12 Hours Hamilton

Start the day right: on foot, by the river. A gentle walk along the Waikato River gets the blood flowing and the appetite quietly ticking over, with wide water views, birdsong and lush green stretches. Accessible via the city's bridges, it's easily reached from the city centre and offers well-maintained walking and cycling paths.

Cream Eatery sits pretty in the historic MLC Insurance building along Garden Place. From the moment you step through the door, you can tell that this venue has been crafted with care. Exposed concrete ceilings, terrazzo tiles and bright white finishes are thoughtfully designed. If you're initially distracted by the tantalising cabinet of sweet treats, we don't blame you, just make sure to check out the breakfast menu first, which includes their signature Luke's fried eggs, crisped to perfection in red chilli and paprika oil, served with red peppers and whipped feta on turmeric loaf.

A place to meet, eat, and shop, The Riverbank Lane is home to a number of bespoke businesses to explore. Fancy a hit of culture? Pop in to admire the exhibitions at Laree Payne Gallery, then head to the towering shelves of secondhand books at Browsers. Select your pastry of choice at Rüdi's Bakehouse and take a spot outside on Victoria on the River, a favoured spot for those looking to bask in the sun on the terrace seating overlooking the tranquil expanse of the Waikato River. Make a mental note of the night offerings for next time too: Mr Pickles at the back of the lane and Banh Mi Caphe, for a hit of punchy Vietnamese.

A true up-and-comer of the city centre retail and food scene is Barton Street. Down Casabella Lane, you'll uncover a number of independent offerings, including an award-winning chocolate shop, Bamboo Sweets, and great coffee, baked goods and toasties from Scran. Back on Barton, other notable mentions include Soul Gallery, True Boutique, Fossick Collectables, industry-renowned Rocket Coffee Roasters and Lab Brow Bar tucked down Bucks Lane.

It's time to head to East Hamilton, to one of the best neighbourhood spots in the country, Hayes Common. The eatery has plenty of seating options inside and out, and the menu features locally sourced fare updated with the seasons. If it’s too hard to pick, go for the beef bavette, their take on a summer steak sandwich.

No trip to Hamilton would be complete without a visit to Hamilton Gardens. Wander the living museum of garden design, where 4,000 years of civilisation unfolds across 18 themed spaces. Journey from Ancient Egypt to Te Parapara, Aotearoa's only traditional Māori garden.

With fingers full of green inspiration, you must now check out Lovegrove Lane. In this upmarket alleyway, boutique businesses sit side by side and offer you everything from local blooms and gifts at The Flower Crate, ink from Good Honest Tattoo, yoga classes at Sun Salute, framing needs at Framing House and coffee, fuelling the lane's laid‑back energy, from Space Cadet.

A short stroll from the lane and you've ended up at the OG location of the most loved ice cream makers in all the land. Duck Island has grown into a smashing success and is renowned for its imaginative flavours. Take a seat out front or across the road in Steele Park.

A bustling hub of retail, hospitality and creativity, this three-level precinct blends industrial edge with polish. Everything your heart desires can be found here. Explore takeaway eats and grocers in the Market, coffee and croissants at The Sheds, the Mezzanine for standout boutique shopping then we're off for global dining in the Mess Hall.

Reggie’s adds a bold New York edge to Italian dining, perched high above the Waikato River. This 180‑seat rooftop restaurant, complete with retractable roof, sunset deck, and secluded bar, serves a tight, ever‑changing menu of pizza and pasta made with Italian‑imported equipment, alongside gluten‑free, kid‑friendly options and a hearty steak for purists. Linger over generous tiramisu and a wine list curated to match every bite. It’s Little Italy with sky‑high style.

Neat at Made goes well beyond your average bottle store or cocktail bar, beautifully blending a boutique bottle shop, tasting room, and intimate cocktail bar into one stylish space. Neat is where every pour is backed by serious knowledge and an infectious enthusiasm for all things boozy. So, take a seat, and you might encounter rare bottles like a 50-year-old grain whisky, a floral 38-year-old Bowmore, or a single cask Springbank with decades under its belt.