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.
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.
Hamilton’s Sixth Generation Dumpling Maker on the Craft and History of Handmade Dumplings
For Lei Wang, owner of Hamilton’s much-loved Dumpling House, making great food is how she shows her love and appreciation for the supportive community she now calls home. We spoke with her about her family’s history making authentic handmade dumplings, and she even shared some of her best tips with us.
Explore our Directory
View AllWild 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.
Get your Pocket Guide for Hamilton
Discover Hamilton's best places to eat, drink, shop, and more with our guide.
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.
Ernest Late Night Lounge
Ernest is the kind of place where you can go for a catch-up over a drink and end up staying all night. It’s welcoming, elegant and incredibly versatile.
Lazat Restaurant
Soul food is hard to resist, and when it’s Malaysian, well, consider our interest piqued.
HANRAD Bespoke Rugs
Seeing HANRAD as ‘just another rug shop’ would be your first mistake; the second would be not going inside.
Weave Eatery
Brought to you by Lisa and Brent Quarrie of Hayes Common, Weave Eatery is a café and catering business providing...
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.
Le Fleur
Add a touch of beauty to your day with a visit to the enchanting Le Fleur Florist.
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.
Café Kopi
One thing is for sure—only good things come out of Riverbank Lane. So it’s safe to say when Café Kopi found a home in this community, we were pretty stoked. The vibe of this little caffeine haven is pretty chic, to say the least.