What's happening in Hamilton

We’re moving into May! The temperatures might be dropping, but what’s happening in Hamilton is heating up. Get ready for amazing shows, games, yoga and more. Check out what’s on below.

Make memories and bloom hope at Hinemoa Park 

Support, remember and celebrate loved ones at this year’s Memory Meadow planting event at Hinemoa Park.

Daffodil bulbs can be purchased for $5 online at cancer.org.nz/memory-meadows, with all proceeds going to Cancer Society NZ. The bulbs will then be planted during a community planting event at Hinemoa Park on Sunday 11 May from 9am – midday.

With the planting day falling on Mother’s Day, there will be free coffees and pastries available to mothers attending.  

The daffodils should be in full bloom by Daffodil Day in August/September for people to visit, reflect and and remember their loved ones.

 

Mums and bubs morning at Te Whare Taonga 

Plan a special trip to Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery on Friday 30 May, 10am – 11am, to be part of the 'Mums and bubs morning'.  

This morning is for all parents and caregivers of babies and pre-school aged children. You and your peepi (baby) can enjoy one hour free in Exscite Home located on the lower floor.

For more information visit tewharetaonga.nz 

 

Yoga at the Museum

Flow into the new month with yoga at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery. Come along on Monday evenings for an after-work session in collaboration with Sun Salute Yoga. It costs $25 per session to attend.

Sessions are held on Mondays, 5.30pm – 7pm, throughout May.

Book your session and purchase your ticket at tewharetaonga.nz 

 

Zines for Mana Motuhake

Make a zine at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery while learning about Maaori publishing and taonga in the Museum's collection on Wednesday 7 May, 2.30pm – 4.30pm.

Don't miss this kaupapa Maaori workshop in collaboration with ZineFest Kirikiriroa. Inspired by the first printed Maaori newspaper, Te Hokioi e Rere Atu Na, let’s reclaim publishing for our communities, rally our cries, and let them fly.

Tickets are $5, book your spot at tewharetaonga.nz 

 

NZSL Interpreted Gallery Tour

To celebrate New Zealand Sign Language Week, Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery are offering a free gallery tour with NZSL interpretation on Friday 9 May, 12.30pm – 2pm.

Come along and learn about the exhibitions, artworks, and the waka taua Te Winika at this special event.

Register your spot at tewharetaonga.nz 

 

Te Reo Tupu at Hamilton Libraries

Te Reo Tupu is now accepting registrations for its fifth intake. Learn the basics of te reo to understand and speak confidently. Registrations are limited so kia tere (be quick).

“E te tini, e te mano, whakarauika mai ki teenei akomanga, ki teenei waananga kia oho ai too reo Maaori, kia rere ai too reo Maaori."

Sessions will be held at Hillcrest Library on Wednesdays, 10am – midday, and Dinsdale Library on Saturdays, 10am – midday, throughout May.

Learn more and secure your spot at hamiltonlibraries.co.nz 

 

Get hooked at Te Kete Aronui

Have you wanted to get started with crochet but don’t know where to begin? This course is for you.

Over six weeks you will learn all of the skills you need to get started with crochet, from slip knots to working in the round. You’ll apply your skills making a Granny Square Bag with a flower feature and try basic Amigurumi. Hamilton Libraries will even provide your first hook and ball of yarn (further materials will need to be provided by participants).

This programme is for adult learners only at this time.

Come along on Thursdays, 5.30pm – 6.30pm, at Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library throughout May.

Learn more at hamiltonlibraries.co.nz 

 

Sisterly Sundays are back

Sisterly Sundays are back for women who would like to swim in a safe and inclusive environment with female only staff. 

Starting from 4 May, join us every Sunday evening, 6pm – 8pm, at Waterworld in the Hydrotherapy Pool for a unique swimming experience designed exclusively for women aged 16 years or older. 

Learn more at hamiltonpools.co.nz 

 

Quiet time at Gallagher Aquatic Centre

Enjoy a calm and relaxing environment at Gallagher Aquatic Centre on Wednesdays from midday – 2pm.   

Available during Terms 2 and 3 only, these sessions are a chance to soak away with no loud music or bright lights. This is a great option for those who are sensory sensitive or prefer a quieter space.  

Learn more at hamiltonpools.co.nz 

 

Spend some time at Te Inuwai Park

Hamilton has many special community playgrounds. Te Inuwai, located in Glenview, is a fantastic spot to bring the kids, have a picnic and enjoy the community feel that this special place has.

Equipped with balance and climbing equipment, a basketball court, swings and a bike path, it's a great community park with a lovely whimsical feel.

Get directions to Te Inuwai Park here.  

 

Take a trip to Till’s Lookout

Visit Till’s Lookout – a scenic reserve and walk with sweeping views of both the city and Mount Pirongia.

Located in Dinsdale within walking distance from Taitua Arboretum, Till’s Lookout boasts almost 360-degree views on a clear day and is also a great spot for stargazing in the evenings.

Till’s Lookout has an area where dogs can exercise off-leash, directly accessible via Melva Street.

The walkway between Till’s Lookout and Taitua Arboretum also forms part of Te Araroa trail – the 3000km long tramping trail between Cape Reinga and Bluff.

Get directions to Till’s Lookout here.  

 

Digital Afterlives – a play about death in a digital age 

Digital Afterlives offers an honest look at how we experience grief in today’s increasingly online world. Constructed word-for-word from interviews with everyday New Zealanders, the play explores how we connect, remember, and honour loved ones through social media and other online platforms after they’ve passed.

   

Hosted at the Meteor Theatre on Thursday 22 May from 7pm and Saturday 24 May from 7.30pm. Learn more at lovethecentre.co.nz and grab your tickets from themeteor.co.nz. 

 

Taylor's Story tour is coming, are you ready for it? 

The number one Taylor Swift tribute show, Taylor's Story, is coming straight from North America to GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands on Saturday 3 May with a live band, dancers and all of Taylor Swift’s iconic hits you know and love. 
 
Find out more, including ticket information, at hlive.co.nz. 

 

Adam Kay's hit comedy show - This is Going to Hurt 

Adam Kay is bringing his hit show to Claudelands Event Centre on Sunday 18 May from 7pm.  
Based on his multi-million-selling book of diaries, This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Junior Doctor is a hilarious show about life on and off the hospital wards from doctor turned BAFTA-winning comedian Adam Kay.

Visit hlive.co.nz for more information. 

 

New Zealand Highwaymen tour 2025

Witness kiwi legends Brendan Dugan, Gary Bartlett, Dennis Marsh and Frankie Stevens live at Claudelands Event Centre on Friday 23 May from 7.30pm.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see these musical legends perform live.

More information, including ticket details, is available at hlive.co.nz. 

 

Gallagher Chiefs are lighting up FMG Stadium Waikato for one last regular season home game

The stakes are high, the energy is electric, and the Gallagher Chiefs are ready to finish the regular season at home with a bang taking on Moana Pasifika.

Join us in celebrating the season at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday 24 May, with kick off at 7.05pm. 

Moana Pasifika are a tough team, but with their fans behind them, the Gallagher Chiefs are primed to defend their turf and put on a show. 

Visit hlive.co.nz for full details. 

 

Trans-Tasman Throwdown 

Basketball fans are in for an unforgettable show at the Trans-Tasman Throwdown. It's been nearly 10 years since the Tall Blacks hosted the Boomers in New Zealand.

Watch the Tall Blacks v Boomers and Tall Ferns v Opals at GLOBOX Arena Claudelands on Sunday 11 May from 1pm.

Don't miss out on this chance to witness some of the world's best basketball teams compete live. Visit hlive.co.nz for more information.

 

ANZ Premiership 2025 Magic matches 

Be part of the Magic at the Hamilton ANZ Premiership matches in May.

Magic v Steel 

See Avis Magic live on Monday 19 May from 7.30pm at GLOBOX Arena Claudelands as they take on the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel in round 2 of the 2025 ANZ Premiership.

Magic v Tactix 

Get ready for round three of the ANZ Premiership as Avis Magic is set to take on the VIP Frames and Trusses Tactix on Sunday 25 May from 4pm at GLOBOX Arena Claudelands.

Find out more about these games, including how to secure your seats, at 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