What's happening in Hamilton

We aren’t fooling around! April brings exciting events, activities and more. There’s always so much happening in Hamilton. Check out what’s on below.

Your Neighbourhood – free event for the whole family

From live music, to face painting and getting the kids in the drivers’ seat of a digger, there will be fun for the whole whaanau at the free Your Neighbourhood event.

Held at Waiora Water Treatment Plant on Saturday 5 April from 10am – 2pm, Your Neighbourhood is a chance to experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of our drinking water treatment plant and discover the fascinating journey that water takes from river to tap. You’ll get to have a close-up look at the treatment process, meet the experts who keep everything running smoothly, and learn some surprising facts along the way.

Head along to learn more about Council and plans for the future of water services in Hamilton. Whether you’re a curious local, a budding scientist, or just love a good tour, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

Register for an exclusive tour of the water treatment plant at hamilton.govt.nz/nextforwater 

 

 Hop into Easter school holiday fun at Hamilton Pools 

There will be special Easter fun this April school holidays at both Gallagher Aquatic Centre and Waterworld.

Bring the kids along between Monday 14 April to Thursday 27 April for inflatable races, Easter egg hunt activity sheets, colour competitions, prizes, pool parties and more.

Slide into fun from 11am – 6pm during the school holidays (excluding public holidays) to take on the Waterworld hydro slides.

To check out the full school holiday schedule and activity times, visit hamiltonpools.co.nz

 

What’s next for water – Library drop in sessions

Find out what's next for water in Hamilton at one of Council's two upcoming drop-in information sessions.

Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council are looking to form a joint waters company called a Council-Controlled Organisation (CCO), and are hosting drop-in sessions where you can chat with the friendly team about the options and have your questions answered.  

Come and see them at: 

• Central Library – Wednesday 2 April, 10am – 12pm 

• Chartwell Library – Thursday 10 April, 5pm – 7pm 

More information is available at hamilton.govt.nz/nextforwater 

 

Explore autumn colours at Taitua Arboretum

With the changing of seasons, now is the perfect time to visit Taitua Arboretum, home to an impressive selection of mature trees spread across 20 hectares.

A five-minute drive from Dinsdale, Taitua Arboretum is open every day 8am – 30 minutes before sunset. Featuring lakes, woodland gardens, birdlife and ample picnic spots, all linked by a network of walking tracks, this scenic arboretum is perfect for a leisurely weekend stroll, family picnic, or a more active outing.

Those looking for a longer walk can start at Till’s Lookout on Melva Street in Dinsdale for great views of Hamilton and follow the path for a 30-minute walk to the arboretum.

Dogs are welcome within the arboretum but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Get directions to Taitua Arboretum here. 

 

Play, read and run at Te Kete Aronui  

Looking for the perfect family outing? Check out the playground and city’s newest hub library at Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library.

The play spaces are designed for kids aged under 12, and includes swings, slides, climbing and balancing equipment, while older kids and adults can enjoy the skate area and basketball half-court nearby. Inside, the library features kids and young adult zones, cafe, a community lounge, study/work areas and more.

This is the perfect spot for families to enjoy letting off steam before settling down for some quiet reading and a spot of coffee and cake at the library’s cafe – Chapter One. Make sure you add Te Kete Aronui to your weekend’s to-do list!

More information is here.

 

Pride Prints – T-shirt painting

Feeling creative? Paint the rainbow and other cool designs onto your clothes at Pride Print t-shirt painting sessions happening at the following libraries: 

• Hillcrest Library – Wednesday 2 April, 3.30pm – 4.30pm 

• Chartwell Library – Thursday 3 April, 3.30pm – 4.30pm 

• Glenview Library – Friday 11 April, 3.30pm – 4.30pm 

• St Andrews Library – Wednesday 16 April, 2.30pm – 3.30pm. 

Bring your own clothing to paint – fabric paint will be provided. A white cotton tee will get you the best results.

Register online to secure your spot at hamiltonlibraries.co.nz 

 

Art Inspires – School Holiday Programme

Inspired by the Museum's collections and current exhibitions, these hands-on sessions will expand your child’s knowledge of art and science through creative crafting techniques.

This school holiday programme is suitable for tamariki (children) aged 7-13 years.

Sessions are $45 (some booking fees may apply) and includes entry to Exscite for your child on the same day.  

 

Kids go free - Astronomy Photographer of the Year 

Have a stellar start to the school holidays. Grab free kids tickets to Astronomy Photographer of the Year for Saturday 12 April and Sunday 13 April 2025 exclusively. With more than 70 stunning images, you don’t want your family to miss out on this exhibition of the best photography in the universe.

There will even be a fun activity sheet that’s perfect for curious young minds 

at Te Whare Toanga o Waikato Museum and Gallery.

Visit tewharetaonga.nz/astro to book your tickets now. 

 

Uncover hidden gems at Hamilton Gardens

Embark on an enchanting journey through the Enclosed Gardens with a kid’s activity sheet. Discover the wonder of the gardens, tackle fun tasks and uncover hidden gems along the way. Upon completion, adventurers will gain their official Garden Bud or Garden Ranger badge.

Kids’ Activity Sheets can be collected from the Gallagher Visitor Centre, free with entry to the Enclosed Gardens. The Garden Bud activity sheet is best for kids aged 3-6 years, and the Garden Rangers sheet is best for kids aged 6-10 years. Both sheets are best completed with an adult. 

 

Free drop-in digital support at Hamilton Libraries  

Needing some tech support? Make sure you head along to the brand-new Digi-Coach Initiative coming to Central, Chartwell, Dinsdale, Glenview and Hillcrest Libraries.

This free programme, held on weekdays from 10am - 2pm, is designed to help communities maximise their use of digital devices and get free digital support with no bookings needed.

The initiative is a collaboration between Hamilton City Libraries and the Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa, with support from the Ministry of Social Development.

For more information visit hamiltonlibraries.co.nz

 

Blackcaps Vs Pakistan 2nd ODI

An all new season of cricket is on. Seddon Park is set to host the Blackcaps Vs Pakistan on Wednesday 2 April. Gates open at 10am with the match starting at 11am. Round up your friends and whaanau for an exciting day out at the pitch.

Tickets are on sale now, learn more at hlive.co.nz 

 

Super Rugby Pacific matches

Gallagher Chiefs Vs Queensland Reds 

It’s Trans-Tasman clash time. The stage is set, and the Gallagher Chiefs are ready to take on the Queensland Reds in a crucial regular-season matchup at the home grounds on Friday 4 April.

Take up the chance to see world-class rugby action and feel the energy of the Chiefs come alive. Kick off starts at 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato. 

Tickets are on sale now, learn more at hlive.co.nz 

Gallagher Chiefs Vs Highlanders  

An Easter weekend showdown is coming. The Gallagher Chiefs are gearing up to take on the Highlanders at the home turf on Saturday 19 April. Trade chocolate eggs for crunching tackles and thrilling tries.

Kick off starts at 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato. Arrive early to enjoy special Easter activities, giveaways and entertainment for fans of all ages.  

Tickets are on sale now, learn more at hlive.co.nz 

 

Comedian Joe Daymond is coming to Claudelands 

Join Joe for his ‘Hope I Made You Proud’ show on Thursday 17 April from 7pm at the Heaphy Room, Claudelands. A rollercoaster comedy show that chronicles his journey from living in his car and cleaning caravans to achieving national fame.

Packed with wild encounters, unexpected offers, and hilarious stories, Joe’s latest show brings his unique adventure to life. Buckle up – this is comedy on another level.

Tickets are on sale now, learn more at hlive.co.nz 

 

Bluey’s Big Play - The Stage Show 

This is Bluey’s big play, for real life. When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans. Join them as they pull out all the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off the bean bag.

Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.

Showtimes are at 10am, 1pm and 4pm on Wednesday 23 April at Globox Arena, Claudelands. 

Tickets are on sale now, learn more at hlive.co.nz 

 

Ages of Pages bookfair is back

Meet over 90 authors at the Ages of Pages bookfair. On Saturday 26 April 9.30am – 4pm there will be a range books to buy and sign. Discover new exciting reads and have them signed by the author. Entry is free, all proceeds from the books and raffles will go to Duffy Books in Homes.

For more information visit hlive.co.nz 

 

These are just some of the fun activities to do in Hamilton, for more ideas check out: 

• hamilton.govt.nz/parks-recreation-and-community-spaces
• HLive.co.nz
• or download the Nature in the City App