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.
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.
Cultivating Beauty: The Legacy of Hamilton Gardens
A mere few minutes from central Hamilton are the Hamilton Gardens, one of New Zealand’s largest city parks. Receiving upwards of 500,000 visitors to the Enclosed Gardens, and over a million visits to the open park spaces every year, it’s no wonder TripAdvisor considers them in the top one percent of travel experiences worldwide. Beyond the blooms and greenery at Hamilton Gardens, the gardens offer a unique journey through time, spanning the course of around 5000 years. Globally unique in its concept, the Hamilton Gardens showcase the evolution of garden design around the world. All the major civilisations have their own themed garden, offering a glimpse into a different culture at a point in time and its unique perspective on nature over time.
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.
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.
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.
Grey Roasting Co
Grey Roasting Co. is Hamilton’s go-to spot for serious coffee lovers and casual sippers alike.
Get your Pocket Guide for Hamilton
Discover Hamilton's best places to eat, drink, shop, and more with our guide.
Fossick Collectables
Specialising in all things vintage, retro and collectible, Fossick has become a real treasure haven for unique finds in Hamilton.
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.
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.
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.
