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Quality secondhand books adorn the shelves, and old singer sewing machines, typewriters and comfy leather chairs lend themselves to the somewhat nostalgic atmosphere. The books feel well-loved and well-thumbed, and the head high bookshelves will keep you entertained for hours.A particularly impressive display of craftsmanship is the towering bookcase located right next to the entrance, where the mystery remains as to what would happen if someone fancied a novel right at the top.

Hema, founded by master barber Liam, is not just another place to get a haircut—it's a sanctuary where the time-honored tradition of barbering meets modern sophistication. With a decade of experience under his belt, Liam has honed his craft in various shops, learning the ins and outs of what makes a truly exceptional barbering experience.

Now, he's brought that wealth of knowledge to Riverbank Lane, filling a gap in the market for a high-end, dedicated, and professional barber service. Hema, which means "to bevel" or "taper" in Te Reo Māori, perfectly encapsulates the shop's philosophy. Here, it's all about precision cuts, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality that sets Hema apart.

Located in an iconic building on the banks of the Waikato River, in the heart of Hamilton’s south-end cultural precinct, Waikato Museum’s varied galleries feature dozens of new exhibitions and public events annually.

This go-to is where you’ll find Hamilton locals grabbing their early morning Allpress espresso, unwinding with a long lunch (yes, there’s wine on the menu) or dropping in for a weekend brunch outing. TLDR; you can’t go wrong at Scotts Epicurean.Having been in business for more than 20 years, it’s no surprise the team here has café culture nailed. Relaxing, humble vibes paired with damn good grub = the recipe for success. Tucked away in a heritage building on ​​Victoria Street, you’ll be greeted with vintage windows, pressed tin ceilings and comfy leather booths that are perfect for lounging in.

This little lane between Barton and Anglesea Streets is bursting with treasures, and with 17 locally-owned stores there’ll be something that catches your eye, no matter your interests. Bit of a bibliophile? Poppies Bookstore has got you covered. Is fashion your forte? Sills and Co are NZ fashion designers with luxurious wardrobe staples in store, while Zebrano sources fashion-forward plus-sized pieces. If indulging in jewellery is more your thing, Midas Diamond Jewellers offers a stunning collection of ready-made jewels, as well as the option to customise one of your own.

This underground retro lounge is a shady haven of music, hosting local and international artists with a large stage, homely atmosphere, groovy lights and a dance floor.Well regarded as ‘the place’ to listen to live music in Hamilton, Nivara Lounge serves craft beer, wines, and a range of snack food for you to chew on while you listen to the beats on offer (they also sell old vinyls).

People rave about the friendly service, warm vibes and fun atmosphere. Hosting a range of musicians, Nivara Lounge also attracts visitors from far and wide, establishing itself as the hub of live music in the Waikato and beyond.

Sharing a space with the South Bloc offices and neighbouring the Hamilton District Court, Anne Fern sees plenty of professionals through its doors throughout the day. Rocket coffee is available to drink onsite, or you can purchase filter or espresso beans to take away with you. Hanging pots of foliage add a hit of green to the glossy wood panelling, and from the coffee jugs to the ethos everything here is sleek and simple.

Staff look super dapper in white tees and dark green aprons, but mixed with the cheeky marketing and menu, this place is proof that a restaurant can be both suave and easy-going all at the same time. Operating from an impressive island bar, pull up a stool and watch the talented bartenders strut their stuff, or take your tipple out to the impressive patio and watch the sun set over the mighty Waikato River. Feeling hungry? Mr. Pickles opens at midday, so you can perch here for lunchtime eats onwards. Designed to share, the menu is not a fixed thing but instead revolves around what customers want to see, and the waitstaff will cheerfully remind you that what works for you, works for them.

Come evening time the music is loud, the tables are packed and the atmosphere is buzzing. Appealing to young and old, dates, groups and solo eaters, tables and brightly coloured stools are packed close together, transporting you straight to street side South East Asia.

A licensed restaurant, there’s beer, wine and a seductive sounding cocktail list, as well as house-made smoothies and sodas.

Street-side on the ground level of the Parkhaven Building, Frank has both apartment dwellers and office workers for neighbours, resulting in a beautiful mix of homely and corporate feels. Get comfy on the olive green velvet booth seats, sip on a cuppa whilst gazing out the window, or dine al fresco in the little courtyard which captures a slice of the morning sun. From the gold cutlery to the smart retro water glasses, speckled salt shakers and the pastel-coloured serving bowls, small things add up to create a real vibe here.

For hearty, authentic Chinese food, head straight to Dumpling House, a wholesome eatery serving up friendly vibes and even better dumplings. After operating for 12 years and opening two venues, this family-run establishment has truly made its mark on the Hamilton food scene.Owner Lei Wang comes from a long line of dumpling makers—her great grandfather even made dumplings for the Chinese Royal family!

And lucky for Hamilton locals, she and her mum found roots in New Zealand, bringing generations of secret techniques and flavours to their restaurants on Grey Street and Bryce Street. It’s hard not to feel at home when you step into Dumpling House. Lei Wang sums it up perfectly when she says “over the years, customers have become regulars and regulars have become friends.”

Walking in to big smiles and greetings, Erik and his team work like a well-oiled machine to bring you an authentic experience of fresh, fast and affordable Vietnamese food, right here in Hamilton. Plentiful windows look out to the busy street corner, making for prime people-watching on the side of feasting on comforting dishes that transport you to the streets of Vietnam. Authentic Vietnamese flavours can get lost in the Western world, but Erik has made it his mission to revive them. And with 15+ years of experience in the food industry, he’s just the man for the job.

Having spent many years doing the market, festival and event rounds with their OG food truck, On A Roll have clocked up a devout following of local foodies from all around Hamilton. So, we weren’t the only ones who were pretty wrapped when the doors to their permanent Vialou Street spot opened in 2021. The eatery itself is the embodiment of good vibes. You’ll notice industrial cement blocks contrasted with bold feature walls and a larger-than-life tiger mural. Accented with warm wood tones, leather seating and bohemian lighting, they’ve simply nailed the aesthetic. Known for their flavour-packed take on Asian-fusion bites, On A Roll is a serious crowd-pleaser when it comes to dining out with the crew. Our advice? Sharing is caring, so order one of everything because we guarantee you’ll want to taste it allllll.

Relax and enjoy a 1 hour rejuvenating meditation suspended in an aerial hammock, while surrounded by the tranquil vibes of crystal sound bowls. This session will be guided by sound rather than verbal led meditation.This unique experience designed to relax your body and mind.Level: No aerial yoga experience required.What to wear: Comfortable warm clothing, no jeans, no zips or jewellery. Socks must be worn.Sessions run most Sundays with a Friday evening once a month.Limited spaces per session, online bookings are essential via HumantixPrivate group bookings available on request, email hello@highabove.co.nz to arrange24-hour cancellation policy applies for workshops.Due to the nature of this event, please ensure you arrive 5mins prior to start time, strictly no late admissions as this is disruptive to attendees.Cost $35 ppHigh Above use Antigravity hammocks which are specifically designed for purpose, each hammock is load tested to hold 450kg.

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Bottomless Brunch is every Saturday from 2pm.

This event is by reservation only.  

Cost $55pp

Your booking includes 2 hours of bottomless drinks service as well as any 2 share plates of your choice.

The full Bottomless Brunch food and drink menu can be found here.

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Celebrating 80 Years Running! Eight decades of community spirit, the iconic course, and shared memories!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history — grab Super Saver entry from July 7 and join the celebration

‍Register Now

Every year thousands of runners and walkers descend upon Hamilton City Centre for one of NZ's oldest and most beloved annually contested events, Lugton's Round the Bridges!

Established in 1945 by the Hamilton Harrier Club (now known as Hamilton City Hawks), Lugton's Round the Bridges started out as a road race designed to showcase some of NZ's top athletes, with past participants having included Barry Magee, Peter Snell and Dick Quax. Given its popularity, the event grew from strength to strength, eventually becoming the fantastic community event you see today!

Nowadays the event welcomes people of all shapes and sizes, from primary school students right through to running legends. With finisher's medals for every participant, on-course musical entertainment and thousands of fun-loving runners and walkers, Lugton's Round The Bridges offers an awesome day out which the entire family can enjoy.

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Step into the magical world of CATS – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical phenomenon!

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Hamilton Operatic Society’s production will dazzle audiences with a spellbinding fusion of music, dance, and poetry.On one extraordinary night each year, the Jellicle cats gather for the Jellicle Ball. Under the watchful eye of their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, one special cat will be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—and be reborn into a new Jellicle life.Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that has captivated the world. CATS – a night of magic, mystery, and unforgettable music awaits.

Sat 9th August 2.00pm show will have sign language interpreters at the front of the auditorium.

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Dates: 26th July - 9th August

Produced by: Hamilton Operatic Society

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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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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