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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.
Saigon ’60s was name after Ho Chi Minh city (a.k.a Saigon) back in the 1960s.
Saigon in the ’60s was the capital of American colonisation, vivid and culturally well-blended with international flavours. Taking the inspiration from that retro vibe, they have named their restaurant “Saigon ’60s” with the vision to cook not only the most authentic Vietnamese foods for Kiwis, but to also unique fusion dishes that can satisfy any conservative guest, who is taking baby steps into this dynamic cuisine. From a starting point in Rotorua in 2018, and now having their newest restaurant in the heart of Hamilton CBD. Saigon ’60s is an eatery destination which should not be missed by locals and tourists.
Some of their top selling dishes include Roast Duck Pho, Spicy Lemongrass Noodle Soup, Noodle Salad Grilled Pork and of course their Banh Mi!
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100% Vegetarian Restaurant!
Status Restaurant showcases the finest in Vegetarian, Vegan and Jain cuisine, complimented by an exceptional dining experience built on careful attention to every aspect of service, food, atmosphere and beverages selection.
Their goal is to create food that restores, replenishes and revives.
Status Restaurant is a place to be nourished by simply prepared Vegan, Vegetarian and Jain food that comes from recipes their families have been preparing for generations in India.
Warm, inviting interiors with a touch of Indian decor suitable for both casual dining and special occasions.
Menu dishes include:
Check out their menu for more options!
Book a table or order a home delivery or takeaway today!
Join the club and have access to all 'SEW'cial Club events offered throughout the year.
Check out the upcoming dates and book a single 'Sew'cial Club event.
Got a project you’ve been meaning to finish? This is the perfect chance to finally tackle those forgotten makes with a little motivation and support from fellow sewists.
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In 2024 design students from Aotearoa, Ecuador, Indonesia, Singapore, and the UK asked their elders: “If you could give one piece of advice to the people in your city, in 20 words or less, what would it be?" Their responses became over 120 powerful posters — with a curated selection now on show in the Hamilton CBD (Corner of Alexandra Street and Garden Place (by the Game Centre).
Check out the exhibition, vote for the poster that speaks to you the most, and you could win a framed copy!
The Vote & Win competition will run until 20thJune.
Two of Hamilton’s newest bridges have got “massive” international recognition, showing they measure up against projects including billion-dollar transit hubs.
Te Ara Pekapeka and the Taurapa pedestrian bridge, which connect Hillcrest and the future Peacocke development, got a special mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, placing them among the top 5% of global entries.
The international awards recognise excellence in architecture and design. Out of more than 3500 submissions, the Hamilton bridges stood out in the infrastructure category, placing them alongside mega projects like European train stations and billion-dollar transit hubs.
Waikato-based Mark McGoldrick from Harcourts Monarch Real Estate Hamilton was this week crowned Australasia’s top auctioneer, fighting off tough competition from Australia's heavyweights in the Australasian Auctioneering Championships hosted in Adelaide, South Australia.
One of three Kiwi’s in the Senior Division final, McGoldrick delivered a commanding masterclass in auctioneering, having earned a hard-fought spot in the final after first having to make the cut on New Zealand soil at the REINZ nationals.
“It’s been 10 long years, trying to knock these buggers off,” says McGoldrick, referencing Sir Edmund Hilary during his acceptance speech at the awards.
McGoldrick, already a multi-award-winning auctioneer and reigning LVD Auction Champion, delivered a masterclass in control, clarity, and charisma throughout the competition. Facing intense challenges designed to test even the most seasoned professionals, including complex bidding scenarios and curveballdistractions, his performance stood out among the five finalists at the iconic Adelaide Oval.
Hosted by the Real Estate Institute of South Australia (REISA), the AUSTROs are the most prestigious event on the Australasian auctioneering calendar, showcasing exceptional skill, speed, legal acumen, and performance under pressure. Harcourts Hamilton director Campbell Scott says his team has long believed that auctions are the most transparent, competitive, and effective way to sell property, and theirresults back that up.
Harcourts has outpaced thecompetition, calling more auctions in the past two years than all other majorbrands combined — proof they don’t just talk auctions, they lead them.
“This win highlights the world-class auction culture we've grown in ourlocal team. We’re delivering shorter days on market, unconditional sales, andstrong buyer competition for sellers,” says Scott.
“This isn’t just a win forMark, it’s a win for our clients, our auctioneering team, and every seller whochooses to list with Harcourts. We’re beyond proud of him,” he adds.
Trent Finlay, also a director of Harcourt's Hamilton said witnessingMark’s Adelaide performance under immense pressure was nothing short ofextraordinary.
“His meticulous preparation led to a moment that truly showcased the talent we witness every week in our Auction room. To have his skills recognised as the best in Australasia is a proud moment for the entire Harcourts family.
To add to the win, Harcourts NZ is celebrating a double triumph afterTama Emery, from Harcourts New Age – Papakura, took out the Novice Division.This clean sweep shows Harcourts has firmly cemented its place at the top ofthe auction world.
It’s been under wraps for a while, but the full “face” of the $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre can now be seen on Victoria St.
The last of the scaffolding shielding the old Hamilton Hotel façade facing Hamilton’s main street was taken down on Friday.
Passers-by now have an almost unfettered view of the newly-restored 102-year-old architecture.
Momentum Waikato communications and marketing manager Mark Servian said the scaffolding removal was a small but significant step in the saga of the theatre’s manifestation.
“I have lived in Hamilton since the mid-1980s, and Victoria St now looks better than at any time I have seen it in the last 40 years.”
Hamilton’s Central Business District (CBD) is undergoing a significant transformation, with several key buildings being refurbished and repurposed.
From the rooftop of 500 Victoria Street on a grey day, the view is still spectacular, revealing a city undergoing a remarkable metamorphosis.
Looking west, there is significant activity at the city’s tallest building in Ward Street, formerly known as the Government Life building.
It is set to become a $100 million Pullman hotel.
To the north, work is about to start on Norris Ward McKinnon House, while the former Housing Corporation Building on the corner of Victoria St and Claudelands Rd is bustling with activity.
Wellington-based Primeproperty Group, a private investment company, is behind the refurbishments of 500 Victoria and Norris Ward McKinnon House.
Property manager Richard Tait describes 500 Victoria as a tired building, once frequented by government, Telecom, and ACC workers.
“This is a building where we want to get tenants,” he says on a recent media tour, emphasising the goal of attracting new occupants.
Referring to these buildings as ‘old’ would be a disservice, as they were mostly built in the 1970s and 1980s and Hamilton has other more historic buildings of note.
Tait uses the word iconic for 500 Victoria, which is a stretch for the 38-year-old building, and landmark for the 1985 building at 711 Victoria St, which given its two top floor exterior balconies regularly attract attention from down below – onlookers always on the lookout for anyone standing on them – is apt.
Journey + Co, a gift and homeware boutique owned by Nikki Carlyon and Krystal Roughton, has doubled its growth every year for the past four years.
“We measure the growth by looking at what we’ve done the same week or month the previous year,” Carlyon said. “Those sales have consistently doubled if not more.”
For Journey + Co, the seeds of their success were sown during the pandemic.
The shop moved from Anglesea St to Princes St “a couple of weeks before the second Covid-19 lockdown”, co-founder Krystal Roughton said.
Discover the stunning collection of ballet gear and costumes designed for every dancer, from beginner to professional at That's a Wrap.
They offer a wide selection of:
- Leotards
- Tutus
- Shoes, including but not limited to ballet pointe and flats, character, tap, chorus, highland
- Tights, socks and stockings
- Hair accessories
Top brands with quality materials, craftmanship and comfort
With 40 years of experience in dance and theatre costumes, That’s a Wrap Ltd offer a diverse collection of costume pieces that meets a wide variety of fancy dress needs.
Visit in store to find the perfect fit for your unique expression.
While throngs of visitors take the 45-minute trip out of Hamilton to live out their fantasies in The Shire (each to their own), those who stick to the heart of the ‘Tron will discover local treasures that are – in our opinion – just as precious.
On any given day in Hamilton, a world of natural beauty, rich Māori culture, creativity, and delicious moments set to impress both first-time visitors and long-time locals. Wander along the banks of our country’s longest river, lose track of time in award-winning gardens, find great coffee or cocktails down unassuming alleyways, feast at neighbourhood gems, meet makers and artists, and be utterly enchanted.
Once you realise how much ground there is to cover in Kirikiriroa, it can be tricky to know which way to turn. So, we’ve consulted a few in-the-know residents to put together a locally approved list of the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore next time you’re in Hamilton. Spoiler alert: it ends with ice cream.
The Skin Spa is an urban oasis located on Alexandra Street in central Kirikiriroa, Hamilton. This quiet sanctuary is for people seeking a journey of relaxation and beauty – an exceptional spa experience to treat the mind, body and spirit.
For over 20 years, Skin Spa owner Kim Frandi has built a career that seamlessly blends artistry with business savvy. But the journey hasn’t always been smooth.
From early beginnings in Tauranga and Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, to becoming a business owner and weathering the storm of multiple lockdowns, Kim’s story is one of resilience, creativity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
For Kim, beauty isn’t just about looking good. It is about helping people feel better about themselves.
Her journey began in the early 2000s when she faced a choice for where to study beauty therapy. It was either an expensive school in Tamaki Makaurau or in Tauranga for a more balanced lifestyle. Choosing Tauranga allowed Kim to work part-time in a café while studying, providing her with a more manageable lifestyle at a slower pace.
She later moved to Auckland for further studies in electrolysis, along with mentorship from industry professionals. This set the foundation for a career that would eventually lead to business ownership in the late 2000s.
With a passion for beauty and a mind for business, Kim was prepared for the challenges of business ownership and the ever-evolving nature of the beauty industry.
For almost ten years, Kim continued to operate The Skin Spa out of the 2nd floor of the Alexandra Street building. When Kim shifted The Skin Spa into a street-front space in 2019, she was determined to create more than just a place of work. It had to be a space that resonated with her personality and creative spirit. Based on her experience in cafés and bars, Kim created a versatile area that offered a balance of openness and privacy, with both a welcoming reception area and quiet, intimate treatment rooms.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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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