How Hamilton’s food scene became the coolest in the country

Of Aotearoa’s four main centres - Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton - the city’s tree stands at a whopping 27m to the tip of its star and is by far the tallest.

Back in 2012, former Hamilton mayor Julie Hardaker was keen to turn the city into New Zealand's Christmas capital, but received a grinch-like response from some locals.

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A non-stop cavalcade of top international talent is now guaranteed for the city with the world’s biggest live entertainment company signing a 15-year lease to run the Waikato Regional Theatre.

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The deal is with Live Nation, which operates top Auckland venue Spark Arena and, among other feats, recently brought Coldplay to New Zealand.

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Welcome to Escapist NZ, Hamilton’s premier destination for immersive escape rooms, mind-bending puzzles, and a haven for board game enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle solver or a curious newcomer, their unique blend of adventure and relaxation promises an unforgettable experience for everyone.

Immersive Rooms and Puzzles

Step into a world of mystery and intrigue with their meticulously designed escape rooms. Each room offers a unique storyline, challenging puzzles, and an immersive environment that will transport you to another world. Work together with your team to uncover clues, solve riddles, and escape before time runs out. The rooms are perfect for friends, families, and corporate teams looking for a fun and engaging activity.

Board Game Café

After your escape room adventure, unwind in the cozy boardgame café. With a wide selection of classic and modern board games, there’ssomething for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a strategicgame of Settlers of Catan or a light-hearted round of Codenames, the friendlystaff are always on hand to help you find the perfect game.

Retail Store

Take a piece of the adventure home with you from the retail store. They offer a variety of board games, puzzles, and escape room-themed merchandise. Whether you’re looking for a new game to add to your collection or a unique gift for a friend, you’ll find it here.

Visit Today

Located in the heart of Hamilton, Escapist NZ is the perfect place to escape the ordinary and dive into a world of fun and excitement. Book your escape room experience today and discover why they're a favorite spot for adventure and entertainment.

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Her house almost matches the store this time of year. She drives her loved ones “nuts” with her festive obsession, but that’s just tough, she says.

One of the best parts of owning the store is that she gets to share her excitement with like-minded people, who visit the store from as early as July.

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