The rise of the Tron
Hamilton has gone from strength to strength in recent years, and recent refurbishments and openings make the city an even more vibrant option for a domestic getaway , writes Brett Atkinson.
New places to eat and drink, a heritage hotel makeover, and interesting ways to discover the city’s sports history, arts, culture, and natural surroundings, are all reasons to rediscover Hamilton/Kirikiriroa.
Eat
The Bearded Weasel
Joining the menu of great eateries in The Riverbank Lane – also see Mr Pickles, Duck Island Ice Cream and Banh Mi Caphe – is this compact space serving ‘‘fricken good chicken’’. Partner fried chicken with a range of sauces (the chilli garlic caramel one is a definite winner), and choose from a concise menu of beers, wine and sodas. Cauliflower with a tamarind, sesame and coriander salsa is a tasty side dish, and daily specials could include lamb burgers, or the fusion mashup of cheeseburger spring rolls.
The Bearded Weasel, The Riverbank Lane, Victoria St, thebeardedweasel.co.nz.
Paddock to Plate
As one of 2020’s Beef+Lamb ambassador chefs, Tejas Nikam is the right person to open a new restaurant focusing on the best of local and seasonal produce from around the region. Entrees include duroc pork belly from Waratah Farms in the King Country, and Nikam’s skill behind the grill offers brilliant steaks, lamb, free-range chicken, and venison, all served with delicious sauces and sides, including potato ku¯mara hash, or twice-cooked chips with truffle mayonnaise. Leave room for the chai panna cotta dessert, made with tea from Hamilton’s Zealong Tea Estate.
Paddock to Plate, 186 Victoria St, p2pwaikato.nz.
Stay
Ramada by Wyndham and Sisterfields
In a heritage building dating back more than 140 years, the new Ramada by Wyndham is a classy and convenient addition to Hamilton’s accommodation scene. Its central location on Victoria St ensures easy access to the city’s best eating and drinking, while heritage features such as the building’s original brickwork combines with high-speed wi-fi and new fittings throughout. Downstairs, the corner location of Sisterfields includes a relaxed cafe, restaurant and bar. Eggs benedict with king salmon and capers on sourdough toast is a good way to start the day. Ramada by Wynhdam and Sisterfields,
287 Victoria St, sisterfields.co.nz.
Surrealist Garden at Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens’ collection of spectacular displays incorporating the design influences of Italy, China, Japan, and New Zealand, was already essential for visitors to the city, and the recently opened Surrealist Garden is a brilliantly perplexing and entertaining addition. Displays are constructed about five times the normal size, including giant gardening tools, and a massive wooden wheelbarrow. There are also fascinating designs channelling Salvador Dali and Alice in Wonderland, which are perfect for families and fans of Instagram.
Surrealist Garden at Hamilton Gardens, Hungerford Cres, Hamilton East, hamiltongardens.co.nz.
FMG Stadium Waikato history wall
From its opening in 1925, and big occasions hosting the Springboks in 1937 and 1956, Hamilton’s premier rugby venue has been an important part of the city’s sports scene. Rugby Park was redeveloped and renamed FMG Stadium Waikato in 2015, and its newest addition is an interactive 84-metre display wall, showcasing its history and development into a location for sports, business and entertainment events. Highlights include tuning in to radio soundbites from the controversial 1981 Springboks rugby tour, and grabbing a photo with a colourful mural of Waikato and Chiefs rugby greats.
FMG Stadium Waikato, 128 Seddon Rd, Frankton, fmgstadiumwaikato.co.nz.
Collections Secrets Tour at Waikato Museum
Highlights of the Waikato Museum, including an expertly carved waka taua (war canoe), make it
one of New Zealand’s best regional museums, and new behind-the-scenes tours provide an insight into a diverse collection showcasing the people, history, culture, and art of the region. The
45-minute guided tours take in areas usually offlimits to visitors, and include the opportunity to see important artworks, priceless Ma¯ori taonga (treasures), and learn about the museum’s techniques to help preserve a collection of more than 30,000 objects. Tours take place at 11.30am on the last Thursday of the month. When booking, specify your interest, such as art, culture, history or science, to ensure a curator is available. Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato,
1 Grantham St, waikatomuseum.co.nz.
The Doorway to Hamilton.