Discover Hamilton's best places to eat, drink, shop, and more with our guide.
Home to approximately 40,000 tertiary students and 1,000 PhD-qualified scientists, Hamilton is home to some big thinkers (and leaders – Helen Clark, former New Zealand Prime Minister and administrator of the UN Development Programme, was born here). As the country’s fourth most populous city, Hamilton is not a place to miss.
Originally, Hamilton was the site of Māori villages, and several på sites can still be found beside the mighty Waikato River. The river now shapes the city, highlighted with walk and cycleways along its entirety. If you’re interested in history, the local Waikato Museum contains a stunning amount of special heritage pieces including Te Winika, one of the best-preserved wakas - or canoes - from the pre-colonisation era.
Lovers of sport, great food and wine, and supporting local are woven into the fabric of Hamilton, and with plenty to be proud of it’s no wonder why so many people have made this place home.
One of the Locals: An Insider's Guide to Kirikiriroa Hamilton
Taking the crown of New Zealand’s fastest growing city, you’d be a fool to underestimate what this town in the mighty Waikato has to offer. 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.
Meet the Bakers: Ed and Ryan from Volare Bread
Volare (pronounced vo-la-ree) Bread was founded in 2009 by two school friends, Ed and Ryan, who saw a gap in the Waikato market for artisan baking. With a vintage oven, a worn-out mixer, and an old van, they embarked on a mission to create a bakery that would bring traditional, high-quality baked goods to the region. What started as a modest dream quickly grew into something much larger. Today, Volare is an award-winning bakery with five thriving stores and a growing wholesale business, capped with the honour of being the chosen bakery at the newly established Made Market precinct.
Nature’s Finest: Where to Find Beautiful Blooms and Green Spaces in Hamilton
In recent years, the riverside city of Hamilton has quietly blossomed into a place where sustainability and natural beauty walk hand in hand. Local florists and green spaces are not only offering a respite from the hustle of daily life, but they are also embracing eco-friendly practices that reflect the growing desire for a more sustainable future. Whether it's the careful sourcing of local, seasonal flowers or the use of biodegradable packaging, Hamilton’s florists are leading the charge in creating greener, more environmentally conscious businesses.
A Sweet Tour of Hamilton: Where to Discover the City's Best Sugary Treats
Hamilton’s underrated food scene is brimming with delicious discoveries to be had - on both sides of the river. We’ve rounded up some of Hamilton’s best sugary secrets, so if you’re after something to satisfy that craving, these are the spots you won’t want to miss.
Explore our Directory
View AllExscite
Housed within the Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery is Exscite, an interactive discovery centre offering a vibrant and engaging learning experience.
Dot and Winnies Eatery
Dot & Winnies is an owner-operated café situated in the heart of Hamilton, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and memorable food.
Fossick Collectables
Specialising in all things vintage, retro and collectible, Fossick has become a real treasure haven for unique finds in Hamilton.
Bamboo Sweets
Bamboo Sweets is an artisan chocolate shop nestled in Hamilton’s Casabella Lane, dedicated to crafting exceptional chocolates that promise to sweeten your day.
Get your Pocket Guide for Hamilton
Discover Hamilton's best places to eat, drink, shop, and more with our guide.
Grey Roasting Co
Grey Roasting Co. is Hamilton’s go-to spot for serious coffee lovers and casual sippers alike.
Volare Grey Street
Volare has been providing the city of Hamilton with delicious baked sourdoughs and pastries since 2009.
Brya Rose Art Studio
Nestled in the heart of Frankton, Brya Rose Art Studio has become a go-to spot for creativity and inspiration.
Madam Woo
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.
Made Hamilton
Made has quickly become a must-visit destination in Hamilton East, being a hub of bustling retailers, foodies, creators and artisans.
Soul Boul
Searching for a spot where your goals of health and wellness can be achieved without sacrificing flavour and taste? Soul Boul in Hamilton East’s Made is this place...
Wild River & Co
It’s rare for a store to blur the lines between floral studio and community hangout spot, but then Wild River & Co.
Rice Rice Baby
When it comes to authentic Vietnamese fare, Rice Rice Baby in Hamilton doesn’t mess around.
Boon Arts
It’s no exaggeration to say that Boon has redefined Hamilton's urban aesthetics.
The Green
When Chef Karl Martin-Boulton first shared his concept for The Green, people told him Hamilton wasn’t ready for something so innovative.
Hello Rosie
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.
Rüdi's Bakehouse
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...
Last Place Bar
If you picture a 1980s RSA (but cool) merged with an old-school American dive bar, you might land somewhere not too far off the vibe at Last Place.
