Explore

Hamilton’s vibe is hard to pin down, but impossible to ignore. Emerging suburbs and hidden laneways lined with undiscovered gems paint the picture of a city undergoing an evolving urban transformation.

At every corner, this unassuming city surprises those who take the time to look beyond the surface. With cosy bars tucked away from the main drag, breathtaking gardens that transport you to another time, and serene river views, there’s a bit of everything. Whether you’re up for a well-crafted cocktail, keen to uncover your next read, or just want to bask in the sun by the river, we’ve uncovered the best seats in the city for all of the above.

Whether you prefer small, intimate settings or large entertainment spaces that can host over 1,000 people, our city centre has itall. Enjoy performances from both local and international artists at these venues.

Last Place Bar – 54 Collingwood Street

A vibrant spot known for its great atmosphere, tasty food, and a solid line up of gigs two to three evenings each week. Also known to have one of the most extensive beer menus in the city. Check out the What’s On page of their website to find upcoming gigs.
lastplacedivebar.co.nz

Nivara Lounge – 266 Victoria Street

An underground retro lounge with a great live music line up each month of both local and touring musicians. Keep an eye on their Facebook page and Event Finda to keep up to date with what’s coming up.
nivaralounge.com

The Factory – 28 Alexandra Street

The Factory is a large entertainment venue that hosts a widerange of concerts and gigs, featuring both local and international artists. Find out what’s coming up on their website and social pages.
thefactoryhamilton.co.nz

Biddy Mulligans -17b Hood Street

Biddy Mulligan’s is Hamilton’s only authentic Irish pub! A great spot to go for live music from Monday to Sunday along with their great pub food and Guiness. Hamilton Blues Society Blues are at Biddy's every Sunday afternoon from 3pm.
biddyshamilton.com‍

It’s not often you’d think to send a postcard while travelling to someone at a retail shop back home, but for visitors to Colin’s store, that feels like exactly the right thing to do.

An outdoor enthusiast in every sense, we grab Colin Hancock, owner and operator of Trek ‘n Travel, to hear some tales of what it’s like to live in the ‘gateway of adventure’.

It’s not often you’d think to send a postcard while travelling to someone at a retail shop back home, but for visitors to Colin’s store, that feels like exactly the right thing to do.

An outdoor enthusiast in every sense, we grab Colin Hancock, owner and operator of Trek ‘n Travel, to hear some tales of what it’s like to live in the ‘gateway of adventure’.

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There are few better ways to feed your spirit than a day spent exploring Hamilton’s best boutiques and galleries. Slinging the works and wares of Kiwi artisans, you’re sure to stumble upon some inspiration and quality goods. From conscious fashion and homewares stores to traditional and modern galleries, here’s how to get your creative fix in Hamilton.

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True

302 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Waikato

True focuses on ‘unique designs, ethical production and elevated quality.’ This boils down to respect for the highest quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship, ultimately championing clothing that moves us towards a more sustainable future. In short, they only stock garments from designers with reputable production processes. Here you’ll find international brands like VEJA and Bassike, as well as local names like Mahsa and Caitlin Crisp.

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Sisters on London

61 London Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

Get your global fashion fix in the heart of Hamilton, thanks to the stylish sibling duo over at Sisters on London. Slinging collections from the likes of Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Karen Walker and P.E Nation, you’re covered from head to toe with these designer threads. On the accessories front, you’ll find bags from Deadly Ponies and Status Anxiety, as well as jewellery by Meadowlark and Stolen Girlfriends Club.

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Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery

1 Grantham Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

For a taste of New Zealand history through Hamilton’s lens, book in time at ​​Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato. As the beating heart of the CBD’s creative district, the museum offers plenty of new experiences, exhibitions and events to discover. We recommend blocking out a whole day to unpack everything on offer across the themes of art, history, Tangata Whenua and science. From craft workshops to the annual Contemporary Art Award exhibition, there’s never a dull moment at the museum.

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ArtsPost

120 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

The heritage candy-coloured facade is your first hint that ArtsPost is worth the trip. Inside the former Post Office, you’re sure to uncover something new thanks to the ever-rotating collection of artists. Wind your way through three thoughtfully curated galleries, and you’ll be greeted by a frenzy of whimsical pieces like textiles, pottery, artwork and jewellery.

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Soul Gallery

300 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

If you need a dose of inspiration, hightail it to Soul Gallery over on Barton Street. Here, you have permission to lose yourself in all things quirky and colourful, celebrating New Zealand-made art, crafts and treasures. Founder Lisa Voigt’s vision for the gallery is 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.

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Laree Payne Gallery

286 Victoria Street, Hamilton

Ideally situated between Riverbank Lane and the Waikato River, it’s easy to drop by Laree Payne Gallery on any day out in central Hamilton. Gallerist Laree prides herself on offering the only dealer gallery in Waikato, with new exhibitions popping up every month. It’s all about contemporary Kiwi artists here. Works span engaging mediums like three-dimensional wall hangings, thought-provoking sculptures, and serene nature-inspired pieces.

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Ramp Gallery

111 Collingwood Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton

With more than 20 years in the business, Ramp Gallery is an institution in Waikato’s creative scene. Fittingly situated adjacent to Hamilton’s Wintec School of Media Arts, Ramp delivers an inclusive space for students and locals to soak up work by Aotearoa’s contemporary artists. From provocative large-scale installations to poignant yet powerful artworks, there’s no doubt this spot will get your creative cogs churning.

Spark their creativity these school holidays with our exciting Kids Sewing Workshops!

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 imagination and hands-on fun!

Included:

• All equipment and fabric needed.
• A hot chocolate and a Rüdi's Bakehouse pastry.

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Munchies recently opened in the central city and they are serving up delicious food and drinks all under $10!

Before the arrival of metal tools, Maaori made the tools they needed for hunting, fishing, eeling, and cultivating crops from the natural resources of their environment. An important thing to do during the winter was to repair and make new tools. In these workshops, tamariki will get to create the tools of our ancestors using everyday materials, and use them to complete various fun challenges.

‍Waka challenge - Central Library
Monday 23rd June 3:30pm – 4:30pm
It is written in history that Maaori were expert navigators of the seas. We give you the opportunity to experience the great voyagers of the past….on a much smaller scale.  

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In this activity, you’re going to build your very own waka (canoe) and race against your peers, navigating the stars to get to the finish line.

These workshops are suitable for ages 8-15.

Please note children under 14 must always be accompanied by a caregiver in our libraries.

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Over 30 classes per term, tutored by experienced artists with Fine Arts degrees and/or teaching degrees. Classes are a maximum of 8 students so you have a high quality experience.Workshops run from time to time at WSA and to book simply click on the Workshop tab to take you to any coming up.

Over 30 classes per term, tutored by experienced artists with Fine Arts degrees and/or teaching degrees. Classes are a maximum of 8 students so you have a high quality experience.Select the class you want to enrol into. The majority of the classes run for 8 weeks each term.

Children’s classes have all materials supplied. Adults classes have the first lesson’s materials supplied and then the tutor will let you know what you need to bring.

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An amazing range of activities for your creative kids to get stuck into these school holidays.

The WSA school holiday programmes have been running for many years now. They are tutored by experienced and qualified art tutors with no more than 8 students per tutor and a maximum of 16 students in total per day.

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These run from 9am to 12pm, Monday to Friday with every day having different activities for 5-12 year olds.

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1 July – Make a book, tell a story

2 July - Weaving with paper and fabric

3 July - Made from cardboard

4 July - Print day

7 July - Landscape painting

8 July - Paint a portrait

9 July - Kite making

10 July - Sea creature dioramas and pastels

11 July - Painting and making flowers

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Ages 5-12 years

Price $35 per class

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July School Holiday Programme

Learn to sculpt with polymer clay
1 - 4 July

Ages 12-17 years

Price $199

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Winter School Holidays = Screen-Free Fun! 
Tired of gadgets and restless kids at home? Bring them in for a cosy, creative time at our studio — it’s 100% weatherproof and 1000% fun!

They’ve had amazing little artists join them before — and they had an absolute blast!

Hand building with Clay – $40 per child. Shape, sculpt, and get messy with a lump of clay — let their imagination run wild!

Dates: 1st, 3rd, 8th & 10th July

Time: 11am

Location: Casabella Lane, Barton Street, Hamilton

To book email sam@potterystudio.co.nz

8th July to 10th July 2025, 9am to 3pm

Create your own puppet and explore storytelling with Ifat Vanyer from AIO Puppets. 

$45 per session.

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Learn about and play taonga puuoro (traditional Maaori instruments) with dedicated practitioner Koroheke Robb.

$45 per session.

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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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Do you want to party in town after the French test this July but you're worried everywhere will feel like a bit of a scrum?

Well you can “touch, pause, and engage” without any pushing and shoving at The Bank “Golden Oldies” After Party! That’s right, there'll be no pushing and shoving on our dance floor, just DJs inside, a live band outside, and a great crowd enjoying all the old school songs from the 80s and 90s that you know and love.

Tickets start at just $10 and numbers will be limited to make sure that everyone who attends has plenty of room to have a great time. So, if you’re heading to the French test in Hamilton this July, grab a ticket to the “Golden Oldies” After Party too, and we’ll see you at The Bank.

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Lugtons' Round the Bridges Super Saver Entry OPENS Monday July 7! Eight decades of community spirit, the iconic course, and shared memories!

Celebrating 80 Years Running

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

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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Limited tickets available - get in quick!

Hear from local colour-analysis expert, Chrystall Kerr from Colours to Keep

Opportunity to confirm if you are a silver, gold or rose gold

Giveaways and discounts

Refreshments provided

A fun event and supporting local business. Grab your tickets today!

$20pp

email enquiries@preciousmetals.co.nz or purchase in store.

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

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The Comedy Zone at Skycity Hamilton will host the best comedians from New Zealand and the rest of the world every single month starting this July!

Big 2 hour show on a Friday night featuring the best in professional comedy. The stars of 7Days, Taskmaster, The New Zealand Comedy Gala, Spelling Bee to name a fewWe kick off in July featuring international TV, Movie and Comedy star Josh Thomson.Josh has been a mainstay on local comedy shows like 7Days, Have You Been Paying Attention, was the regular comedian on The Project and was the champion of Season 3 of TaskMaster NZ. As an actor he’s appeared internationally in Prime’s The Office Australia, Netflix’s The New Legends Of Monkey, NBC’s Young Rock and local hits Good Grief, Creamerie, Wellington Paranormal, Educators, Time Bandits and the Emmy winning INSiDE.

Joining Josh will be 2024 Billy T Award winner, Lana Walters!Lana Walters is a comedian and writer whose standup has been called 'masterful mum comedy'. She has appeared on TV shows like 7 Days, The Project, The Comedy gala and The Great Comedy debate.Comedy Zone will be hosted each month by most recognisable hairy face in NZ Comedy, Ben Hurley.

Tickets from just $39 (+ $4.28 booking fee).

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

Get ready to celebrate Bastille Day in style at SkyCity Hamilton! Join us a night filled with French flair and festivities.

Indulge in a delicious dinner inspired by French cuisine, followed by a spectacular show featuring live music, Cabaret entertainment, and more!

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of France. Book your tickets now and join us for a night to remember at SkyCity Hamilton.

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Step into a world of wonder with Illusionist Anthony Street, in a thrilling magic show crafted to captivate audiences of all ages! Anthony, renowned as the creator and star of the world-famous Celtic Illusion, brings his unique blend of breathtaking illusions, mind-bending magic, and boundless charisma to the stage. Prepare to be amazed as he conjures impossible feats before your eyes, blending traditional magic with modern spectacle, creating an experience that’s both heart-pounding and heartwarming.

From larger-than-life illusions to mind tricks that will leave you questioning reality, Anthony’s show is packed with surprises and interactive moments. Watch as the audiencebecomes part of the magic, as you gasp in disbelief, and everyone shares in the laughter, suspense, and pure joy that Anthony brings to every performance. Don’t miss the chance to see this truly wonderful spectacle this July and August across New Zealand!

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An exhibition by Alberta Harmer, Edward Riwai, and Darren Wise.

He rangi tā matawhāiti, he rangi tā matawhānui

A person with narrow vision has a restricted horizon; a person with wide vision has plentiful opportunities.

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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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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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