Explore

In the heart of Hamilton’s vibrant Riverbank Lane, with its cosmopolitan Melbourne-like ambience, you’ll discover Rüdi’s—a micro-bakery that perfectly marries Nordic minimalism with artisan passion. The interior, painted in serene shades of deep blue and pristine white, resonates with a cool, understated elegance. Concrete floors contrast with warm wooden accents and fresh botanicals, creating a space that feels both modern and welcoming. After spending over a decade abroad working in other fields, Stefan (architectural and interiors photographer) and Fern (director in innovation) returned to New Zealand in 2021 with their young family.

Tucked away in a corner of Hamilton city is an enchanting little laneway that evokes the charm of Italy, with its pottery and art studios, water fountains, and curated gardens. This is where you’ll find the adorable pink facade of Hello Rosie. The tiny vegan haven is more than just a feast for the eyes, their menu is chock full of nostalgic comfort food that’s good for the soul.

Bamboo Sweets is an artisan chocolate shop nestled in Hamilton’s Casabella Lane, dedicated to crafting exceptional chocolates that promise to sweeten your day. With a commitment to using premium ingredients and modern techniques, Bamboo Sweets ensures that every creation is of the highest quality. The focus on small-batch production ensures big, bold flavours in every mouthful, making it a must-visit destination for any chocolate lover.

A few steps inside Harper Inc and you know you’re in dangerous territory... Dangerous because you’ll find yourself amongst some of the most beautiful contemporary fashion in New Zealand at the moment, where leaving empty-handed is a very hard thing to do.Proud to be a small family business, the mother-daughter duo involved are true shopaholics themselves and thought it only right to bring their passion to the streets of Hamilton. In the store, you’ll find a heap of products from well-known designers from NZ as well as across the Tasman.

Madam Woo is a beloved fixture in Hamilton’s dining scene, and for several years now, it’s been wooing its customers with far more than just its delicious food. Its central location, its modern but cosy ambience, and the infectious energy of the staff are the perfect ingredients to create an experience that’s going to leave you wanting more… and we haven’t even started on the menu. At the heart of every great restaurant lies great food, and Madam Woo is no exception.

Dot & Winnies is an owner-operated café situated in the heart of Hamilton, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and memorable food. Inside is spacious, comfortable and versatile, meaning it’s perfect for everything from large gatherings to more intimate get togethers.Its name is a heartfelt nod to the owners’ grandmothers, Dot and Winnie, both of whom were passionate about baking, cooking and all things hospitality. Their legacy of warmth and care is infused into every aspect of Dot & Winnies, from the smile and wave you receive at the door to the homemade recipes made with love.

A humming place due to the atmosphere as much as the buzzing machines, Flax Roots Tattoo is a Hamilton institution for those wanting to add to, or purchase their very first tattoo. Paintings, prints and sculptures plaster the walls from entrance to studio, and there’s no doubting the Māori influence here with proud depictions of the ancient art at every turn. Eclectic and creative, the space mixes a sense of mastery with fun, and it seems there’s truly no quirky design the team wouldn’t be able to do.

Tucked away on London Street, this store showcases designer brands from all around the globe as well as clever designs from our very own shores. Aptly named, the boutique was established by sisters Julie and Claire in 2008, whose love of fashion and individuality led them to open a boutique where other locals could visit, be inspired, and perhaps leave with a stylish new piece for their wardrobe. Big fashion names like Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Karen Walker and Miss Crabb fill hangers and racks, as do bags by Deadly Ponies, The Wolf Gang and Status Anxiety, candles by Damselfly, and jewellery by Meadowlark and Stolen Girlfriends Club, to name a few.

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).

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
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Party kicks off from 8pm
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Main Gaming Floor,  Amuse Bar & Kitchen,  Number Eight Bar
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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.

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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.

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Tuesdays, 10.30-11.15am, Central Library

Taking place during Term Time Only

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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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View a list of exciting events happening over summer in Hamilton!

Find out what's on in the central city in December.