Walking Tours
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
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from
$150
per group
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens
5
Speciality & Gift ShopsVisitor CentresCultural ToursParksGardens
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Explore an enchanting world of secret gardens. Transport yourself through time and to far-flung corners of the world. Meander through a lush tropical jungle, visit ancient China and indulge yourself in a Renaissance Prince's 16th century garden. Five garden collections have been created to delight the senses, with some garden concepts reaching back 4,000 years. Hamilton Gardens is a conceptual garden based in the Waikato that explores the context, history and meaning of gardens through time, and from around the world. It is internationally recognised for its unique concept and is the Waikato region's most popular tourist destination. Only five minutes drive from Hamilton's CBD, the Gardens is open 7 days a week during daylight hours and entry and parking is free. Access is off SH1, alongside Cobham Drive on the southern side of Hamilton.
Hamilton, New Zealand
Awards
Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
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5.0
3,597 reviews
Excellent
2,884
Very good
631
Average
74
Poor
6
Terrible
2
Phil
Napier, New Zealand14 contributions
Dec 2019
We visited Hamilton specifically to visit the gardens. We wandered freely on our own and explored the many varied type of gardens.
Situated alongside the Waikato River on the site of a previous rubbish dump the grdens are in our view as good as any gardens we have visited anywhere in the world.
Interested in gardens, take your pick. From Italian Renaissance garden, Tudor garden, Chinese Scholar's, Kitchen, English Flower, the variety is vast. Our favourites, if possible to have a favourite in such a fabulous place, would be the Italian Renaissance Garden and the Mansfield Garden. The Mansfield Garden is set up to represent the Katherine Mansfield story "The Garden Party". We spent about 6 hours wandering, including the original Rose Garden, only stopping for lunch at the cafe by the Turtle Lake.
As we had only previously passed through Hamilton when heading north we decided to visit Hamilton Lake shown on our map. Another great spot. Home to the Hamilton Yacht Club, it is possible to drive/walk around the lake. A lovely spot with one of the best children's play areas we have seen.
We think Hamilton under sells itself as a destination and while we only scheduled 2 days there on our way home from Whangawai we shall spend more time there when next up north.
Stayed at the Ventura Suites which with breakfast included in the price comes highly recommended.
Good on ya Hamiltonians.
Situated alongside the Waikato River on the site of a previous rubbish dump the grdens are in our view as good as any gardens we have visited anywhere in the world.
Interested in gardens, take your pick. From Italian Renaissance garden, Tudor garden, Chinese Scholar's, Kitchen, English Flower, the variety is vast. Our favourites, if possible to have a favourite in such a fabulous place, would be the Italian Renaissance Garden and the Mansfield Garden. The Mansfield Garden is set up to represent the Katherine Mansfield story "The Garden Party". We spent about 6 hours wandering, including the original Rose Garden, only stopping for lunch at the cafe by the Turtle Lake.
As we had only previously passed through Hamilton when heading north we decided to visit Hamilton Lake shown on our map. Another great spot. Home to the Hamilton Yacht Club, it is possible to drive/walk around the lake. A lovely spot with one of the best children's play areas we have seen.
We think Hamilton under sells itself as a destination and while we only scheduled 2 days there on our way home from Whangawai we shall spend more time there when next up north.
Stayed at the Ventura Suites which with breakfast included in the price comes highly recommended.
Good on ya Hamiltonians.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wonderful to hear you enjoyed your visit to Hamilton Gardens and to Hamilton in general! It is hard to pick a favourite but I agree the Mansfield Garden is looking particularly lovely at this time of year 🌼 Thank you for taking the time to write a review.
- Annabel
Written 9 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Imkittie
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates193 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
The international award-winning Hamilton Gardens is unique. It tells "the story of gardens".
Driving from Auckland City will take 2hrs and 45 mins.
Location: Hungerford Crescent SH1 (Off Cobham Drive), Hamilton
Opening Hours:
From 7.30am to 5.30pm (winter)
From 7.30am to 8.00pm (summer)
Entrance Fee is free, parking is available.
Tour guide will be approximately 13-20 NZD.
Here some photos to attract you 🙂 Actually I got less because of wedding ceremony going on the site.
Driving from Auckland City will take 2hrs and 45 mins.
Location: Hungerford Crescent SH1 (Off Cobham Drive), Hamilton
Opening Hours:
From 7.30am to 5.30pm (winter)
From 7.30am to 8.00pm (summer)
Entrance Fee is free, parking is available.
Tour guide will be approximately 13-20 NZD.
Here some photos to attract you 🙂 Actually I got less because of wedding ceremony going on the site.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your review and lovely photos! 🌼
Written 18 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicola B
297 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We first visited here in November 2018 and returned for a second visit this month. What a wonderful resource! Two more gardens have been added with four more planned. Wonderful variation in a smallish area...the marigolds in the Indian garden were a particular delight. Nice food in the cafe too. A must see!
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. Great to hear you enjoyed visiting again! 🌼
- Annabel
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adriandcass
Christchurch, New Zealand285 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
My first visit to these stunning gardens. Lots to see, you could be there several hours. It was very busy with cars parked all over the grass and plenty of people enjoying the beauty of the gardens. The cafe looked like it has great food but so seating available, all full so we didn’t eat there. Gardens associated with different themes and regions of the world, nestled against the backdrop of the Waikato river. Easy walking. If hot need umbrella or hat as not much shade. Free to enter but suggest you leave a donation.
Will definitely return.
Will definitely return.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. Great to hear you enjoyed your visit! 🌼
- Annabel
Written 9 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dianna C
Melbourne, Australia1,192 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
These are perhaps the best gardens we have ever seen! And we have seen lots of gardens around the world. The theming of the enclosed gardens is unique, authentic and beautifully done. Loved the chinese scholar garden, english garden and italian renaissance. You will need at least 3-4 hours here to even scratch the surface as there are about 12. Please donate to keep this growing.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to write a review. Fantastic to hear you enjoyed your visit! 🌼
- Annabel
Written 2 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Uday Kumar H
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1,910 contributions
Jan 2020
Hamilton Garden New Zealand
We visited Hamilton Garden, New Zealand on 7th January 2020. The tour manager of Thomas Cook provided us with the importance, heritage, educational facilities, and some other aspects about the Hamilton Garden.
The vast Hamilton Gardens is a public garden park in the south of Hamilton owned. The garden managed by Hamilton City Council in New Zealand.
Hamilton Garden is there along with open lawns, a lake, a nursery, a convention centre and the Hamilton East Cemetery.
On interrogating a person of a shop inside Hamilton Garden I came to know that Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.
It stand established that gardens have been a way of expressing the important philosophical ideas of their time. It is also true that story of gardens reflects the story of civilisation and attitudes to the natural world. No exception for Hamilton garden.
The collections of ‘gardens’ at Hamilton Gardens hint the history, context and meaning of gardens. Each garden tells a story and offers an insight into a different civilisation of the time.
Most development of Hamilton Gardens has occurred since 1980, growing in scope and vision to become a unique showcase for the story of gardens.
Hamilton Gardens won the Garden of the Year award at the International Garden Tourism Awards in Metz, France in 2014, after being selected by a global jury of garden experts.
There are ample educational opportunities in Hamilton Gardens. The range of opportunities include from geometry in the ‘Italian Renaissance Garden’ to’ history in Te Parapara’, New Zealand's only traditional ‘Maaori productive garden.’
At my age of 72, I intend to visit New Zealand again and within the Hamilton Garden.
We visited Hamilton Garden, New Zealand on 7th January 2020. The tour manager of Thomas Cook provided us with the importance, heritage, educational facilities, and some other aspects about the Hamilton Garden.
The vast Hamilton Gardens is a public garden park in the south of Hamilton owned. The garden managed by Hamilton City Council in New Zealand.
Hamilton Garden is there along with open lawns, a lake, a nursery, a convention centre and the Hamilton East Cemetery.
On interrogating a person of a shop inside Hamilton Garden I came to know that Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.
It stand established that gardens have been a way of expressing the important philosophical ideas of their time. It is also true that story of gardens reflects the story of civilisation and attitudes to the natural world. No exception for Hamilton garden.
The collections of ‘gardens’ at Hamilton Gardens hint the history, context and meaning of gardens. Each garden tells a story and offers an insight into a different civilisation of the time.
Most development of Hamilton Gardens has occurred since 1980, growing in scope and vision to become a unique showcase for the story of gardens.
Hamilton Gardens won the Garden of the Year award at the International Garden Tourism Awards in Metz, France in 2014, after being selected by a global jury of garden experts.
There are ample educational opportunities in Hamilton Gardens. The range of opportunities include from geometry in the ‘Italian Renaissance Garden’ to’ history in Te Parapara’, New Zealand's only traditional ‘Maaori productive garden.’
At my age of 72, I intend to visit New Zealand again and within the Hamilton Garden.
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review. It's great to hear you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again some time! 🌼
- Annabel
Written 20 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian
7 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
A last minute decision led us to visit the Garden, and we're all glad we did! It's very impressive what is on offer and I will be recommending it to people traveling to the Waikato.
Being a New Zealanders, how did I not know this existed?
We spent most of our time in the Enclosed Gardens area, which I think is the main attraction.
We have 3 primary age kids and they had a great time too, highlight of their trip to the region they said. It is very suitable for kids and families. Ours had a dip in the water at the Contemporary American garden (hope that's OK).
We got there 10am on a weekday which meant we missed most of the rush. By noon the gardens were getting pretty busy.
Sadly the Japanese garden was closed during out visit, but on the bright side that means I have something to look forward to in future. I see there's still plans for more new gardens which is exciting.
I've been to a number of gardens in Japan which charge a small entry fee. By comparison this garden is free and has a variety of gardens from different cultures and themes. Some of the themed gardens alone would be worth visiting!
We didn't have time to see the pavilion. The playground was reasonably close by and a good break for the kids (has a separate parking area).
We would have liked to see some information regarding the construction and history of the gardens. There was a board at the entrance but from memory it wasn't very detailed.
If only we had something comparable in our region! Waikato folk, we're very jealous of you.
P. S. my kids say there is a rabbit roaming around the Japanese garden area.
Being a New Zealanders, how did I not know this existed?
We spent most of our time in the Enclosed Gardens area, which I think is the main attraction.
We have 3 primary age kids and they had a great time too, highlight of their trip to the region they said. It is very suitable for kids and families. Ours had a dip in the water at the Contemporary American garden (hope that's OK).
We got there 10am on a weekday which meant we missed most of the rush. By noon the gardens were getting pretty busy.
Sadly the Japanese garden was closed during out visit, but on the bright side that means I have something to look forward to in future. I see there's still plans for more new gardens which is exciting.
I've been to a number of gardens in Japan which charge a small entry fee. By comparison this garden is free and has a variety of gardens from different cultures and themes. Some of the themed gardens alone would be worth visiting!
We didn't have time to see the pavilion. The playground was reasonably close by and a good break for the kids (has a separate parking area).
We would have liked to see some information regarding the construction and history of the gardens. There was a board at the entrance but from memory it wasn't very detailed.
If only we had something comparable in our region! Waikato folk, we're very jealous of you.
P. S. my kids say there is a rabbit roaming around the Japanese garden area.
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia ora Ian, thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Great to hear you and your whaanau enjoyed your visit! The billboard at the entrance shows the future gardens currently under development - if you'd like to learn more about the history of Hamilton Gardens and the significance of our themed gardens, pop in to the Information Centre :) And yes, supervised children are welcome to have a splash in the Modernist pool - it's a popular spot in warm weather!
Thanks again for your feedback - ka kite ano 🌼 Annabel at Hamilton Gardens
Written 8 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vikings
2 contributions
Jan 2020
Hamilton (and everyone involved in creating Hamilton Gardens) should be SOOOO proud! My daughter and I wondered through the gardens in awe and amazement at the skill, talent and time that has clearly gone into creating what has to be Hamiltons biggest gem. Unfortunately, we had to hurry because it was a scorching hot day and we left my husband with the dog (who understandably was not allowed in various parts of the gardens) Tourists and locals alike will be stunned by the array of planting styles, colours and artistic beauty that awaits. You do not even have to be an avid gardener to appreciate what Hamilton Gardens has to offer. We were equally impressed at the staff patrolling the grounds and especially the carpark. They were doing a great job in that heat and added to the quality experience by being so professional and friendly. Put together a picnic or make the most of the cafe. We grabbed an iced coffee as it was 30 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. A beautiful way to spend the day or kill a few hours or even just a quick stop on the way through Hamilton. A must see!!!! Loved the gardens and will drive back to Hamilton for a day trip for sure just to see the parts we missed.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review, it's wonderful to hear you and your daughter enjoyed your visit so much! If it's a scorcher next time you visit, pop into our Visitor Centre for some free sunscreen too 🌼
Written 13 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathleen M
Cambridge, New Zealand152 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Wonderful to visit:
You don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy this amazing place which is such a work of art. I can recommend that you allow a minimum of 90 minutes to enjoy each garden. I don’t want to put too many photos as part of the enjoyment is the surprises.
You don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy this amazing place which is such a work of art. I can recommend that you allow a minimum of 90 minutes to enjoy each garden. I don’t want to put too many photos as part of the enjoyment is the surprises.
Written 24 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to write a review Kathleen. Great to hear you enjoyed your visit! 🌼
- Annabel
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Karl R Signal
Palmerston North, New Zealand10 contributions
Jan 2021 • Family
There are so many cool things to see and do in this beautiful country of ours and this is right up there. The amazing thing is that all of this is free and after being there you wouldn’t begrudge the City Council charging visitors. The themed gardens are amazing. My favourite themed gardens were the Paradise ones. Awesome thing is that more gardens are being planned and developed for the future so it gives even more reason to come back again! Hamilton has a world class tourist destination and NZders need to see it before the overseas tourists return to enjoy it without the crowds! Recommend going in the evening.
Written 23 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Karl, we appreciate you leaving a review 🌼
Written 24 January 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton, New Zealand
Hi.
Thank you for your question.
Dogs are not permitted in the Enclosed Gardens, 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. On our website you can find a map of off lead dog area is.
Written 21 July 2022
Hi, we may be a bit rush of time but love to visit to Hamilton Gardens, can you recommend a few gardens that we can spend an hour time? Where do you recommend us to park our cars?
Thank you
Written 15 September 2019
There is a large free car park at the gardens. Just drive through the main gate and you will end up there. The gardens are themed. Choose the ones that most interest you and go to those ones. There are good signs along the paths.
Written 17 September 2019
hi are dogs allowed in the garden, if they are leashed? Is there a free roam area for dogs? thanks
Written 21 December 2017
thanks everyone. I found this on the website so I guess I shall brave the dirty looks.
Dogs. Dogs are not permitted in the enclosed gardens or in Hamilton East Park Cemetery. They are allowedeverywhere else on a lead. We also have an off-lead dog exercise area above the Gate 1 carpark
cheers
Meena
Written 27 December 2017
Hi,
How much time does it take to walk through all the gardens?
Thank you.
Written 10 July 2015
Hi,
The enclosed sector contains our themed gardens and we recommend approximately two hours to enjoy this area.
The wider site is spread across 54 hectares with some highlights including the Rogers Rose Garden, display houses and Turtle Lake - so if you have more time these areas are the perfect place for a picnic or explore.
I hope that helps and feel free to visit our website for more information.
Have a wonderful day,
Regards.
Written 10 July 2015
Hi Kelly,
what are the gardens like in the winter? We are arriving at the end of June.
Barb
Written 14 June 2015
Hi Barb, thanks for your query - and look forward to seeing you! The Gardens have been designed for year-round colour. We replace the flowers in the Indian Char Bagh twice a year (more than 4,000 flowers!) so they will be looking fantastic when you arrive. All our other gardens are maintained and have strong architectural features. You might catch the tail end of the autumn colours too in the Gardens. I hope this helps. Kind regards.
Written 14 June 2015
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