Gardens to visit - Hamilton Gardens

Overview

Experience a day of unexpected delights at Hamilton Gardens, where you'll journey through 18 Enclosed Gardens showcasing diverse cultures and times. In the over 45-hectare parklands there's something for everyone, no matter your age or interests - walking, picnicking, learning and dining.

Walk in the footsteps of Tudor England, step into surrealism, wander through the tropics, or awaken your senses in imperial China. These 18 Enclosed Gardens are an immersive journey through a living tapestry of human creativity, culture, and history. Each garden tells a unique story, reflecting the art, philosophy, and traditions of its time.

Experience the best of Hamilton Gardens with a tour. Discover the Enclosed Gardens hidden secrets with an expert Guided Tour or a fascinating Audio Guide. You’ll unveil fascinating tales and discover the cultural significance woven into every petal and pathway of the gardens.

Beyond the stunning garden attractions, Hamilton Gardens offers much more to explore. There's something for everyone, no matter your age or interests - Discover a range of walking trails, explore a delightful array of perfect picnic spots, or savour a meal at the Hamilton Gardens Café with a scenic view over Turtle Lake. Every turn reveals a new delightful surprise that will leave you in awe. Discover an impressive array of historical sculptures and points of interest with cultural, social or political significance, all scattered throughout Hamilton Gardens.

The Gardener

For over three decades, the Friends of Hamilton Gardens have been the heart and soul of the community's dedication to these remarkable gardens. Established in 1988, this registered charity (CC23690) plays a pivotal role in promoting awareness, fostering engagement, and securing vital funding for ongoing development projects.

Garden Size

Hamilton Gardens is a must-see attraction all year around, offering over 45 hectares of gardens and parklands to explore.

Info

Price
Enter the Enclosed Gardens with a purchased ticket. Hamiltonians and children under the age of 16 remain free. Outer areas of the Gardens (not part of the Enclosed Gardens) can be visited by anyone. Everyone, no matter where you live, can continue to explore the bush walks, spot fish in Turtle Lake by the waterfall, walk through the rhododendrons, enjoy a picnic amongst the roses, visit the Hamilton Gardens Cafe, or stop and explore the Hamilton Gardens shop showcasing locally sourced products, some of which are inspired and derived from produce in the Enclosed Gardens.
Parking
Hamilton Gardens has 3 free carparks, all accessible off Cobham Drive, State Highway 1, Hamilton. Accessible parking spaces are available at both carparks. Both carparks can get busy at peak times between 11.00 am – 3.00 pm on summer weekends and public holidays.
Wheelchair Access
Wheelchairs and a mobility scooter are available to hire from the Gallagher Visitor Centre.
Dogs allowed?
On-lead dogs are welcome but are not permitted in the Enclosed Gardens. There is an off-lead dog exercise area near Gate 1 carpark. Assistance dogs are always welcome throughout Hamilton Gardens.
Cafe/Restaurant available?
Complete your Hamilton Gardens experience with a delicious meal at the café. Offering great food and beverages from fresh salads and sandwiches to flavourful main courses and tempting treats, there’s a food option for everyone to relax, refuel, and recharge with views overlooking Turtle Lake. The Café caters to various dietary needs, offering vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free options. Quench your thirst with a selection of hot or cold beverages, including coffee, tea, smoothies and juices.
Picnics
Enjoy one of our gourmet picnic baskets in the award winning Hamilton Gardens. The hamper is full of tasty foods ranging from sweet to savoury. It includes a blanket and all of our packaging is eco-friendly. Set a date and pre-book one of our gourmet picnic baskets. A minimum of 48 hours notice is required with prepayment made. $35 per person. Minimum of 2 people. Please advise of any dietary requirements. The collection of baskets is from the Hamilton Gardens Cafe. Located beside the Gate 1 carpark is a beautiful slope for picnicking, and recreational activities that erupts into a cascading blaze of golden daffodils each year.
Children allowed?
A garden-themed destination playground has a treehouse, slides, and a giant stage. Hamilton Gardens Children’s Playground provides for imagination and roleplay, discovery and learning. Located near the Gate 2, entrance off Cobham Drive Hamilton Gardens is an ideal destination for school groups, full of educational opportunities: from geometry in the Italian Renaissance Garden to history in Te Parapara, Aotearoa's only Maori productive garden that demonstrates pre-European techniques.
Toilets?
Toilets are available at the following locations: The Pavilion in the entry precinct – see map The Red Arch by the Gate 1 carpark Playground Toilet block next to Gate 2 carpark Sergel Court beside the Ancient Egyptian Garden
Seating
As the season changes, the Japanese Garden of Contemplation inspires quiet self-reflection and contemplation without distraction. With covered seating, this is a wonderful location to rest and relax while you wander through the gardens.
Plants/Sales
Take home a unique treasure as a memento of your Hamilton Gardens experience with a visit to our charming shop. Located conveniently within the Gallagher Visitor Centre, this delightful shop has friendly and knowledgeable staff to help you find a treasure trove of unique keepsakes to commemorate your visit. Proceeds from the Shop contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of Hamilton Gardens, so when you pick up a memento, you’re also helping to support the gardens.
Guided Tours
Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens on one of our tours. Our guided Highlights Tours and Audio Guide reveal the beauty and deeper meaning of the gardens. Whether you're a first-time explorer or a returning visitor, these immersive journeys always bring the gardens to life. Take a 75-minute Highlights Tour with one of our knowledgeable guides, uncovering hidden stories and fascinating insights. Or opt for an Audio Guide to enjoy a narrated journey through the ages and across the continents, exploring at your own pace.

Contact

Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand

07 838 6782

hamilton.gardens@hcc.govt.nz

www.hamiltongardens.co.nz

Garden Hours

The Enclosed Gardens and Gallagher Visitor Centre are open to the public 364 days of the year (closed 25 December) daily from 10.00 am - 6.00 pm (last entry 5:30 pm). The rest of the Hamilton Gardens site including the playground, Turtle Lake, and Outer Gardens are open 365 days of the year. Carpark gates are open daily from 6.15 am to 9.00 pm. Hamilton Gardens Café is open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm on weekdays, and from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on weekends.

Price

Enter the Enclosed Gardens with a purchased ticket. Hamiltonians and children under the age of 16 remain free. Outer areas of the Gardens (not part of the Enclosed Gardens) can be visited by anyone. Everyone, no matter where you live, can continue to explore the bush walks, spot fish in Turtle Lake by the waterfall, walk through the rhododendrons, enjoy a picnic amongst the roses, visit the Hamilton Gardens Cafe, or stop and explore the Hamilton Gardens shop showcasing locally sourced products, some of which are inspired and derived from produce in the Enclosed Gardens.

Map

Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand

Our address is Hungerford Crescent Cobham Drive, SH1c, Hamilton, New Zealand and is easily accessible for visitors travelling from across New Zealand. Travel times from key destinations: 1 hr 25 minutes from Auckland Airport, Rotorua and Tauranga 1 hr from Waitomo Caves 45 minutes from Hobbiton 15 minutes from Hamilton Airport and 5 minutes from central Hamilton. Find out more about travel and transport options to get to Hamilton Gardens and where to park.

Gallery

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Hamilton Gardens