Twelve hours in Hamilton East
In Hamilton East you’ll enjoy a much-welcomed dose of creative flair in the Waikato region.
From locally owned and operated icecream shops to fried chicken joints, vintage shops and hidden alleys of good finds, the area is becoming the Hamilton ’burb with the most personality.
MORNING Mavis and Co, 475 Grey St
From a stall selling freshly baked goods at the local farmers’ market, to a well known name around Hamilton, Mavis and Co is just one of three beautiful cafes in the group. Famous for its simple, delicious food, Mavis is a great spot for breakfast or coffee to kick off your day. Pair your brunch with a glass of bubbly, if you fancy. You’ll still find Mavis at the farmers’ market too, if you’re headed that way.
AFTERNOON Hayes Common, 33 Jellicoe Dr
For a delicious wholefood lunch, Hayes Common is the place to be. This is neighbourhood cuisine with flair, style and good taste. The menu is seasonal, with fresh produce and free-range products at its core. For a tipple with your meal, you’ll be well served, with a wide range of Kiwi and overseas wine and beer. Hayes is bright and warm with a distinct style sure to brighten your day. Visit on a Sunday afternoon for its vinyl sessions, Common Language.
Duck Island, 300a Grey St Duck Island is Hamilton’s premier icecream parlour, well known for its enormous variety of one-of-a-kind, inspired flavours. It offers a staggering range of icecreams, from popcorn, condensed milk and toasted marshmallow, to old-time Kiwi favourites such as mint chocolate chip. There are also a number of vegan options available. Served in a cone or pottle, you can tastetest a few of its 18 flavours before you choose.
EVENING Winner Winner, 439 Grey St
From Atlanta Georgia to Grey St in Hamilton, this is the quintessential Southern meal of pickles, ranch dressing and fried chicken. Winner Winner does American-style, Southern fried meals for lunch and dinner, seven days a week – free-range and fried in buttermilk, or grilled over a manuka wood fire. There are burgers, delicious sauces, gravies, and mac’n’cheese balls with Twisties dust. Look for the neon sign to show you the way.