Crikey, we hope you’ve got some room in your luggage, that’s because after trying some of the local Hamilton produce and goods about the place, you’ll be wanting to stack as many loaves, beers, beans and tubs of ice cream you can fit in.

Hamilton goods makers really are top of their game, and for a region based largely on agriculture, these crafters, makers and shakers are proof that this city is not content to simply be ‘cow town’ anymore. 

A growing city that has retained its small town feel in many ways, Hamilton goods makers are well supported by cafes and restaurants who offer their baking, beers and bite sized treats as menu items too. Grabbing a sandwich from the local? The bread was likely baked that morning by some fellow Waikato friends. The kind of products that have glowing reputations all round the country, don’t be surprised to find some visitors to Hamilton have come on a strict mission basis - ie. to find the best ice creams the region has ever seen.

Meet the Bakers: Ed and Ryan from Volare Bread

Two men smiling to camera.
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.

Volare Grey Street

The cafe counter Volare in Made Hamilton East.
Place Hamilton
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Volare has been providing the city of Hamilton with delicious baked sourdoughs and pastries since 2009.

Made Hamilton

People hanging outside Made in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Bars key icon. Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

Made has quickly become a must-visit destination in Hamilton East, being a hub of bustling retailers, foodies, creators and artisans.

Rüdi's Bakehouse

People lining out the door at Rudi's in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

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...

Manuka Brothers

Man puts coffee on table at Manuka Brothers, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Cafes key icon. Goods key icon.

A family business and cafe selling coffee beans roasted over mānuka wood.

Duck Island

Woman enjoying the ice cream outside.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
Goods key icon.

Offering a staggering range of ice creams, from popcorn to condensed milk and toasted marshmallows, this is the place to go to satisfy your next sweet treat craving.

Whole Heart

Plants and food on display.
Place Hamilton
Goods key icon.

Visit Whole Heart for organic vegetables and eco-friendly cleaning products, or simply to connect with other like-minded individuals striving to live a healthy life.

Volare Bread

Board of custard squares at Volare, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
Goods key icon.

Bread worth trekking over town for.