Latesha R.'s
Where to shop for winter clothes
- 11The Look HamiltonHamilton CentralWinter clothes have just hit the shelves, and they’re looking fabulous! Lots of colours, patterns, and feminine fits. Owners Anna & Mark do a great job of making shoppers feel at ease, even offering you a glass of wine if you stop in on Friday afternoon. Take your girlfriends and go get your winter wardrobe sorted - they stock sizes 8-16. Find them: Alexandra Street
- 23Annah Stretton HamiltonHamilton CentralAnnah Stretton’s ‘Birds of a Feather’ store is such a lovely place to shop - spacious, and beautifully decorated. The staff are friendly and helpful, they get excited about helping you find the perfect jacket or winter dress. Check out the new winter collection; as usual it’s feminine and fun - with a few (but not too many!) frills. Birds of a Feather is definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum, but if you feel like a splurge the quality is worth the price. Find them at: Barton Street
- 31Bivouac HamiltonHamilton CentralWinter is here - that means a good waterproof, windproof jacket is a must, not to mention sturdy shoes if you’re the outdoorsy type. Bivouac have an awesome range for men and women, including pants, jackets, beanies, gloves, scarves, and heaps of Icebreaker gear which is very handy for keeping warm and comfy. There’s specials running regularly, so check the website ahead of time to make sure there’s the bargain you want before going in. Find them at: Barton Street
- 44Recycle Boutique HamiltonHamilton EastWhy pay full price for designer brands when Recycle Boutique have tons of winter stock? They’ve recently tightened up their guidelines, so you won’t find any cheap chain store brands on the racks, it’s only premium gear now - but still for a fraction of the price. Boots, jackets, warm woollen jumpers … go in for yourself and rummage around, you never know what bargains you’ll end up taking home! Find them at: Grey Street
- 52AtamiraRaglanGreat range for guys and gals - lots of locally made, NZ designers - plenty of up-and-comers from right here in the Waikato too. Zanerobe has some warm but light pieces for guys that work well for casual or going out wear, and some of the women’s accessories are simply gorgeous. For a small shop, they really stock smart! It’s worth a day in Raglan to browse Atamira and the other clothing stores for things you won’t find in the city. Find them at: Bankart Street
Latesha R.'s
What to buy for Mother's Day
- 11Acquisitions HamiltonHamilton EastThis shop has such a huge range of gifts that it’s hard to choose … they have put a selection of Mother’s Day pressies in centre stage this week. For example, this beautiful Willow Tree Mother & Daughter sculpture is quite lovely and unique. No matter what your budget, you’re sure to find a great gift here!
- 21Redcurrent HamiltonHamilton CentralRedcurrent have gone all out this Mother’s Day with a specially curated range of gifts just for Mum. I love the look of this Pink Lemonade Candle - it not only smells amazing, but also supports a good cause and the jar is reusable. Pop into Redcurrent to see their full range and surprise your Mum!
- 31The Design DepotHamilton CentralIf your Mum has a secret cushion-fetish, then this place has all you need to make her happy - cushions, furniture, interior accessories … all beautifully made items sourced from Europe, Germany, Holland, and India. I picked out this Caravan Chainstitch Cushion as a fave, but you’d really have to go in and see the full range to make your perfect choice.
- 42LEFT Maker's CollectiveCambridgeHandmade, crafty, quirky gifts are Left’s speciality, all created with love by local Waikato artists and makers. Browse their shelves to find a really precious gift for Mum - there’s plenty to look at, and you may find yourself leaving with a gift for you as well! Clocks, footstools, earrings … rummage to your heart’s content.
- 53Poppies HamiltonHamilton CentralThere’s nothing like a good book. Surprise your Mum with a tasty cook book like ‘My Darling Lemon Thyme’ by Emma Galloway - only just released last month, this is sure to get her excited with new recipes to try out in the kitchen. Or if Mum’s not into cooking, find a good novel or autobiography from Poppies’ fascinating shelves!
Latesha R.'s
Cheap Eats Under $15 in the Waikato
- 13Master House Chinese RestaurantHamilton CentralYum cha! If you want somewhere to eat with a group that’s fun, cheap, and really interactive, then this is a way to go. Order Chinese delights from the yum cha carts as they come rolling around and share with your friends. Dim sims, dumplings, custard buns, sticky rolls … they come from as low as $3.50 a plate, easy to share and easy on the wallet. Master House are open for lunch and dinner, but keep in mind that the lunch options are priced cheaper. Find them: 303 Victoria Street
- 23NamiHamilton CentralThese people know how to do Japanese food well. It’s the real deal - freshly made sushi, sashimi, teppenyaki, shabu-shabu, dumplings, even green tea icecream … they’re open for both lunch and dinner, and welcome big groups for birthdays or special occasions. You can get a full lunch-sized meal for between $10-15, great value. The staff are always up for a chat and laugh as well, creates a fun atmosphere! Find them: 20 Hood Street
- 32The Flying Burrito Brothers HamiltonHamilton CentralHola senors and senoritas! Love spicy food? The tickle of chilli on your tongue? This is the place to grab a quick bite - it’s fast, it’s fresh, and it will fill your mouth with flavours. Flying Burrito Brothers have a pretty action-packed menu - if you’re looking for cheap and tasty, try their Taqueria tortillas. You get two for only $14, and there’s five different types to choose from. Tacos de Hongos with grilled mushrooms. salsa, and feta is my fave. Hot tip: Head there on a Monday - 2 mains for the price of 1 after 5pm!
- 42Thai & KaiHamilton CentralOk, so the green exterior is a bit full on, but this place does a great range of food for crazy-low prices. Service is fast, the people have a sense of humour, and they cater for gluten-free/vegetarian options too. It’s all open kitchen style so you can watch the chefs prepare your food, and all the mains are under $15! Good sized portions too. Satay chicken, pad thai, curry puffs … all your Thai faves are there, plus they also do chips and gourmet burgers if that takes your fancy. Hot tip: They often run ‘Twosday’ specials on a Tuesday, 2 mains score you one free entree!
Latesha R.'s
School holiday fun in Waikato
- 13Waitomo Glowworm CavesWaitomoGlowworms are amazing - if your kids haven’t yet had the experience of traveling by boat underneath a ceiling of sparkling glowworm lights, then this holidays is the perfect time to take them. Waitomo Glowworm Caves have a range of different tours they offer, and special rates for families. A family pass (two adults, two children) is $115. Keep the kids busy by seeing how many glowworms they can count!
- 22EdventureFitzroyEdventure in Hamilton has action-packed programmes for kids running throughout the Easter holidays - you can choose which days you’d like to bring your child or children along. From iPad movie making, to cooking classes, t-shirt design and outdoor archery lessons, they’ve got a lot of ways to keep a group of active youngsters entertained. Kids between 5-13 are catered for, day programmes are usually $40/day.
- 33YMCA HamiltonHamilton CentralDid you realise the YMCA run super-exciting programmes for kids over the holidays? This Easter break they’ve got heaps of fun lined up, including candle making, a day trip to Rotorua for mud pools and thermal adventure, cooking on rollerskates (good thing they’re cleaning up the mess, not you!), and indoor rock climbing. Let your kids burn off some steam by sending them along to the classes that interest them the most. Cost ranges from $32-57 depending on the type of activities.
- 41Raglan RockRaglanThe feeling of accomplishment a kid gets when they’ve conquered a rock wall is pretty awesome. Especially when it’s outside in the beautiful sunshine with a view from the top! This holidays, book your family in for some fun with Raglan Rock. You’ll all get to push your limits and have adrenaline-fuelled adventure in Raglan’s great outdoors. Raglan Rock also run underground caving experiences, and put together flexible packages with lower prices for groups.
- 51Te Akau AdventuresRaglanThis is a really bonding weekend adventure for the whole family - you get to kayak your way across from Raglan to the peaceful community of Te Akau on the other side of the harbour, to some awesome accommodation - cabins, caravans, tents, and a bach are all available to stay in. The kayak tour is guided so your kids can learn about the famous Pancake Rock formations and other interesting facts about the area. Then, on arrival, reward yourselves for your paddling efforts by preparing homemade pizza cooked in the outdoor pizza oven! The kids will love it.
Latesha R.'s
Fun Easter shopping ideas
- 12Waikato Farmers MarketsClaudelandsIf you want to find the best hot cross buns in Hamilton, then you’ll have to scurry down to the Farmers Market on Easter Sunday. Bella Pane has warm, glorious hot cross buns that are (get this) - GLUTEN FREE! Yes, that’s right. No longer do those among us with gluten intolerances need to put up with no buns or average ones, these ones will wow you whether or not you can’t eat gluten.
- 22The Sweetest Little Chocolate Shop HamiltonHamilton EastThis store specialises in boutique, handmade chocolates - and their range for Easter must have taken the whole year to organise; it’s that amazing. You can’t help but get excited about multi-coloured marshmellow and gooey caramel eggs infused with Heilala Vanilla, hazelnut crunch bunnies and peanut butter smoothie eggs! Yum.
- 31Heavenly FudgeHamilton CentralOk, so I know Easter is usually all about chocolate eggs, but sometimes it can get a bit same-old. Why not make your gifts unique with another form of chocolatey-deliciousness - fudge! Heavenly Fudge make over 120 types of fudge, and let me tell ya there’s plenty of chocolate in there. Chocolate Orange Swirl, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Rum Raisin, Chocolate Mint Swirl, Milk Chocolate Explosion … it just keeps going. Hopefully you’ve already stopped reading the list and gone to buy some fudge.
- 41Theobroma Chocolate Lounge HamiltonHamilton CentralThere’s a reason they’ve named it Theobroma (‘food of the Gods’ in Greek). This place not only makes amazing food, but they also have a tongue-tingling range of artisan chocolates. It’s the perfect cafe for an Easter brunch - make sure you try their scrummy hot chocolate, followed by chocolate pancakes, with maybe a side of chocolate truffles. Go on - it’s Easter.
- 51PetSmileFairfieldMake your little person’s Easter weekend extra special - instead of a chocolate bunny, how about a real one they can love and look after? Even if you don’t want to take a bunny home to join the family, just petting one is heaps of fun. The team at PetSmile will pop a fluffy wee creature in your child’s arms - certainly an Easter photo-op!
Latesha R.'s
Best cafes in Raglan
- 12The ShackRaglanVegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, organic, Fairtrade - this cafe has options for everyone. You’ll find it packed out with locals eating, catching up, and making use of the free wi-fi. Tip: The Shack is the perfect spot for brunch - try the Buttermilk Waffles!
- 21Solscape RaglanRaglanNot only one of the quirkiest, coolest eco-retreats in New Zealand, Solscape also offers a cafe with an enviable view over Raglan’s gorgeous Manu Bay! Come chill out on the grass outside with a coffee and delicious meal - many of the ingredients come directly from their gardens. They serve coffees and cakes all day (try the Powermonkey cookies!), and breakfast-lunch til about 2pm. Tip: The Pacific Green smoothie is an absolute winner.
- 35Raglan Roast Volcom LaneRaglanHands down the best coffee in Raglan - all their beans are roasted on site! Don’t be fooled by its small size, this is one of the most popular hang-out spots in town, and the tables outside are great for soaking up the sun. They have a yummy selection of locally baked goodies, but the coffee is the big drawcard. Tip: Play a game of chess or backgammon while you get your caffeine-fix - they have a selection of games inside.
- 44The Food DepartmentRaglanWhat used to be an average dairy has now been transformed into a funky cafe with a distinctly Italian vibe - Raglanites have declared this place a hit! It’s a fab spot to stop off on the way back into town from a surf. The Italian owner makes everything with love and care, and their selection of authentic gelato, pizza, bread, tiramisu, and pasta will have your mouth watering. Tip: Try their coffee gelato - made from Raglan Roast beans!
- 51Black Sand CafeRaglanConveniently located on the main street of Raglan, Blacksands has a modern feel with lots of local art on display inside that’s available for purchase. You’ll find healthy soups, salads, fritters, cakes, and more to tempt your tastebuds. Staff are friendly and the service is fast. Tip: The pancakes with berry compote are an excellent choice for brekkie.