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.

Made Hamilton

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

Soul Boul

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Place Hamilton
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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...

Rice Rice Baby

The bright pink and blue interior of Rice Rice Baby in Hamilton.
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When it comes to authentic Vietnamese fare, Rice Rice Baby in Hamilton doesn’t mess around.

The Green

High seats placed around a kitchen and bar area.
Place Hamilton
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When Chef Karl Martin-Boulton first shared his concept for The Green, people told him Hamilton wasn’t ready for something so innovative.

Rüdi's Bakehouse

People lining out the door at Rudi's in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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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...

Hello Rosie

Burgers and thick shakes against a white background.
Place Hamilton
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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.

Last Place Bar

Close up of a man holding a burger on a tray at Last Place Bar.
Place Hamilton
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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.

Lykke - Café and Homewares

A male staff member working behind the salmon coloured counter at Lykke cafe Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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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

Customers ordering at the counter inside Weave Eatery.
Place Hamilton
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Brought to you by Lisa and Brent Quarrie of Hayes Common, Weave Eatery is a café and catering business providing...

Scotts Epicurean

Close up of halloumi salad on a table at Scotts Epicurean.
Place Hamilton
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For a feast full of heart and soul, you’ll want to send Scotts Epicurean to the top of your brunching list.

Cream Eatery

An outstretched arm places a plate of bacon and eggs and hollandaise on the pass at Cream Eatery in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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From the legends behind cult-favourite eatery Winner Winner Chicken Shop comes a new venture sure to satisfy foodies from all corners of Hamilton.

Sentinel Café

Lighting at Sentinel Cafe in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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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.

Hayes Common's Lisa Quarrie on the Future of Hospitality and Adaption

A woman in her cafe posing for the camera.
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.

Café Kopi

Seating area at Cafe Kopi.
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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.

On A Roll

Dumplings in a bowl from On A Roll.
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On A Roll has clocked up a devout following of local foodies from all around Hamilton. The eatery itself is the embodiment of good vibes, whilst the menu will leave you salivating.

Dumpling House

Red hanging lanterns at Dumpling House.
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For hearty, authentic Chinese food, head straight to Dumpling House, a wholesome eatery serving up friendly vibes and even better dumplings. After operating for 12 years and opening two venues, this family-run establishment has truly made its mark on the Hamilton food scene.

Riverbank Lane

Looking down the lane towards the river.
Place Hamilton
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A place to meet, eat and drink, Riverbank Lane is home to a number of bespoke businesses that together create a charming difference to Hamilton's main street.

Finest Fit Outs: Hamilton’s Most Aesthetically Pleasing Spaces

A customer being served by a staff member at Cafe Kopi.
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.

Lovegrove Lane

Lovegrove Lane in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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Bring your basket, your yoga mat and positive vibes, and walk away charmed by Lovegrove Lane.

Punnet Eatery

The outside of Punnet Eatery surrounded by big green bushes.
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Nestled amongst fruit trees, herb bushes and shrubs, Punnet Eatery is a home away from home for visitors thanks to its homely interior, epic kids' playground and family-run ethos.

Bootleg Brewery

Two ladies ordering at the wood panelled counter with big festoon lights hanging above them.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A good ol’ bit of Kiwi ingenuity and a whole lot of hard work has created a watering hole in Matangi, made for locals, by locals. A couple of Hamilton mates came together with a love of home brewing and a bloody good tipple.

Casabella Lane

Sills and Co sign in laneway
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Casabella Lane is as enchanting as it sounds - but you’d miss it if you weren’t paying attention. This little lane between Barton and Anglesea Streets is bursting full of treasures, and with 17 locally-owned stores there’ll be something that catches your eye, no matter your interests.

The Chilli House

Family sat at a table in the dining area.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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This (not so) hidden gem located in the CBD of Hamilton is somewhere you’ll want to put on your to-do list if you are traveling to Hamilton any time soon.

Saigon Noon

Couple sat at a table at Saigon Noon.
Place Hamilton

Located in the bustling city centre Saigon Noon sits amongst unassuming cafes and shops, but it's one spot that's definitely worth the (inevitable) hunt for a...

Frank

Interior view of the counter and seating area at Frank in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Clean, polished and contemporary, there’s no doubt that plenty of thought has been put into the swish design of Frank.

Zealong Tea Estate

Hand holding tea leaves at Zealong Tea Estate, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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A tea estate worth its weight in gold.

The Lost Boys

Outside of The Lost Boys, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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A café tucked away in the back streets of Frankton.

Mr. Pickles

Standing in the entrance at Mr Pickles resturant.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A fancy yet cheeky bar and restaurant all in one, come here for your after work drinks.

Manuka Brothers

Barista busy behind counter at Manuka Brothers, Hamilton.
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A family business and cafe selling coffee beans roasted over mānuka wood.

Garden Place Noodle Bar

Busy lunchtime at Garden Place Noodle Bar, Hamilton.
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A cheap, cheerful place to grab a bowl of dumplings, steam buns and noodles all made by hand in the kitchen.

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.

Banh Mi Caphe

Two of the Banh Mi cocktails, one in a tall tumbler and one in a coupe glass.
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A visit to Banh Mi Caphe is going to transport you straight to the streets of South East Asia.

Brewaucracy

The outside of Brewaucracy, Hamilton.
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The headquarters for Hamilton brewers Brewaucracy. Come in to fill up a flagon or try their latest brews.

Grey Street Kitchen

Baked goods in the cabinet at Grey Street Kitchen, Hamilton.
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An East Hamilton community favourite.

Rocket Coffee Roasters

Entrance to Rocket Coffee Roasters.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A café and roastery that plays by it's own rules, Rocket Coffee really isn't like anything else.

Hamilton’s Sixth Generation Dumpling Maker on the Craft and History of Handmade Dumplings

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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.

Hayes Common

Interior of Hayes Common in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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This restaurant has large tables to fit the whole family as well as cosy nooks to curl up in with a cup of coffee and a good read.

Nivara Lounge

A gig in full swing.
Place Hamilton
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Well regarded as the ‘place’ to listen to live music in Hamilton.

Chim Choo Ree

Front entrance to Chim Choo Ree, Hamilton.
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An award-winning restaurant with a proud name for utterly delicious cuisine.

Space Cadet

Thunderbird figurines and toy spaceships on the counter at Space Cadet, Hamilton.
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A thriving cafe that feels like a retro holiday.

Anne Fern Coffee Shop

Flat white on the table.
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An unassuming, simple and stylish cafe.

Volare Bread

Board of custard squares at Volare, Hamilton.
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Bread worth trekking over town for.

Whole Heart

Worker tends to the products on shelves.
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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.

Gather Food House

Sweet treats on display at Gather Foodhouse, Hamilton.
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Presentation is key to the ethos at Gather.

Duck Island

Customers sitting inside at shared table.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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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.

Gothenburg

Barman pouring two rosés.
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Escape the city, come to the riverside and enjoy the best of Waikato cuisine at Gothenburg.

Wonder Horse

Cocktail in the making at Wonder Horse, Hamilton.
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The place for good chats, group hangs or after dinner drinks.

Good George Dining Hall

Bartender behind the bar at Good George Dining Hall, Hamilton.
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With a large outdoor area amongst the brewing tanks, Good George is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of beer in the sunshine.