Gardens to visit - Hamilton Gardens

Overview

Experience a day of unexpected delights at Hamilton Gardens, where you'll journey through a vast number of Enclosed Gardens showcasing diverse cultures and times. Walk in the footsteps of Tudor England, step into surrealism, wander through the tropics, or awaken your senses in imperial China. These 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. 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. 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) is pivotal in promoting awareness, fostering engagement, and securing vital funding for ongoing development projects.

Garden Size

Discover this must-see attraction year-round, featuring over 45 hectares of gardens and parklands to explore.

Weddings

Hamilton Gardens is a dynamic venue with endless beautiful backdrops and world-class facilities. This Waikato venue provides the perfect backdrop for unique and unforgettable weddings, events, functions, conferences, meetings and workshops. The breathtaking setting accommodates event venue hire options ranging from small, intimate gatherings to boardroom spaces and large outdoor festivals, there is a venue hire option at Hamilton Gardens to suit every budget and size. 

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?
Dogs are not permitted in the Enclosed Gardens or the Hamilton East Park Cemetery, however, dogs are allowed on leads in the outer areas. Assistance dogs are always welcome throughout Hamilton Gardens An off-lead dog exercise area is located near Gate 1 carpark.
Cafe/Restaurant available?
Hamilton Gardens Café is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. 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
Indulge in one of our gourmet picnic baskets at the award-winning Hamilton Gardens. The hamper is filled with delicious foods, ranging from sweet to savoury. It includes a blanket, and all of our packaging is eco-friendly. The collection of baskets is from the Hamilton Gardens Cafe.
Children allowed?
A garden-themed destination playground with a treehouse, slides, and a giant stage. Hamilton Gardens Children’s Playground provides for imagination and roleplay, discovery and learning. 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 Māori productive garden that demonstrates food cultivation and storage practices.
Toilets?
Toilets are available at the following locations: The Red Arch by the Gallagher Visitor Centre The Pavilion in the entry precinct – see map Playground Toilet block next to Gate 2 carpark Sergel Court beside the Ancient Egyptian Garden.
Seating
Seating choices can be found in both the Enclosed and Outer Gardens, allowing visitors to relax and fully appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.
Plants/Sales
Explore the Hamilton Gardens Shop and take home a piece of the gardens with our locally sourced and locally made products.
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 a year. Carpark gates are open daily from 6.15 am to 9.00 pm.

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