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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.
You and your colleagues decided it would be good to meet for drinks and canapes at Sisterfields, located in the heart of the CBD, on Victoria Street, Hamilton. You joined in with the Party group that had gathered and everything was going well. You are mixing and mingling, and then an alarming announcement is made over the intercom speaker! "A body has been near the bathroom, and it is clear a murder has just been committed". The venue is put into lockdown, and everyone is asked to get into their own teams. Together you and your friends must hunt for clues, solve all the puzzles, and see if you can identify who the killer is!
Light canapes will be served on arrival, and you are encouraged to book for dinner o dessert after the game. A great setting with live music to enjoy the rest of the evening.
If your team enjoys Quiz Nights or Escape Rooms, you will love this special puzzle-solving event!
Matthew Cooper of Sport Waikato and Dr Jeremy Mayall of Creative Waikato met to experience Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha.
Active and creative activities have long been recognised as pillars of community wellbeing, fostering physical health, mental resilience and social cohesion.
The uniting features of these activities are found in newin-app experience, Te Ara Toi o Te Taniwha, an interactive animated guided arts experience developed by Creative Waikato in partnership with PickPath.
This unique creative experience takes participants through the city’s CBD, exploring local street art and cultural stories in a game-like mixed media format.
Walking from the river to the highest point of Kirikiriroa Hamilton CBD, it creates a fun way to incorporate active movement through a creative experience.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s so much to rediscover and enjoy. Start your journey with lovethecentre.co.nz, your ultimate guide to the best places to eat, shop, and experience in Hamilton’s central city.
Hamilton has a thriving arts scene, and it's just getting better and better all the time.
Opening night for the $80 million Waikato Regional Theatre has been pushed out to next year, about a year later than originally planned, because of a tight market for materials and other factors. However, the budget is still going to script and structural.
Hamilton has a thriving arts scene, and it's just getting better and better all the time.
This is the view of one of those who has been a driving force in local theatre, both on the stage and in the back office.
“Green tights and a big plant outfit” is where it all started for theatre-maker and Clarence St Theatre general manager Shaun Bugden while a student at Hillcrest High School.
The region’s leaders, canvassed on their key takeaways from 2024, have come up with some remarkably similar conclusions - and some great expectations.
Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said her main lesson from 2024 was to “to keep the optimism and positivity to get through the tough times ... As a politician it is important to keep a positive lens on whatever it is you are doing.
There is one thing I can’t forgive myself for after living 13 years as a JAFA - I didn’t know about Waikato River as a tourist destination.
I’d been to Hamilton many times before moving here. On a typical family trip, we would spend a morning at the Gardens and hop to Sichuan Style on Collingwood Street for their spicy fish fillet - a typical itinerary for many Auckland Chinese.
Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery celebrates its reopening with a jam-packed season ahead of amazing exhibitions and programmes.
After a six-month closure for extensive renovations, the Museum is ready to welcome visitors to their opening weekend’s ‘housewarming’ celebration to experience the improvements as well as the four new exhibitions alongside established favourites including Exscite.
Waikato Regional Theatre general manager Gus Sharp says the new deal “puts Hamilton on the map of the Interational touring circuit with a nail, not a thumbtack”.
A non-stop cavalcade of top international talent is now guaranteed for the city with the world’s biggest live entertainment company signing a 15-year lease to run the Waikato Regional Theatre.
The deal is with Live Nation, which operates top Auckland venue Spark Arena and, among other feats, recently brought Coldplay to New Zealand.
Hamilton’s civic Christmas tree is the largest of all the four main centres, and on par with them in terms of ratepayer funding.
Of Aotearoa’s four main centres - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton - the city’s tree stands at a whopping 27m to the tip of its star and is by far the tallest.
Back in 2012, former Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker was keen to turn the city into New Zealand's Christmas capital, but received a grinch-like response from some locals.
Welcome to Escapist NZ, Hamilton’s premier destination for immersive escape rooms, mind-bending puzzles, and a haven for board game enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or a curious newcomer, their unique blend of adventure and relaxation promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Immersive Rooms and Puzzles
Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with their meticulously designed escape rooms. Each room offers a unique storyline, challenging puzzles, and an immersive environment that will transport you to another world. Work together with your team to uncover clues, solve riddles, and escape before time runs out. The rooms are perfect for friends, families, and corporate teams looking for a fun and engaging activity.
Board Game Café
After your escape room adventure, unwind in the cozy boardgame café. With a wide selection of classic and modern board games, there’ssomething for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a strategicgame of Settlers of Catan or a light-hearted round of Codenames, the friendlystaff are always on hand to help you find the perfect game.
Retail Store
Take a piece of the adventure home with you from the retail store. They offer a variety of board games, puzzles, and escape room-themed merchandise. Whether you’re looking for a new game to add to your collection or a unique gift for a friend, you’ll find it here.
Visit Today
Located in the heart of Hamilton, Escapist NZ is the perfect place to escape the ordinary and dive into a world of fun and excitement. Book your escape room experience today and discover why they're a favorite spot for adventure and entertainment.
A game of wits and teamwork - find locations and solve cryptic puzzles to unlock secrets!
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Hamilton with Te Ahurei Māori Tourism. Founded by Les Tuteao, a descendant of local Māori teachers and storytellers, Te Ahurei offers an authentic and engaging experience that brings the history and art of the Waikato region to life.
Experience the Art and Stories of Hamilton on a captivating two-hour walking tour that highlights seven significant public artworks throughout Hamilton. Led by Les Tuteao, this tour intertwines local historical narratives with the stories behind each artwork, including Michael Parekowhai’s“ Tongue of the Dog” and the interactive sculpture “Tōia Mai.” These pieces transform the streets of Hamilton into an open-air gallery, showcasing the talent and creativity of local artists.
For more information and to book your tour, contact Les -tuteao@teahureimaoritourism.nz
Discover the heart and soul of Hamilton with Te Ahurei Māori Tourism. Your journey into the rich tapestry of Māori culture awaits.
It’s a chocolate lover’s dream at Theobroma Chocolate Lounge.
Located in the heart of Hamilton’s CBD, the chocolate themed cafe sells creamy Belgian chocolate delights, from gourmet hot chocolates to bite sized chocolate ducks and fish.
Surrounded by sugary delights every day, owner Ian Roberts-Thomson said his favourite part of the job isn’t the chocolate, but the look of delight he sees on customers’ faces.
Their bestseller is a traditional Belgian hot chocolate.
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Find out what's on in central city in May!
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)
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.
Basketball fans won’t want to miss the Trans-Tasman Throwdown, an electrifying basketball series featuring Australia’s Boomers vs. New Zealand’s Tall Blacks and the 2degrees Tall Ferns vs. the Opals. This high-energy event rekindles one of the fiercest rivalries in international sports, as Australia and New Zealand battle it out across three exciting games.
This is a unique opportunity to see both countries’ national basketball teams in action on their home turf. It’s the first time the Boomers have played the Tall Blacks in Australia since 2021, and nearly ten years since the Tall Blacks hosted the Boomers in New Zealand.
The Opals and 2degrees Tall Ferns will face off after an intense 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup bronze medal match, where Australia narrowly defeated New Zealand. This will be the Tall Ferns’ first home game in over five years and the first time the Opals have played in New Zealand since 2015.
Don't miss out on this chance to witness some of the world’s best basketball teams compete live. Get your tickets now for this historic series!
Corporate Hospitality: Interested in an exclusive experience? For corporate hospitality options, email spoiltforchoice@h3group.co.nz
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
1st July -Saturday, 5thJuly, 10:30 am & 1 pm (10:30 am only on Sat 5thJuly)
A Hamilton-based festival for self-publishers of comics, poetry, collage, fan-art, photo essays and more.
Stall holder applications now open https://forms.gle/rsQMTGMFNKHmHoZq9
Renowned Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke has created a four course tasting menu to match four Whitehaven wines.Danny from Whitehaven will be joining us as our wine ‘tour guide’ for the evening, giving insights into the winery and the way that the chosen varietals match each course.
This event starts at 6pm and tickets are just $59 per person. To book, please email info@keystonebar.co.nz - make sure you get in early as there are limited spots available!
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.
A great line up of events on each month at Last Place!
The streets and laneways of Hamilton will come alive this Autumn as a line-up of incredible venues each transform into an Urban Cellar Door and host a winemaker for you to visit on a self-guided wine trail!
How does it work you ask? Simply decide which venue you'd like to start from and you're off! Choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines thanks to our incredible line-up of winemakers.
Guaranteed to sell out, the Urban Wine Walk promises a fun and unique self-guided wine tasting experience that you and your friends won't want to miss!
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.
Marlon Williams (Kāi Tahu, Ngāi Tai) is about to release his first Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, (out April 4th) and also announces an 11-date album tour of Aotearoa.Performing with his long-time band The Yarra Benders as well as some special appearances from some of the album’s collaborators, Marlon Williams will bring Te Whare Tīwekaweka to life across the main stages in our most illustrious theatre venues.
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