Hamilton is home to some of the nation's most significant event centres, including Mystery Creek, Claudelands and The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts. Not to mention iconic locations such as Hobbiton and Hamilton Gardens. It's safe to say the Waikato region has its fair share of brag-worthy venues. Below, discover our top selection of Hamilton venues.

The Red Barn

Image by Tahlia Dredge

Perched on a secluded property at the end of a tree-lined driveway is The Red Barn - a venue that embodies country charm like no other. Framed by native forest and manicured lawns, The Red Barn showcases views of Hinuera Valley and Lake Karapiro. With rustic spaces, impeccable hospitality and award-winning dining - this family-run venue provides the key ingredients for a beautiful occasion.

 

JetPark Hotel

Image by Jet Park Hotel

JetPark Hotel is a refreshing meeting and conference venue on green parklands minutes from Hamilton Airport. Comfort is key at JetPark, and the team are renowned for their hospitality and hands-on approach. With three flexible event spaces, JetPark is a convenient and comprehensive choice for your next event.

Treechurch and Gardens

Image by Tim & Nadine

A living chapel made out of trees, TreeChurch is undoubtedly one of the most unique venues in the country. From summer's vibrance to autumn's rich tones, TreeChurch stays beautiful year-round. The property includes The Gantry - an industrial yet cosy indoor space featuring polished concrete floors, a carpeted mezzanine and a large wood fire. Further spaces include The Sails, The Parachute, Labyrinth and Oak Circle.

 

Claudelands Events Centre

Image by  Mike Walen

Claudelands is a larger-than-life venue set on 34 acres of Waikato Parklands. With 19 event spaces and a 6,000-guest capacity, this award-winning venue is designed to bring your dream event to life, no matter how exuberant. Proud partners of Montana Food & Events, Claudelands provides world-class catering and hospitality.

 

Te Karaka Lodge

Image by Te Karaka Lodge

Te Karaka Lodge is a luxury venue and accommodation in the heart of rural Waikato. This secluded, open-plan lodge has flexible lounge and dining spaces that allow for all occasions. With 10 guest rooms, a well-appointed meeting room and beautiful dining options - Te Karaka Lodge is the perfect local getaway for retreats, team-building events and off-site meetings. 

Panama Square

Image by Panama Square

Panama Square consists of thoughtfully designed common areas, shared spaces, a fully serviced boardroom, meeting rooms and larger event spaces. These modern and well-appointed spaces suit business meetings, workshops, seminars, launches and private functions.

 

Hamilton Gardens

Image by The HP Collective

Hamilton Gardens is a living museum that will take you on a 4,000-year journey through human civilisation, from the Egyptian Temple Gardens of 2000 BCE to the Concept Garden of contemporary times. Available for partial or complete hire, Hamilton Gardens offers various wedding packages and works with preferred suppliers to bring your garden wedding to life. For a dynamic wedding venue with endless beautiful backdrops - choose Hamilton Gardens.

Good George Dining Hall

Image by Good George Dining Hall

Good George Dining Hall on Somerset Street is the original home of the award-winning Good George beers and ciders. Built inside a 1960s church, the venue has a sunny beer garden and the dining hall itself. With regular brewery tours, a delectable menu and great event spaces - Good George is where the magic happens.

Hobbiton Movie Set

Image by Hobbiton™ Movie Set

Add some Middle-earth magic to your next event. Nestled in the rolling green hills of the Waikato, Hobbiton™ Movie Set is a unique and immersive venue for your celebration, wedding or conference dinner! Begin with a tour of the property, followed by a banquet in the iconic Green Dragon Inn.

 

SkyCity Hamilton

Image by Harrows

SkyCity Hamilton is a comprehensive conference and entertainment venue in the heart of Hamilton. With two large spaces, several bars and restaurants and three hundred car parks - it's undoubtedly one of Hamilton's go-to conference venues.

Classics Museum

Image by Classics Museum

The Classics Museum is a car enthusiast's paradise and an exciting space for your next event. With 60 vintage vehicles on display, rotating regularly - there's always something new. The Bel Air Lounge is a simple conference room overlooking the museum, while The Jukebox Diner is a 1950s-themed diner with vintage memorabilia throughout. Fully licensed, The Classics Museum provides beverages and catering to suit the needs of your event.

Waikato Museum

Image by The Big Idea

Waikato Museum and Artspost will lend a unique atmosphere to your event. Immerse yourself in stunning architecture, artworks, taonga and ancient artefacts. With several galleries and a foyer available at competitive rates, Waikato Museum specialises in hosting meetings, corporate events, cocktail parties and more.

 

Wintec Venues

Image by Wintec

Located in the centre of Hamilton, Wintec is an impressive complex with modular spaces to host 5-500 guests. These spaces have award-winning facilities including laptops, projectors, staging, microphones, lighting, video conferencing equipment and a full-time AV technician onsite to assist you. With a go-to team of preferred suppliers to cover all aspects of your event, from catering to styling - Wintec sets the bar.

 

University of Waikato

Image by The University of Waikato

The University of Waikato has conference spaces, lecture theatres and breakout rooms that accommodate 10-700 delegates. With state-of-the-art AV equipment, onsite technicians, catering and accommodation (available Nov-Feb) - The University of Waikato is a convenient venue with all the bells and whistles.

Henley Hotel

Image by The Henley

The Henley is a charming estate surrounded by 29 acres of Cambridge countryside. The Georgian-style manor has 14 bedrooms as well as spaces for lounging, meeting and dining in style. Discover all-inclusive packages for weddings, meetings and team-building events at The Henley.

 

Gallagher Academy

Image by Gallagher Academy

The Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts is an impressive venue within the University of Waikato. State-of-the-art spaces include a grand Concert Chamber, Playhouse Theatre, the light-filled Te Whare Tāpere Iti and the Dance Studio. Whatever the occasion, The Academy is an award-winning venue sure to exceed your expectations.

 

Avantidrome

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Avantidrome is a world-class cycling facility in the heart of Cambridge. Whether you're after an epic team-building experience or simply a unique space for a large-scale event - Avantidrome has multiple spaces suitable for events with up to 500 guests.

The Ferrybank

Image by The Ferrybank

The Ferrybank is a light-filled venue overlooking the Waikato River. The Riverside Suite extends onto a large balcony and seats up to 120 guests, while the mezzanine lounge bar is the perfect space for mingling. For a unique venue with 3-time award-winning catering, The Ferrybank is the obvious choice.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Image by Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Not only an iconic New Zealand attraction, Waitomo Glowworm Caves also includes a unique Conference Centre and a Homestead. Awarded the New Zealand Architecture Medal, the Conference Centre specialises in corporate meetings, team-building exercises and incentive experiences. For additional spaces, a restaurant and overnight accommodation - Waitomo Homestead is the answer.

Woodlands Estate

Image by Wild Spirit Wedding

Woodlands Estate is a charming homestead framed by mature trees and beautiful gardens. This Hamilton venue consists of all-weather spaces, a courtyard area and acres of luscious gardens and fields. Built in the 1870s and restored in recent years, Woodlands Estate is a venue that forever stands the test of time.

Zealong Tea Estate

Image by Ruth Gilmore Photographer

Zealong Tea Estate is the only commercial tea estate in New Zealand and a world-leading destination for tea, art and hospitality. The best part? The Estate is also a wedding venue. Offering serene views, various function spaces, AV equipment and onsite catering - the multi-talented team at Zealong is dedicated to curating and hosting incredible events.

Mystery Creek Events Centre

Image by Festival One

Mystery Creek is one of New Zealand's most vast event grounds. The property spans 114 hectares alongside the beautiful Waikato and includes many indoor and outdoor spaces. With the infrastructure for a myriad of occasions from music festivals to field days, conferences to conventions - Mystery Creek is the third largest venue in the country, with a capacity of 10,000 guests.

 

Vilagrad Winery

Image by Haley Adele Photography

Vilagrad Winery is a family-owned winery in Ōhaupō, just 15 minutes from Hamilton City. Framed by acres of countryside and vineyards, Vilagrad Winery presents beautiful all-weather spaces set against the backdrop of Mt Pirongia. With a heart for hospitality, Vilagrad Winery has operated for more than 20 years and continues to be one of the most sought-after venues in the region.

Distinction Hamilton Hotel & Conference Centre

Image by Lastminute

Distinction Hamilton is a firm favourite for corporate events in the heart of town. Distinction Hamilton caters for up to 600 delegates, making it one of the largest conference facilities in the Waikato region. Spaces range from seminar and conference rooms to reception lounges and foyers. 

Seddon Park

Image by Seddon Park

Seddon Park is not only Hamilton's home of cricket but also a multi-purpose venue for corporate functions, networking events and meetings.
Presenting a trio of event spaces, bespoke menus and event management - Seddon Park is a unique Hamilton venue for 12 to 110 guests.

 

FMG Stadium Waikato

Image by FMG Stadium Waikato

Best known as Hamilton's spiritual home of rugby, FMG Stadium Waikato also serves as a world-class function centre. The venue spans five levels, and with the added convenience of free onsite car parking, video-conferencing facilities and award-winning catering - FMG Stadium Waikato lacks nothing. Whether you're planning a cocktail function, banquet dinner or corporate event, FMG Stadium Waikato is a comprehensive choice.

Zenders

Image sourced from Zenders

Zenders is a European-style cafe and venue in the heart of the Waikato. With a brick-laden exterior and warm, light-filled interior - Zenders is an elegant and open space hosting up to 300 guests.

Windy Ridge

Image by Windy Ridge

Set in Ohaupo Village, ten minutes from Hamilton - Windy Ridge is a versatile venue with two beautiful areas. The Secret Garden Room is the first space, overlooking flourishing gardens and connecting to the conservatory. Secondly, The Cellar Conference Room boasts natural timber floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and an adjoining courtyard. With full licensing, audiovisual facilities and warm hospitality - Windy Ridge is a beautiful venue for your next event.

 

The Meteor Theatre

Image by The Meteor

The Meteor is a creative hub and performance venue in the heart of Hamilton. Spaces include a malleable black box theatre, gallery space, a rehearsal room and a workshop. Whether you're planing an album launch, comedy night or simply need somewhere to rehearse for an upcoming performance - The Meteor is the space for you.

 

Ibis Tainui Hamilton

Image by Ibis Hamilton

Ibis Hamilton Tainui is your gateway to the Waikato region. Boasting a prime location on the banks of the Waikato River, the hotel offers well-appointed rooms, modern conference facilities and a restaurant with a balcony for al fresco dining. Ibis Hamilton Tainui is perfectly located with easy access to Hamilton's shopping precinct, nightlife, and all major event centres.

The Narrows Landing

Image by The Narrows Landing 

The Narrows Landing is a family-owned bed and breakfast, conference, wedding and event centre. Located in Tamahere, The Narrows Landing offers a trio of spaces, including the expansive and rustic barn. With an emphasis on delicious food - The Narrows Landing present seasonal menus that are mouth-watering and visually beautiful.

 

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Image by Novotel

As one of Waikato’s leading hotels, Novotel Tainui Hamilton focuses on convenience and practicality. Centrally located on the banks of the Waikato River, this comprehensive venue boasts six contemporary event spaces fitted with modern technologies and facilities to make your event soar. Hosting up to 300 guests, consider Novotel Tainui Hamilton for your next conference.

 

Sir Don Rowlands Centre

Image by Sir Don Rowlands Centre

On the tree-lined shores of Lake Karāpiro sits Sir Don Rowlands Centre - a multipurpose complex ideal for large-scale events. Sir Don Rowlands Centre can be set to any configuration from classroom to exhibition, dining to cocktail. The centre has many spaces, while the lakeside property spans 19 hectares - allowing plenty of room for activities.

 

The Verandah

Image by The Verandah

The Verandah is a modern function centre located within the Hamilton Lake Domain. Surrounded by greenery and lake views, The Verandah offers an inspiring space for business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, trade shows, product launches and weddings. Led by a team of event experts, discover comprehensive event packages to suit your needs and budget.

For more great venue ideas, check out our venue guides for other major NZ cities:

Auckland Venues  |  Tauranga Venues  |  Hawkes Bay Venues

Wellington Venues  |  Christchurch Venues  |  Queenstown Venues