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.

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.