Internationally recognised and with 45 hectares of gardens and parklands to explore, the tourist attraction is a destination in its own right. At the heart of the riverside property are 18 spectacular Enclosed Gardens, from the captivating Surrealist Garden and Tudor Garden to the Japanese Garden of Contemplation and a 21st-century concept garden.
The property also features Te Parapara Garden, New Zealand’s only traditional Māori productive garden, designed to showcase traditional garden skills developed by Waikato Māori and show how Aotearoa’s first gardeners adapted their tropical crops for a colder climate.
While Hamilton Gardens have always been free to visit, from 18 September, paid entry to the enclosed gardens begins.
This means that visitors who live outside of Hamilton (and do not pay rates to Hamilton City Council) will be required to pay $20 for single admission or an annual pass fee of $50 (a special intro price is available on this of $39 until 31 December 2024). A 10% discount is offered for cardholders (SuperGold, Community Services Card, etc.) and U16s are free.
Outer areas of the gardens, including the playground, Turtle Lake, and picnic spots among the roses and rhododendrons remain free of charge to visit.
Although there are many gardens to choose from, each with its own seasonal delights, if Hamilton Gardens is on your itinerary while heading to the Waikato for the upcoming NZMCA Hamilton Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show, our best recommendations for a spring visit are:
- Indian Charbagh Garden
- Chinese Scholars’ Garden
- Kitchen Garden
- Ancient Egyptian Garden
- Chinoiserie Garden
Top five gems enjoy in the outer areas
If your preference is to focus on the outer areas (free of charge), check out:
Rogers Rose Garden
A stunning showcase of colour and fragrance, this award-winning garden has a history as vibrant as its blossoms. Wander through the themed sections to admire the spectacular display of roses and learn more about the evolution of the modern rose. It’s a popular spot for a leisurely stroll and photography, especially in late spring and early summer when the garden is at its most spectacular.
Victorian Flower Garden
The Victorian Flower Garden was the first part of Hamilton Gardens to be developed. Intended to display the skill of the gardener, you’ll find an array of colourful flower beds, planted in intricate patterns that change with the seasons, along with specimen trees that stand tall in the middle of well-tended green lawns.
Earth Blanket Sculpture
Standing tall at the entrance to Hamilton Gardens, Nga Uri o Hinetuparimaunga, meaning ‘the Earth blanket of Hinetuparimaunga’, is a powerful symbol of protection, respect, and connection to the land. The landmark sculpture was officially unveiled in 2005 and is a collaborative effort between sculptor, Chris Booth, and weaver, Digger Te Kanawa. Five of the 21 towering columns of volcanic rock are adorned with Te Kahu o Papatuanuku, a woven cloak of 13,000 pebbles, symbolising the Earth’s precious resources.
Little Bull
Pushing boundaries and challenging conventional art, ‘Little Bull’ reflects the public’s evolving perspectives on art and its appreciation for diversity in artistic style. Unveiled in 1968, this iconic bronze piece holds a unique place in the city’s history.
Women’s Suffrage Pavilion
Nestled amid the verdant embrace of the Valley Walk in Hamilton Gardens, the Suffrage Pavilion stands as a symbol of women’s suffrage and a tranquil space for reflecting on women’s empowerment, cultural heritage, and the enduring pursuit of equality. Commissioned in 1993, the pavilion commemorated the 100th anniversary of New Zealand becoming the first country to grant women the right to vote.
More info
Free parking is available in all three car parks.
For more information on opening times, special events, guided tours, and other details, visit hamiltongardens.co.nz
