Centre Information

The Base Retail Park, opened in July 2005. The Base provides Waikato residents and visitors to Hamilton convenience, variety, fashion, food, entertainment and value shopping in a contemporary open air environment. With an unparalleled 81,000m2 of retail space,172 stores, over 2,600 free car parks and 28food and beverage stores, The Base is now New Zealand's Largest Shopping Centre and Australasia’s only true hybrid mall.

The Base large format offers78 stores with over 49,000 square metres of retail trading space, the Waikato’s only outlet mall (Dress-Smart) and major retailers including The Warehouse, Briscoes, Number 1 Shoes, Bond + Bond, Rebel Sport, Heathcote Appliances and Mitre 10 Mega that cater for all your shopping needs.

To add to that we have just completed the ground floor to our new fully enclosed shopping centre called Te Awa. With 94 stores, cutting edge Car park Management System and inherently Waikato - Tainui designed architecture, Te Awa (The River) is a unique shopping experience. The fact that Te Awa was eventually settled on as a suitable name says much about the centre's stature, given the very high regard, depth of meaning and significance that Waikato - Tainui attach to their awa tupuna (ancestral river). This experience is accentuated by the tree canopy-like diffused light and vibrant tiled floor that mirrors the winding current, eddies and calm pools of the centre's namesake, the Waikato River.

The Food Cube, our casual dining precinct, is the perfect place to have a coffee or something more substantial. When you’ve finished shopping or you just need a break and looking for a more casual dining option try our food court, which provides an international flavour including Indian, Chinese, Japanese plus some new to the market place stores like Pita Pit, Hamilton's first food court KFC, Taylor's Fine Roasts, LJ's and a family favourite Mc Donalds. Also new to the market place is Foundation bar, kitchen, lounge and the highly anticipated arrival of this haven for foodies -Farro Fresh Food. They boast an impressive range of quality fresh food at affordable prices, as well as a mouth-watering selection of products from artisan producers.

Cinema giant Hoyts are the latest edition to the centre, with the opening of its 1,600 seat concept cinema - the first of its kind in New Zealand and indeed the southern hemisphere. The region’s biggest screen, The Xtreme screen, is a breathtaking experience. With amazing 13.1 Dolby digital surround sound - a first for New Zealand. The complex features full conference services, private function bars and entertainment areas. All cinema's will have a premium cinema offer (La Premier), featuring sofa style reclining seats and side tables for service of speciality drinks and meals. D box seats which add a new level of exhilaration to your cinema experience and a new food emporium with a broad selection of food.

The Base is located in the northern Hamilton suburb of Te Rapa at the intersection of Te Rapa Road and Avalon Drive. Directions and map are on our home page.


We look forward to seeing you soon at The Base.