Hamilton Gardens
★★★★★★
Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.
Throughout history, gardens have been a way of expressing the important philosophical ideas of their time. In some respects the story of gardens reflects the story of civilisation and attitudes to the natural world.
The collections of gardens at Hamilton Gardens explore the history, context and meaning of gardens. Each tells a story and offers an insight into a different civilisation. The 18 themed gardens range from the 4000 year old themed Ancient Egyptian Garden to the Italian Renaissance Garden, and the Te Parapara traditional Maaori productive garden to the mind bending Surrealist garden.
Facilities and Amenities
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C• Peak time for visitors to Hamilton Gardens is between 11am and 3pm on summer weekends and public holidays.
• Entry to Hamilton Gardens is free.
• Free parking is available on site through Gate 1 and Gate 2.
• There are a range of options to assist visitors with limited mobility. Please contact the Hamilton Gardens to reserve mobility equipment.
• Dogs are not permitted in the Enclosed Gardens or in Hamilton East Park Cemetery however they are allowed elsewhere on-lead. There is an off-lead dog exercise area near Gate 1 carpark. Assistance dogs are always welcome throughout Hamilton Gardens.
• Hamilton Gardens is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is only permitted in the car parks.
• You can get a detailed map of Hamilton Gardens for $2 from the Information Centre. Available in English or Mandarin.
• Bring a reusable water bottle and top up at the free drinking water stations available in the gardens.
• Rubbish bins are provided throughout the park so help us keep things tidy by not littering.
• We encourage visitors to follow The Tiaki Promise as a commitment to care for New Zealand.
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• The Enclosed Gardens (themed gardens) are open 9am to 5pm daily (last entry at 4.30pm)
• The wider parkland areas of the gardens are open
• The Hamilton Gardens playground is open
• Public toilets are open 8.00am – 5.30pm daily
• Gates at the road entrances are open from 5.30am and close at 9pm
• Our Information Centre and Gift Shop is open 9am to 5pm daily
Starting in spring 2024, the standard entry fee for the enclosed gardens will be $20 (free entry currently). Residents within the HCC ratepayer boundary and those aged under 16 can enter for free, but proof of address is necessary. A system is being developed to require proof of address only on the first visit. Concession details will be announced closer to the date.
Tours
Join our friendly and knowledgeable tour guides for a journey of hidden stories, secret symbols, interesting snippets, and new insights into some of our most popular gardens. Perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to uncover the deeper meaning behind our beautiful gardens. Book your tour today for the ultimate Hamilton Gardens experience.
• $25 Adult
• $15.00 Child 5-15 years
• Children under 5 are free of charge
For more info, phone (07) 958 5940 or email hgtours@hcc.govt.nz. Group bookings are welcome!
We also have Audio Tours available for hire for $10, Go on an immersive journey through our beautiful gardens and uncover their fascinating tales and rich history. Perfect for first-time visitors or those looking to delve into the deeper stories of the gardens, our audio tour is sure to provide unique insights into these iconic gardens.
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• We are only minutes from Hamilton central city on Cobham Drive SH1. Gate 1 and 2 entrances both take you to the main facilities.
• Coming from Auckland, Hamilton Gardens is 90 minutes drive and is located halfway between Auckland and Rotorua or Taupō.
• Hamilton Gardens is 45 minutes from Hobbiton and 1 hour from the Waitomo Caves.
• Catch a bus on Route 17 - Hamilton Gardens. The bus stop is at the main Gate 1 carpark.
• Walk or cycle alongside the Waikato River between Hamilton Gardens and the city centre.
• The best way for pedestrians or cyclists to cross Cobham Drive is via the Sillary Street underpass which comes out on the Governor's Green near Gate 2.
• Please remember to take all bags and valuable with you, or conceal them out of site, when parking in the carpark.
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Physical Address: Hungerford Crescent (off Cobham Drive) SH1, Hamilton
Phone: 07 8386782
Email: hamilton.gardens@hcc.govt.nz
Website: http://hamiltongardens.co.nz
