For a long time, Hamilton was considered the kind of city one might just pass through on the way to somewhere else in New Zealand. But in recent years, the city has quietly been reinventing itself and now holds myriad hidden gems to be discovered. From sipping local drops at a cosy wine bar and sampling fine dining that celebrates Waikato’s thriving producers, to getting lost at vintage shops down hidden alleyways and marvelling at botanical wonders, Hamilton proves it’s a city that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Eat
SAGE
What started as a pop-up kitchen in a craft beer bar has now become a destination restaurant in Hamilton. Led by chef and owner Lani Lemaua, Sage delivers a dining concept that is centred on nostalgic flavours that are thoughtfully presented.
MR. PICKLES
Since opening in 2018, Mr. Pickles has quickly cemented itself as a hotspot in Hamilton’s dining scene. Located in the light and leafy Riverbank Lane and boasting gorgeous views over the river, the relaxed bar and eatery delivers an ever-changing menu of elevated shared plates. The talented team are also due to open Italian- inspired eatery Reggies later this year.
THE GREEN
Chef Karl Martin-Boulton invites diners to discover the stories behind the dishes at this elegant eight-seater restaurant. Guided by the seasons, sustainability and local suppliers, the chef’s six-course degustation promises a memorable dining experience.
DUCK ISLAND ICE CREAM
Now with ice cream parlours dotted around the country, Duck Island all started in Hamilton. Head along to the original outpost in Hamilton East and satisfy your sweet tooth with their inventive ice cream flavours.
RÜDI’S
Delectable treats are on offer at this artisan microbakery. Stefan and Fern Kelly-Zander draw from their years in France and the UK to craft sourdough and sweet and savoury pastries: the Nordic Knot bun in a must-try.
Drink
RAGLAN ROAST
Some of the best coffee in Hamilton is served up in the industrial district. Raglan Roast is a true local favourite. The small-batch roastery is located on site and you can often catch the roasters in action. Grab a flat white and fresh beans to take home.
WONDER HORSE
If you’re after a tasty tipple, Wonder Horse is the place to go. The talented mixologists know a thing or two about cocktails, delivering the classics alongside inventive twists in a stylish and intimate setting. Neat is another new opening from the Wonder Horse team, a part cocktail bar, part bottle shop located in the Made precinct.
ANNE FERN
This small and trendy café is a fantastic spot to get your coffee fix. You can also purchase filter or espresso beans to take away with you. Head along on a Saturday when they serve up delicious banana pancakes served with whipped cream, golden syrup and strawberry jam.
instagram.com/anneferncoffeeshop
LAST PLACE
While famous for its coffee, Hamilton also boasts top-class drinking establishments. Decidedly unpretentious, Last Place serves up the perfect dose of dive-bar charm, while delivering an impressive selection of craft beers and mouthwatering smashburgers. The bar regularly hosts live bands, DJs and karaoke nights, too.
BOOTLEG BREWERY
Is there anything more Hamilton than a craft brewery located in an old dairy factory? Located outside of the city in Matangi, Bootleg is an independent brewery serving up award-winning beers in a relaxed, rustic setting.
Explore
MADE
A new urban precinct in the heart of Hamilton East, Made is a modern market showcasing local homewares, boutique clothing and artisan foods from more than 40 vendors. It features The Larder with a baker, butcher and grocer; an upmarket food hall; and a mezzanine with boutique retailers.
FOSSICK
Pick up a treasure at Fossick, a vintage collectibles co-op. Hidden down Racquet Lane in the CBD, it stars an impressive collection of second-hand records, antique furniture and unique homewares waiting to be discovered.
instagram.com/fossickcollectivenz
HAMILTON GARDENS
A must-visit, the world-class Hamilton Gardens are a joy to get lost in. The Japanese Garden of Contemplation is a peaceful oasis, while the Indian Char Bagh and Italian Renaissance Gardens transport you to romantic other worlds. The Surrealist Garden is a weird and wonderful gem, while the newly opened Ancient Egyptian Garden invites visitors to step into the sun-drenched sacred lands of pharaohs. The Gardens are continuing to develop new attractions, including a Baroque Garden inspired by classical music performances and a Pasifika Garden.
RIVER TRAILS
The mighty Waikato is the beating heart of Hamilton and boasts an abundance of beautiful trails to explore. Pick up a coffee at Riverbank Lane in the city and go for a stroll, or hop on a bike and explore part of the 65km Te Awa River Ride. The section between Hamilton and Cambridge traverses tree-lined boardwalks and spectacular gullies, with plenty of coffee and snack stops along the way.
Photography: Hamilton and Waikato Tourism; Ash Muir; Stefan Zander; Shaun Jeffers Photography
