 Overview
Hamilton Gardens covers an area of 58 hectares at the southern end of Hamilton City, New Zealand. It is a public park owned and managed by the Hamilton City Council. Admission to all areas of Hamilton Gardens is free.
Some minor garden development started in the early 1960's and the Rogers Rose Garden was made in 1971 but most development has occurred since 1982. More detail on the history of Hamilton Gardens can be found
here.
Today Hamilton Gardens is the most popular visitor attraction in the region with about 1.3 million visitors each year, nearly half of them being tourists. There are nearly 2000 events held within Hamilton Gardens each year.
The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is 'the story of gardens' which is explored through a series of five garden collections.
-
 The Paradise Garden Collection featuring gardens representing some of the most significant garden design traditions.
- The Productive Garden Collection representing different aspects of the relationship between people and plants.
- The Fantasy Garden Collection representing different forms of garden fantasy.
- The Cultivar Garden Collection featuring the story of plants selected and bred for the garden.
- The Landscape Garden Collection with areas representing the different historic interpretations of an idealised landscape.
Visiting times and access
 The central theme gardens are open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm in winter and 8pm in summer.
The Information Centre is open seven days a week from 10.00am to 4.00pm and later during busy summer periods.
The Gardens Café is open from 10am to 5pm in winter and 10am to 6pm in summer, although these times can be extended to meet demand.
The Victorian Flower Garden Display Houses are open from 10am to 4pm in winter and from 10am to 5pm in summer.
Dogs are permitted on a lead in all areas at Hamilton Gardens except for the enclosed theme garden area between the Pavilion & river. They are permitted off a lead on the Hillside Lawn below the cemetery. Please refer to the site guide for the extent of these areas.
Cycling and skateboarding are not permitted in Hamilton Gardens.
Getting to Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens is located on State Highway One, just south of Hamilton City and east of the Cobham Bridge. If you are coming from the north, look for Hamilton Gardens on your right just after crossing the river. If you are travelling on State Highway One from the south, look for the signed entrances into the first large park on your left before you cross the river.
Access from Cobham Drive by either Gate 1 or 2 will take you directly to parking near most of the main facilities. During the weekends you are more likely to find plenty of parking from Gate 2. If you don't know you way around Hamilton Gardens follow the signs to the Information Centre where you can pick up a free map of the Gardens.
A bus service operates to Hamilton Gardens during the University and Wintec semesters only. For current routes and times go to
www.busit.co.nz or phone 0800 4 BUSLINE.
View Larger Map
Guided Tours
 Guided tours can be arranged through the Hamilton Gardens Information Centre. The prices are as follows:
Up to 10 people: $50.00
11 to 24 people: $80.00
25+ people: $100.00
School groups are charged $2 per person.
The tours are provided by members of the Friends of Hamilton Gardens and all proceeds go towards future development projects. Sometimes specialist guides can be arranged for specific groups, such as a Mandarin speaker or a knowledgeable horticulturalist. Phone (64) 07 838 6782. FAX (64) 07 838 6801 or Email
bookings.gardens@hcc.govt.nz
The Café and Restaurant can cater for tour groups, but they can ensure tables are available and provide a much quicker service with prior knowledge of your visit, particularly for larger groups. Phone (64) 07 8566 581, Fax (64) 07 856 2808, Email
gardenterrace@ihug.co.nz
Seasonal features
The following guide is subject to seasonal variations.
January /February
The Rogers Rose Garden, Dahlia displays beside the Governors' Lawn, Herb
Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden, English Flower Garden and Summer
bedding in the Victorian Flower Garden.
March /April
Rogers Rose Garden, Dahlia and Chrysanthemum displays beside the
Governors' Lawn, Display Houses in the Victorian Flower Garden.
May /June
Autumn foliage, Temperate House and Cactus House in the Victorian Flower Garden. Also look out for the Camellia Walk and berrying shrubs.
July /August
Hammond Camellia Garden, The Greenhouses in the Victorian Flower Garden, Rhododendron Lawn, Magnolias in the Bussaco Woodland.
September /October
Hammond Camellia Garden, Rhododendron Lawn, Daffodils on the Hillside Lawn, Kitchen Garden,
November /December
Rogers Rose Garden (Look for the new trial roses to be judged in late November), English Flower Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden, Kitchen Garden, Herb Garden, Perfume Garden, bedding displays in the Victorian Flower Garden. |
