Bella Vista's Blog

Heading to the world-famous Glacier Country on the West Coast? With international visitors in short supply, there’s never been a better time to explore this remote paradise than right now. It’s not only home to the majestic Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, but also natural hot springs, alpine walks, stunning views of New Zealand’s highest peaks, hearty food, and even a resident seal colony!  While the guided glacier experiences are awesome, a tour booking is dependent on conditions so plan a 2-3 night stay at our Fox Glacier motel to outsmart the West Coast weather. With so many great things to do in Fox Glacier, here’s our two-day guide to the region’s best attractions.

Day One:

Explore the Fox Glacier Valley Walk on foot  

Start your visit by hiking one of the best short walks in Fox Glacier.  This popular scenic track meanders along the south bank of the Fox River through ancient rainforest before ascending gently up the valley to the Fox Glacier Viewpoint. On a sunny day you’ll enjoy wide views up the valley towards the icy glacier. Add this two-hour hike to your ‘what to do Fox Glacier’ list because best of all, it’s free!

                                           
 

Take to the skies with Fox Glacier Guides

Go next-level adventure by taking a helicopter hike up to the West Coast's largest and least crowded glacier. After a jaw-dropping chopper ride to a pristine landing spot on Fox Glacier, top-rated local guides will reveal spectacular ice caves, arches, tunnels, and the melt-river from the hidden Victoria glacier. You might even be greeted on arrival by a flock of native keas. Each 3-hour excursion is a wondrous exploration of this slowly retreating natural wonder, impacted by our warming planet. A Fox Glacier Guiding Heli Hike over ice-in-motion will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wine and dine at Betsey Jane

While a relative newcomer, Betsey Jane has already garnered a five-star reputation as the best restaurant in Fox Glacier. In fact, delighted visitors reckon this spot could hold its own in the big smokes of Christchurch or Wellington with its fantastic food, friendly staff, and modern stylish setting. If the likes of seared blue cod, creamy salmon risotto or a lamb and beetroot salad appeal, then head here for dinner and an impressive wine list too. Best of all its only 1 minute from our Fox Glacier motel.

                                                      
 

Day Two:

Wander around Lake Matheson (1h 30 min return)

After breakfast, take a 5-minute drive from our Fox Glacier motel to this instagram-famous spot.  Probably the most photographed lake in New Zealand, Lake Matheson, named after a pioneering cattle farmer, is renowned for its perfect chocolate-box reflections of New Zealand's highest mountains – Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Visitors the world-over are entranced by the Lake’s serene mirror views of the Southern Alps, a natural result of organic particles leached from the surrounding forest floor. If your heli-hike’s postponed, a visit to Lake Matheson is what to do in Fox Glacier when the weather doesn’t play ball.

                                           
 

Head out to Gillespies Beach and the Seal Colony

A short drive west of Lake Matheson is Gillespies Beach, an original gold mining settlement. Today it offers five walks Fox Glacier locals love to do, ranging from five minutes to a three-hour return track to view the seal colony at Galway Beach.  While seals are the star attraction here during winter, this rugged and remote beach also provides stunning views of the wild Tasman Sea, beautiful summer sunsets and misshapen driftwood for avid fossickers. The only thing to avoid here are the pesky sandflies so pack the insect repellent and come prepared to swot and slap.

Refuel at Mathesons Café

Rated one of the top restaurants in Fox Glacier and the ‘best lunch spot for miles’, Matheson’s is a stylish all-day café serving up great food, coffee and unsurpassed views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman.  Sit outside in the sunshine and tuck into their mushroom pesto eggs Benedict, ‘big brekkie’ or the local venison bacon burger, with chutney and fries. The cabinet food is all freshly baked on site and includes deli-style sandwiches, cakes, savouries, and salads. This is a great way to break up a long road trip and recharge before walking around beautiful Lake Matheson. A warning, however, after strolling around the lake, you’ll probably be tempted to return for more mouth-watering morsels!

While the West Coast is renowned for its awe-inspiring Fox Glacier, the area is also home to some of New Zealand’s best short walks. Alpine views, stunning lake vistas, seal-spotting, birdlife, rugged beaches and native forest trails are just some of the many wonderful things to do in Fox Glacier.  Here’s our guide to four of the best short hikes Fox Glacier has, to showcase its natural wonders. 

The Fox Glacier Valley Walk (2 hours return)

Where else in the world but New Zealand, can you discover a breath-taking glacier less than an hour’s walk from your car? And what’s more, this awesome Fox Glacier attraction is free!

A popular scenic track, The Fox Glacier Valley Walk starts just a short 2-kilometre drive south of the Bella Vista Fox Glacier motel. The path meanders along the south bank of the Fox River through ancient podocarp rainforest before ascending gently up the valley. After 40-minutes, you’ll reach the Fox Glacier Viewpoint and if the clouds part, be rewarded with wide views up the valley towards the glacier and a picture-perfect spot.

Also check out the Moraine Walk which loops off the Fox Glacier Valley Walk track, so you can tick off two walks in one day! This easy 40-minute walk reveals how plants regenerate after a glacier has retreated and it’s not hard to imagine how dinosaurs would’ve once roamed this now-forested valley.

                                        
 

The Minnehaha Track (20 min loop)

Who doesn’t love glow worms especially when their natural habitat is 200 meters from the Fox Glacier Motel’s doorstep? A short stroll on The Minnehaha Track (20m minute loop) is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Fox Glacier. This peaceful loop path follows a burbling stream through rainforest.  The kids will love heading out after dark but remember to tread quietly and switch off torches to behold the full glow worm glory show. No torch? Ask to borrow one from reception or take a couple of well-charged phones to light up the path. 

                                                                
 

Lake Matheson (1h 30 min return)

Probably the most photographed lake in New Zealand, nearby Lake Matheson is renowned for its perfect chocolate-box reflections of New Zealand's highest mountains – Aoraki Mt Cook and Mt Tasman. Visitors the world-over are entranced by the Lake’s serene mirror views of the Southern Alps which are caused by organic matter leached from the surrounding forest floor. And what’s more, Fox Glacier’s most instagrammable spot is only 5-minutes’ drive from the motel!

If you’re feeling peckish, drop into the stylish Matheson’s Café at the track entrance. Visitors rate their big brekkie, and the coffee is considered amongst the best brews on the West Coast. Especially when sipped on the café’s sunny patio with the Southern Alps as your outlook.

Ask the Bella Vista Motel team about the best walks in Fox Glacier. We’ll happily suggest options to suit your level of fitness or timeframe and point you in the right direction.

                                      

When you visit a new city, it’s only natural to want to make the most of your time by seeing and doing as much as possible. To save you hours of searching the internet and scrolling through endless reviews, we’ve pulled together some of the most popular things to do in Gisborne in this handy list. It includes the main Gisborne tourist attractions so that you can rest assured that you’ll be experiencing all the very best highlights of our beautiful seaside city.
 

Gisborne Railbike Adventure

People come to Gisborne from all over New Zealand to experience the Railbike Adventure. Grab a friend, jump aboard a side-by-side tandem bike and cruise along the old rail tracks to see the countryside in a whole new way. Tours range from a quick one-hour ride across the Waipaoa Bridge to a three-and-a-half-hour trip through the tiny coastal communities on the Mahia Peninsula. You can choose a standard bike which requires a reasonable amount of pedal power or opt for an e-bike to give you some welcome assistance. This is one of the top Gisborne attractions when it comes to outdoor activities, so make sure you put this one on your list! The beginning of the path is only 7 minutes away from our Gisbourne accommodation

                                  
 

Tatapouri Reef Stingrays

Keen on seeing a stingray up close and in the wild? Just 15 minutes out of the city and from our Gisborne motel is Tatapouri, where expert guides are on hand to help you interact safely with Wild Short Tail Stingrays, Eagle Rays and other reef creatures in their natural habitat. The reef ecology tour will take you over the reef in waders at low tide to stand among the incredible marine life as guides tell you all about the species you encounter. Bookings are essential and tour times are dependent on tides. This stingray experience is one of the most highly recommended Gisborne tourist attractions so make sure you make book early to avoid disappointment!

Sunrise tour at Maunga Hikurangi

If experiencing a Gisborne sunrise is on your radar, there’s no better place to do it than atop Hikurangi. You’ll jump in a four-wheel drive before dawn to climb to the top of the mountain and visit a sacred site of M?ori significance. See the sunrise over nine legendary M?ori carvings sitting high atop the hill and learn all about the incredible history of the carvings and the surrounding area. The tours are taken by Ngati Porou guides and include participation in a karakia—a traditional M?ori blessing. A light breakfast is included and you’ll receive a gift from the Ngati Porou tribe to remember your experience by. This is truly one of the most memorable and unique things to do whilst staying at our Gisborne motel accommodation.

                               

Visit the award-winning Gisbourne wineries

Gisborne produces some of the country’s best chardonnay and pinot noir, and our wineries are one of our top Gisborne attractions… So a visit wouldn’t be complete without taking yourself on a little winery tour! Bushmere Estate offers beautiful outdoor space and mouth-watering degustation menus, Poverty Bay Wines has an award-winning cellar door and Matawhero Wines has a long, interesting history and a Gewürztramineryou simply must try! Most of the wineries are within a 15-minute drive from our Gisborne motel, or you can cycle your way around the wineries if you want to break up your visits with a bit of fresh air.
 

Waikanae Beach

We couldn’t leave a beach trip off our list! Waikanae Beach is one of Gisborne’s best tourist attractions and popular with the locals too. Stroll along the sand, set up for a day of swimming and sunbathing or have a go at surfing if you want to try something new. Waikanae beach is only a five-minute drive or a half hour walk from our Gisborne motel and we’re happy to point you in the right direction – just pop in to reception and ask!

Our beautiful spot on the East Cape of New Zealand’s North Island means we’re surrounded by gorgeous beaches and natural landscapes. So we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to free things to do in Gisborne. In fact, we happen to think that some of the very best activities in Gisborne come at no cost! Just bring yourselves, some snacks and a sense of adventure when you are staying at our Gisbourne motel. 

Watch the sunrise

The East Cape is the first place in the world to see the sun, so it’s only natural that topping our list of the best free things to do in Gisborne is watching the sunrise. Get up early and make your way to one of the many vantage points around the city. We recommend making your way up Kaiti Hill / Titirangi where you’ll see the sunrise over the harbour and bay or driving up to the beautiful Wainui Beach, just six kilometres north of the city, or 13 minutes drive from our Gisborne motel accommodation. Being one of the first people in the world to see the sunrise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most, so don’t miss it! Make sure you look up the sunrise time in advance and get there when it’s still dark to get the full experience.

                                  

Rere Rockslide

If you’re visiting in the summer months (or you’ve got a high tolerance to cold temps) make sure you try out the Rere Rockslide! The 60-metre natural rockslide is a whole lot of fun and one of the best activities in Gisborne for adventure lovers. All you need is something to slide down on like a bodyboard, a yoga mat or a tyre tube. You’ll rush down the slippery slope, bumping and sliding your way to the bottom before tumbling into the pool of water at the end. The Rere Rockslide is about 50 minutes from our Gisbourne motel, so make sure you have a few turns while you’re there! Just keep an eye out for any water quality warnings on the council website before you go. If e.coli is present, you’ll want to give it a miss.

Tolaga Bay Wharf

At 660 metres, Tolaga Bay Wharf is New Zealand’s longest. Stretching far out over the bay, the wharf is surrounded by blue waters and rocky cliffs. A visit to the wharf is a great idea if you’re looking for easy Gisborne walks where you can snap some beautiful pictures and perhaps have a quick dip while you’re there. Many people who visit the wharf simply enjoy perching at one of the picnic tables and enjoying a bite to eat in the fresh sea air. It’s also a popular fishing spot, so drop in a line if you have a rod handy… You never know your luck! Its just under an hour's drive from our Gisbourne motel.

                                       

Eastwoodhill Arboretum

If you’re not sure what an arboretum is, it’s a botanical garden devoted to trees. And Eastwoodhill is New Zealand’s national arboretum. Situated a half-hour drive away from our Gisborne motel, it’s well worth a visit if you’re seeking free things to do in Gisborne. Many of the best Gisborne walks can be found here. Simply stroll around the 131-hectare property at your leisure or follow one of the many trails. A popular walk is the climb up Mt Arateitei which offers incredible views of the arboretum from above as well as the landscape that surrounds.

For more insights and places to see talk to our great team at Gisbourne Bella Vista. 

Gisborne may be best known for its wines but the restaurants here also get rave reviews. Whether you’re visiting our coastal city for a special celebration or you’re a surfer seeking out brunch after a big morning catching waves, there are some amazing places to eat in Gisborne. We’ve rounded up some of our top picks to help you out if you’re searching for the best restaurants when you are staying at our Gisbourne motel.

USSCO Bar & Restaurant

USSCO is named after the historic building in which is sits, the Union Steam Ship Company building. The riverside venue is only 5 minutes from our Gisbourne motel and has a rustic feel with whitewashed brick, high ceilings and dark leather chairs; brightened up with fun pops of colour from the vivid red door to the restaurant’s neon octopus logo that takes pride of place beside the bar. USSCO’s dishes can be shared if desired and some have an Asian influence. Popular options include the Vietnamese pancakes with cashew aioli and roasted duck, the spicy beef biryani and the brioche-crusted Tarakihi. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced and the fresh fish could not be fresher – it comes straight from the Gisborne Wharf just 200 metres away. You’ll need to book at USSCO too—it’s one of the best restaurants in Gisborne for good reason!

                               
 

Flagship Eatery

Right next to USSCO and only a five-minute drive from our Gisborne motel is Flagship Eatery, one of the best places to eat in Gisborne if breakfast is your favourite meal of the day. The casual yet classy restaurant is open for breakfast daily and does a roaring trade. To satisfy the sweet tooth there are buckwheat pancakes with coconut-flavoured yogurt, seasonal fruit and a white chocolate crumb; or if you’re more of a savoury fan, try the rancheros baked eggs with cannellini beans, chorizo and hollandaise. Flagship Eatery doesn’t take bookings so just show up when hunger strikes. If you do have to wait for a table, we promise it’ll be worth it!

                                   
 

Portofino

On its website, Portofino says that it “accentuates the European passion and love of fresh and tasty food.” So if you want to feel as though you’ve teleported directly to a beautiful restaurant in Venice, Portofino is the place for you. There are Portofino restaurants scattered across the North Island, but you’d be hard-pressed to find one with as many five-star reviews as Portofino Gisborne. Guests rave about the flavoursome dishes, the generous portions and the five-star service. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for Gisborne things to do with children too—the kids menu caters well to little people with simple yet tasty pizzas and wholesome classics like spaghetti bolognese. And don’t forget the gelato for dessert! Its also another easy 5 minutes drive from our Gisbourne motel.

                             
 

Crawford Road Kitchen

Crawford Road Kitchen is one of those trusty places to eat in Gisborne that you can rely on for a great meal at almost any time of day (just not on a Sunday or a Monday!) Located at the Gisborne Wine Centre with views over the harbour, Crawford Road Kitchen is a great option if you’re looking for Gisborne things to do where you can simply sit and relax. The venue offers wine tasting, making it one of the best restaurants in Gisborne if you want to pair your tasty meal with a refreshing local drop. It can get busy here for lunch and later in the day, so bookings are highly recommended!

There are loads of fun things to do in Napier, so it’s not hard to fill in a day here with kids in tow! Whether your children are old or young, into sports, swimming, animals or adventure, there is something for them all. We’ve put together a little itinerary for the ultimate fun day out, full of things to do in Napier for families.
 

Take a morning bike ride
If your kids are younger, they’ll love a play at the Marine Parade Junior Bike Track. The track is laid out like a miniature road with pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, roundabouts and give way signs – a great way to start learning about road rules and safety. The bike track is fenced off from the real road so it’s safe for your children to explore. And it’s not just kids on bikes that are welcome—scooters and roller skates can be found here too! For things to do in Napier for families who have older children, take a bike ride along the water instead. You can hire bikes on Marine Parade—just a five minute walk from our Napier motel—and take off on a 4km ride to the seaside village of Ahuriri. Or just cruise along Marine Parade and take in all the sights!
 

Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
There’s definitely lots in Napier to do, but some of the best family activities are located just a short drive away. We suggest following your morning bike ride with a 20-minute drive down to Havelock North to the Arataki Honey Visitor Centre. Here, kids will have the opportunity to see bees upo close, to learn about the honey-making process, and to dress up as a beekeeper! Lots of the children’s activities are very hands-on and they’ll even have the chance to taste some fresh and delicious honey.

                                     

Splash planet
If you’ve already searched for fun things to do in Napier, we’re sure that Splash Planet must be on your radar! The popular water park is located in Hastings, just a 10-minute drive from Arataki Honey. It’s has several water slides, a wave pool, lazy river and bumper boats, a train, a playground and so much more! It’s only open between November and March and sometimes only on weekends though—so make sure you check this before you arrive!

                                   

Silky Oak Chocolate Company
We’re betting you’re already pretty popular in the kids’ books by now, but why not go all out and put the icing on the cake stay with a visit to Silky Oak Chocolate Company? This is one of the best things in Napier to do for those with a sweet tooth – the store stocks a delicious selection of locally handmade chocolates, fudges and other tasty treats! Park up at the café for extreme chocolate drinks all round, then browse the store and take your pick from chocolate coated hoke pokey, coconut rough, chocolate coated marshmallow log or dozens of other mouth-watering delight. And if someone in the family is more of a savoury fan there’s also a range of chutneys, pickles and oils to check out. What a way to end the ultimate family day Napier!

                                  

Combining all these great days out can make for an awesome long weekend. When you are looking for great value motel accommodation in Napier Bella Vista is a great place to stay

If you’re planning a visit to Napier (or perhaps you’re already here) you probably already know that it’s the art deco capital of New Zealand. So it makes perfect sense that you’ll find a fair bit of art and culture in Napier that’s unique to our fair city. That’s right – we’re not ALL about the wineries (although we do love them too!) – some of the most memorable Napier tourist attractions are all about discovering stories, creativity and imagination.
 

Take an Art Deco tour of Napier
Sources tell us that Napier has the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings anywhere in the world. Characterised by strong symmetry and clean, bold geometric shapes; art deco buildings are striking to look at and absolutely bursting with character. One of the most popular activities in Napier for art and culture enthusiasts are our Art Deco tours. You’ll join a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide who will take you around the inner-city’s art deco highlights and reveal the fascinating history of the charming Napier tourist attractions. Either stroll down from our Napier motel to join a walking tour or, for a real leap back in time, see the highlights in an open top vintage car. Finish up your tour at the Art Deco Trust Centre where you’ll find a range of goodies and gifts to purchase and take home.

Visit Napier’s Boyd-Dunlop Gallery
You haven’t experienced art and culture in Napier without a visit to the Boyd-Dunlop Gallery. The gallery specialises in contemporary New Zealand art and is absolutely bursting with colour, life and creativity. Artworks include intricate floral compositions, contemporary pop, realist painting, lost-wax casting and so much more. Visitors can purchase artwork to take home or simply enjoy marvelling at the skill and imagination on display throughout the fantastic inner-cty gallery. Artworks are rotated regularly so there’s always something new to discover at this Napier tourist attraction.

                                 

Join a workshop at Creative Arts Napier
If you fancy yourself an artsy type and you’re looking for creative activities in Napier, book yourself in for a workshop at Creative Arts Napier. The community arts centre runs workshops on a huge range of skills and hobbies from sewing to photography, weaving to print-making. They also host some great one-off events like open-mic poetry evenings and mesmerising musical performances—a great way to experience art and culture in Napier. And while you’re there, you can browse the locally-made arts and crafts and tick off your Christmas shopping early!

                                  

Visit Otatara Pa Historic Reserve
A 20-minute drive from our Napier motel is one of the best activities in Napier for those wanting to learn about the local history and culture. Otatara Historic Reserve is one of the largest and oldest Maori Pa sites in the Hawke’s Bay region. Visitors to the historical site are welcome to walk around and discover the precious remains, consisting of terraces, dwelling sites and food storage pits. The Reserve is located near the Tutaekuri River and is almost 58 hectares in size, so there is plenty of land to explore. To get the most out of your visit, book a tour with Napier Maori Tours. This way, you’ll hear all about the history and stories of the site and its significance to Maori culture.

                               

See something new at Napier Municipal Theatre
If you’re looking for evening activities in Napier for a date night or a special occasion, why not catch a concert, play or a performance at the Municipal Theatre – the ‘go-to’ place for performing arts in Napier. The venue presents a range of shows—plays, ballet, opera, orchestra, comedy, drama, dance and more. And the gorgeous art deco venue is only a ten-minute walk from our Napier motel, so you can leave the car behind.

If you are looking for great value Napier accommodation our Napier motel is that place to relax and enjoy the sights of Napier

Napier is a beautiful part of New Zealand to visit at any time of year. In summer, the warm and dry weather has people flocking to our local beaches, enjoying icecreams by the sea and cruising the long, winding coastal cycling trails. But there’s plenty to do in winter in Napier too! If you’re looking for a New Zealand destination for a winter getaway, give Napier a try! Let this list of Napier attractions guide you as you plan for your Napier escape. And don't forget for an affordable Napier motel we welcome you to stay with us at Bella Vista 

Warm up at a winery
Our wonderful city is surrounded by some of New Zealand’s best wineries. People flock here from all over to enjoy the region’s finest drops, and our wineries here have some serious character. So which are the best wineries to visit during winter in Napier? To get you started there’s Mission Estate, the country’s oldest winery; the Urban Winery, conveniently located less than ten minutes drive from our Napier motel; and Elephant Hill, with its floor to ceiling windows framing a simply stunning view.  And if you’re looking for places to visit in Napier where you can stay cosy for a few hours and enjoy a beautiful meal, we highly recommend Craggy Range. The restaurant is warm with a modern, luxe feel and the food is fresh and delicious. There are fireplaces in the courtyard, the living room and the library too, so no matter your choice of wine-tasting setting, you’re sure to be nice and toasty.
 

Visit the National Aquarium of NZ
Who doesn’t love watching penguins, sharks and other sea creatures go about their daily business? The aquarium is one of our most popular Napier attractions and a great place to spend some time indoors on a wild and wintry day. Just a ten-minute walk from our Napier motel, the aquarium is open from 9am until 5pm daily. There’s reef fish feeding to see at 10am, little penguin feeding sessions at 9.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm, and shark feeding at 2pm. You can even hand-feed a little penguin if you book in advance! There’s a cafe on site so you can grab a coffee while you’re there, and a gift shop stocked full of souvenirs to remember your fun-filled holiday in winter in Napier.

                                                                      
 

Go on a bush walk to a waterfall
Don’t let a bit of frost or a sprinkling of rain keep you indoors the whole time. During winter in Napier after a bit of rain the waterfalls are in their prime, so we suggest you rug up and get out for a hike! Rumour has it that Shine Falls is the region’s most spectacular waterfall, but you’ll need to have a few hours up your sleeve to see it for yourself. The drive from Napier takes an hour and the return walk about an hour and half—but we promise the experience will be worth it! The waterfall stands at an impressive 58 metres high and the route there and back is full of other scenic wonders, so make sure you pack your camera!
 

Visit Ocean Spa hot pools
Is there any better feeling than easing into a steamy hot pool on a chilly winter’s day? We certainly don’t think so! Ocean Spa is just a ten-minute walk from our Napier motel and one of the best places to visit in Napier whether you’re travelling solo or with kids in tow. The outdoor pools at the popular Napier attraction have fantastic views of the ocean and are shielded by a glass fence to keep out the cold wind. One of the great things about Ocean Spa is that it’s open until 10.00pm, so you can even cruise down for a post-dinner dip underneath the stars.

                                     

Ready for your next adventure? You can be assured of a warm welcome at our Bella Vista Napier motel accommodation. Book Now!

If you’re looking for great places to eat, Hamilton has plenty of options. But we know that trawling through website reviews can be tiresome. Maybe you’re looking for something for a specific budget, a special occasion or you’ve got a hankering for a delicious buffet! Whatever it is you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
 

For the special occasion
Do yourself a huge favour and pay a visit to Gothenburg or Palate. You’ll experience exquisite food, beautiful views and delightful service in these Hamilton restaurants. Best to book in advance too, they’re popular and can book out on the weekends!

                                     
 

For the best cheap eats in Hamilton
There are lots of good contenders for the best cheap eats in Hamilton, and your preference might just depend on your preferred cuisine. But Hamilton cheap eats, we don’t think you can go past Dumpling House. It’s quick, delicious and won’t break the bank!

                                                

For the best Asian cuisine in Hamilton
If you’ve got a hankering for some Chinese food, try Sichuan Style on Collingwood Street. As with many Asian restaurants, the menu is extensive and caters well to vegetarians. Popular dishes include the pork Sichuan dumplings, steamed buns and handmade noodles.
 

For the best burgers in Hamilton
Sometimes you just need a big, juicy, delicious burger to fill you up and a cold beer on the side. Burger Bro in the city is the only licensed burger joint in Hamilton and on Thursdays you’ll get both burger and a beer for just $20, offering Hamilton cheap eats at great value for money. This little Victoria Street eatery is hard to miss—just look for the orange façade!
 

For the best pub meal in Hamilton
We’re lucky enough to have a Speights Ale House just ten minutes walk from our Hamilton motel, and we often send hungry guests there when they’re looking for a hearty meal and a relaxed vibe. It’s just by Waikato Stadium too, so ideal if you’re attending an event! A great choice if you want something to eat in Hamilton where you know there will be all your favourites on the menu.
 

For the best high tea in Hamilton
Zealong Tea Estate is in Gordonton, just outside of Hamilton, and is renowned for its high tea experiences. Gather a group together and venture out for selection of tasty treats served among out on the patio overlooking the gardens. And if you’re a tea fan, you can even take a tea tour while you’re out there.
 

For the best takeaways in Hamilton
If you’re looking for the fastest and best cheap eats in Hamilton that you can take away to enjoy, look no further than Oxford Takeaways. The fresh is fish, the chips crisp and salty and the meal packs are great value if you have a family to feed.

Breakfast / Brunch: THE KIRK CAFE. 6 Te Aroha Street, Hamilton
Take one quick look at the Instagram grid for The Kirk Café and you’ll be straight on the phone to make a booking! The Kirk is known for its impressive presentation, serving up creative and colourful dishes that look like they belong firmly in the pages of a food magazine. Described as the ‘best little gourmet café and brunch spot in Hamilton’, The Kirk Café is open from 8.00am until 2.30pm from Monday to Saturday and opens at a leisurely 9.30am on Sundays to cater to the later risers. With a welcoming interior and a gorgeous sunny outdoor area for warm and bright mornings, The Kirk café is one of the many nice places to eat in Hamilton within walking distance from our motel, and a lovely spot to begin your day.

On the menu are options for healthy and not-so-healthy dishes. They cater to keto diets, gluten free diets and diets that are yet to begin. The sticky fried chicken eggs benedict is a popular choice—but you’ll have to get there early to lock it in. Because it’s always in hot demand and when it’s gone, it’s gone! For something lighter, there’s a delicious superfood vegan granola or eggs with your choice of sides. No matter whether you’re after sweet or savoury, The Kirk Café has something delicious to offer. Make sure you take your phone too – Instagram awaits!

                             

Lunch: GOTHERNBURG. 17 Grantham Street, Hamilton
Looking for lunch restaurants in Hamilton for a special occasion, a birthday surprise or just because you deserve a fantastic meal with impeccable service to boot? You won’t be disappointed with Gothenburg—it’s the highest rated Hamilton restaurant on Tripadvisor and the reviews are what restaurateur dreams are made of. Located in central Hamilton overlooking the Waikato River, Gothenburg has a beautiful dining room with floor to ceiling windows. Gothenburg is fabulous for dinner too, but during the day it has such a beautiful outlook that it’s a tier above other lunch restaurants in Hamilton.

Gothenburg has an extensive tapas menu, evenly split into vegetable tapas, meat and poultry tapas and seafood tapas. There is a huge range and we can tell you now that you’re likely to have a tough time choosing! Some of the options include spicy Kim Chi and pork dumplings, a brioche crayfish roll and sundried tomato and mozzarella arancini. And if you’ve got room, the dessert and cheese menus will be the icing on the cake of your Gothenburg experience.

Dinner: PALATE. 20 Alma Street, Hamilton
If you have an anniversary or a birthday coming up and you’re looking for Hamilton dinner places that offer something special, jump on the Palate website and make your booking now. There’s a seven course degustation menu with matching wines, and if you choose this experience you’ll get VIP where you can see the talented team at work. Otherwise, the a la carte menu offers two courses for $60 or three courses for $75—a very reasonable price for the outstanding quality of the dishes.

The Palate experience is all about top quality food and wine. All the staff are passionate about what they do and this becomes clear from the minute you step through the door. Palate has won multiple awards since it was established in 2005 and has become a bit of a Hamilton institution… Hamilton dinner places don’t come much better than this!