One of a Kind Finds in Hamilton
Discover one-of-a-kind finds for yourself or that special someone in Hamilton using our list of eight local luxury businesses.
Words by: Nicole Mudgway
Photos by: Anna Briggs
Once upon a time, and not so long ago, a trip to Auckland or overseas would have been necessary to find that unique piece of art or clothing or to have a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Not anymore - thank goodness.
These days, Hamilton has a ready supply of its own one-of-a-kind finds, meaning you don’t have to leave the city to discover your treasure. Unique retail experiences tend to be fuelled by passionate proprietors, and we think these businesses are no exception. Whether you’re searching for fashion, food, art or even a new method of commuting (yes, you read right), the passion and ethos of these small businesses, local to Hamilton, will no doubt inspire you. Treat yourself or a special someone, we all deserve it!
HANRAD Bespoke Rugs
137A Alexandra Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
At HANRAD Bespoke Rugs, each visitor is taken on a journey to find their perfect rug. Whether it’s art inspired or one of HANRAD’s in-house designs, each piece is one-of-a-kind, a customised piece of art.
The concept is truly unique: founder Barry identifies artists whose works would translate well into a rug design. He then collaborates with each artist to reinterpret their works into unique rug designs, still capturing the essence of the original art. The Hamilton-based gallery then displays the artwork alongside the rugs, providing the opportunity to also connect with the wider arts community. Whether you are enticed by the art, by the rug or by the experience itself, rest assured no two visits (or pieces) will be the same.
FOUND
MADE/401 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton
Marrying fashion with sustainability, Found brings a magic mix of second-hand clothes and New Zealand-made designer pieces to Hamilton’s Riverbank Lane. A boutique retail store specialising in vintage clothing and secondhand homewares, Found carries a number of different ethical brands.
Found is set out like a gallery to showcase each individual piece giving it the feel of an upscale designer shop. Shopping consciously and sustainably has become a way of life for many, so it's helpful to go to a store that endorses just that. It’s great for the wardrobe and great for the planet, so it’s no wonder we love it.
Soul Gallery
300 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Immerse yourself amongst local art at Soul Gallery, a celebration of purely New Zealand creatives. The modern art gallery was founded by Lisa Voigt, who had a vision to ‘create a haven where people could come to appreciate a melting pot of New Zealand art and design’. Her vision has become a reality, with the gallery showcasing a colourful collection of contemporary art, crafts and other treasures from both established and emerging Kiwi artists.
From paintings, prints and pottery to glassworks and jewellery, the whole gallery is a feast for the eyes and an exercise in restraint. It’s not hard to find a one-of-a-kind piece to suit everyone’s taste, so whether it’s a treat for yourself or a gift for that special someone, there’s plenty to choose from.
Electrify
371 Victoria Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Way back when Electrify predicted that the future of transportation would be electric, so they got into the e-bike saddle and have been pedalling pretty fast ever since.
The top of the range electric bikes in store range from city commuters and leisure rides to more serious numbers, including mountain bikes, and it's easy to find the perfect fit for what matches your lifestyle and budget. The expertise in store is unparalleled, and the friendly team will even set you up on a proper test ride (meaning more than just a lap of the car park) to make sure you and your new best friend are the perfect match.
True
302 Barton Street, Hamilton Central, Waikato
Linking Hamilton to the big wide world of fashion since 2017? Must be True. A boutique clothing shop that is well stocked with a range of beautiful, ethical European labels and well known brands such as VEJA, Yu Mei, Scotch and Soda and Assembly Label. And yes, those latter two labels are unisex; there is also plenty of stock to keep the gentlemen happy, including shirts, jackets and blazers.
New Zealand designers are well represented; Ingrid Starnes soaps and candles are just some of the beloved Kiwi made items adorning the walls and shelves. True is part of a close network of the region's retailers who pride themselves on fine clothing and goods, and it’s truly somewhere worth checking out if you’re after a stylish piece for your wardrobe.
Sisters on London
61 London Street, Hamilton Central, Hamilton
Founded by sisters and located on London Street, it’s no great mystery how this luxurious fashion boutique got its name. These days, Sisters on London is owned by Hamilton local Le, who operates with the intention of adding her individuality to the store. Carrying a range of timeless designer brands from New Zealand, Australia and beyond, big fashion names like Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Karen Walker and Miss Crabb fill hangers and racks, and there are bags by Deadly Ponies, The Wolf Gang and Status Anxiety too. If you’re after on-trend jewellery, a piece by Meadowlark or Stolen Girlfriends Club will likely fit the brief. Bright, colourful, feminine and quirky, there’s a lot to love about this fashion boutique with an ethos on beautiful clothes that are made to last.
Palate
20 Alma Street, Hamilton Central
Palate offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Hamilton, perched on the banks of the Waikato River. Leave the decision making to the chef by indulging in the seven course degustation with perfectly matched wines, or pick and choose yourself from the a la carte menu. Palate’s passion for pairing means the food and wine will always be a match made in heaven. The team is focused on minimising the carbon footprint of the restaurant, and encourages sustainable fishing and recycling whenever possible. High quality ingredients are sourced, always ethically and mostly locally, so traceable ingredients such as Clevedon buffalo products, Canterbury lamb and Raglan mushrooms are found throughout the menu.
Neat Hamilton Places
True
True’s range of beautiful, ethical European labels is carefully laid out and arranged to help you curate your look with timeless style.
Brewaucracy
The headquarters for Hamilton brewers Brewaucracy. Come in to fill up a flagon or try their latest brews.
Weave Eatery
Brought to you by Lisa and Brent Quarrie of Hayes Common, Weave Eatery is a café and catering business providing...
Sentinel Café
Sentinel Café is everything you'd want from your weekday coffee spot. Offering an expertly crafted menu, calming decor and even executive meeting rooms for hire, it’s the ideal place for a catch-up with colleagues.