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.
Neat in the Neighbourhood: Hamilton East
Hamilton East is a suburb brimming with a unique charm that effortlessly blends the old with the new. With its tree-lined streets and a palpable sense of community, this historic quarter offers a more laid-back vibe than the city centre while still pulsing with vibrant, youthful energy.
Hayes Common's Lisa Quarrie on the Future of Hospitality and Adaption
One of our favourite cafés in Aotearoa is Hayes Common. Occupying a prevalent corner site alongside a river pathway, Hayes Common in Hamilton Kirikiriroa optimises everything you want in a local neighbourhood spot; an inspiring fit-out with multiple rooms, outstanding food and coffee made with care, a well-curated and changing drinks list, appealing events, such as their Meet the Maker series, plus super lovely staff and owners who work their tails off.
Finest Fit Outs: Hamilton’s Most Aesthetically Pleasing Spaces
Hamilton may not boast the same abundance of hotspots as New Zealand's larger urban centres, yet it harbours establishments that stand in a league of their own. Here you’ll find some of the finest fit-outs in the country.
Hamilton’s Best Seats: Top Spots to Relax, Dine and Unwind
Hamilton's vibe is hard to pin down, but impossible to ignore. Emerging suburbs and hidden laneways lined with undiscovered gems paint the picture of a city undergoing an evolving urban transformation.
Explore our Directory
View AllMade 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.
Get your Pocket Guide for Hamilton
Discover Hamilton's best places to eat, drink, shop, and more with our guide.
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.
HANRAD Bespoke Rugs
Seeing HANRAD as ‘just another rug shop’ would be your first mistake; the second would be not going inside.
Lykke - Café and Homewares
The Danish word Lykke (leur-kah) is used to describe the state of absolute happiness. It’s also the name of a café in Frankton owned and run by Malcolm and Juliet.
Weave Eatery
Brought to you by Lisa and Brent Quarrie of Hayes Common, Weave Eatery is a café and catering business providing...
Cream Eatery
From the legends behind cult-favourite eatery Winner Winner Chicken Shop comes a new venture sure to satisfy foodies from all corners of Hamilton.
Scotts Epicurean
For a feast full of heart and soul, you’ll want to send Scotts Epicurean to the top of your brunching list.
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.
Le Fleur
Add a touch of beauty to your day with a visit to the enchanting Le Fleur Florist.
Soul Gallery
If you’re in need of a dose of inspiration, hightail it to the creative and cheerful Soul Gallery over on Barton Street. Here, you have permission to lose yourself in all things eclectic and colourful, celebrating the true meaning of New Zealand-made art, crafts and treasures.