seamless blending of fun with education makes it an ideal destination for families, especially those with children under the age of 15. Exscite reopened in July 2024 with a whole new look. It spans two floors, each level providing a unique focus. The ground floor, known as Exscite: Home, highlights the role of science in everyday life, while the upper floor, Exscite: Taiao, draws inspiration from the awa (Waikato River) and New Zealand’s interconnected natural environment.

Their annual street art festival has been breathing life into the streets of Kirikiriroa since 2015. You can still find their early murals hidden down curious little laneways around the inner city, but recent years have seen them commissioning both local and international artists to take over iconic hero walls across the city. ‘Art everywhere, everyday’ is Boon’s vision in a nutshell. The crew at Boon are big fans of public art and what it can do for the people who live and work in that area.

If you just can’t face another treadmill, and the thought of stepping into a gym makes you feel sick—we hear you. For those who are tired of the status-quo exercise tropes, listen up: Hamilton is home to a boutique fitness studio that will shake up your next sweat sesh.Founded by competitive pole dancer and qualified AntiGravity Fitness Instructor Laura Lockhart, HIGH ABOVE is a fitness hub like no other. Specialising in both aerial and pole classes, working out here is all about getting fit through having fun.

Celebrate Matariki with us 20th June 2025 - 21st June 2025

Matariki signals the Maaori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

This year, Matariki will be acknowledged with two days of whaanau fun here at Te Whare Taonga. We're proud to be part of the Matariki Ki Waikato Festival with events across Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

Free entry.

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Find out what's on in the central city in June!

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This years Matariki weekend three Kiwi culinary stars are coming out to shine atHamilton’s award-winning restaurant, Palate. 

As part of Palate’s 20-year celebrations Chef and owner, Mat McLean has extended an invitation to a few of his mates.  The result – a night not to be missed with three of New Zealand’s best chefs.

Collaborations with other chefs, Mat says “are always loads of fun and great experience forthe whole team as they get to rub shoulders with some amazing chefs”.  Andafter a couple of decades at the top of the game, Mat says he feels privilegedto be able to call on some of the top talent in New Zealand.

Kai Whetu will see Mat McLean, Jude Messenger and Jeremy Rameka come together tocreate a six-course meal at Palate with carefully match wines by Palates ownLarissa Muller (Cuisine Magazine’s 2024 Sommelier & Wine Experience of the Year award winner)

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After selling out over 100 shows across the world, the team from 'Silent Discos in Incredible Places' is now coming to Aotearoa New Zealand.

As international promoters, they have thrown parties and held silent discos in, well, some pretty incredible places! Come along and be part of the global phenomenon right here in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

Expect three epic DJs playing all your favourite 80s tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of Te Whare Taonga like you've never seen it before.

100's of like-minded 80's fans singing their hearts out whilst wearing state of the art LED headphones where you can select between 3 different channels of music.

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22nd August 2025 - First session 6.30pm to 9pm, Second session 9.30pm to 12am

This is strictly a 18+ event. Valid photographic I.D. may be requested on entry. Please take it as a compliment if you're asked to prove your age!

There will be a fully stocked bar on site for the entire event.

Tickets from $55.44

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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.Come by and make a night of it with Open Late at the Museum!

Schedule

Wednesday 28th May: Dive into Ripples with Sasha from He Koniahi Story Circle.

Wednesday 25th June: A Matariki spectacular featuring a panel discussion on Toi Maaori.

Wednesday 30th July: Winter chill special.

Wednesday 27th August: The insider's guide to the National Contemporary Art Award.

Free entry.

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Find out what's on in the central city in May!

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Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s cult film and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan. The Toxic Avenger is a charming love story and laugh-out-loud musical that has it all: an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor (Courteney Mayall) and two guys who play… well, everyone else … bullies, mobsters, old ladies and stiletto-wearing back up singers.
Enter Melvin Ferd the Third (Alex Pelham Waerea), an aspiring earth scientist. Who wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the mayor’s bullies, (Bailey Lindsey and Marangai Wainohu-Savage)

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The French Film Festival Aotearoa is returning to Lido Cinema screens on May 28th With a gala screening of the wonderful, Monsieur Aznavour, followed by 3 weeks of the very best films that France has to offer.

Peppa Pig is back touring New Zealand for the first time since 2018 in her oink tastic stage show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and is a perfect introduction to theatre.

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Join Professor Penfold in his race against time to create a fantastical solution to the city’s rubbish problem!

With an impatient mayor breathing down his neck, an enthusiastic but clumsy nephew causing havoc in the lab, what more could possibly go wrong for the professor?

The Perfectly Peculiar Practice of Professor Penfold is a wonderfully wacky, and joyful experience for people of all ages – kids and parents alike!

Written by Scott Granville and Courteney Mayall

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1st July -Saturday, 5thJuly, 10:30 am & 1 pm (10:30 am only on Sat 5^thJuly)

For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton. Let’s make FMG Stadium a fortress! Get your tickets now before they’re gone.

The battle ends here. The final Test of the Lipovitan-D Series against France is more than just a game—it’s a statement.

For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton, so don’t miss the chance to witness history.

Wear the black jersey. Bring the noise. Make FMG Stadium Waikato a fortress.

Tickets from just $40.

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A great line up of events on each month at Last Place!

We invite you to join us for a night celebrating the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, as we present the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands – from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others

All the hits that defined a generation, and have been passed on for many more – all in one night, live, on stage.

Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound.

You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this howling good time.

Join us, a real-life travelling band.

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