Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
It's the kind of place you visit for breakfast, come back to for lunch, then consider for
breakfast the next day.
Chim Choo Ree
MODERN NZ $$$
$$$
( 07-839 4329;
www.chimchooree.co.nz
; 14 Bridge St; mains $30-34; 11.30am-2pm & 5pm-
late Mon-Sat)
In an airy heritage building beside the river, Chim Choo Ree focuses on
shared plates like tuna tartare, smoked potato ravioli and Sichuan pork belly, and larger,
equally inventive mains using duck, lamb, venison and snapper. Local foodies wash it all
down with a great wine list and flavourful New Zealand craft beers.
Palate
MODERN NZ, FUSION $$$
$$$
( 07-834 2921;
www.palaterestaurant.co.nz
;
20 Alma St; mains $34-38; 11.30am-2pm Wed-
Fri, 5.30pm-late Mon-Sat)
Simple, sophisticated Palate has a well-deserved reputation for
lifting the culinary bar across regional NZ. The innovative menu features highlights like
red roasted duck with yams, scallops, shiitake and a chilli broth. The wine selection is
Hamilton's finest.
TAUPIRI
About 26km north of Hamilton on SH1 is Taupiri (287m), the
sacred mountain
of
the Tainui people. You'll recognise it by the cemetery on its slopes and the honking
of passing car horns - locals saying hi to their loved ones as they pass by. In
August 2006 thousands gathered here as the much-loved Maori queen, Dame Te
Atairangikaahu, was transported upriver by waka(canoe) to her final resting place,
an unmarked grave on the summit.
Drinking & Nightlife
The blocks around Victoria and Hood Sts make for a boozy bar-hop, with weekend live
music and DJs. Friday is the big night of the week.
Wonderhorse
COCKTAIL BAR
OFFLINE MAP
(
www.facebook.com/wonderhorsebar
;
232 Victoria St; 5pm-3am Wed-Sat)
Look for the subtle
spraypainted Wonderhorse logo on the footpath and follow the white arrow to this cool
