In the last few years there has been significant development in Hamilton and the city now possesses several large shopping complexes.
The Base complex, incorporating the Te Awa mall, is the largest shopping area in NZ. There is also the newly extended Westfield in Chartwell. The Centre Place and Downtown Plaza malls in the CBD are currently undergoing massive development work, with the new centre set to open in October this year. And if large shopping malls are not your thing, there are many independent shops and boutiques around Hamilton, particularly down the delightful Casabella Lane and neighbouring Barton St in the CBD.
The restaurant and bar area down Hood St and Victoria St is popular for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. There are also several new restaurants on the recently developed Barton St side of Centre Place.