Visit

Nau mai, haere mai! Hamilton Gardens is open every day of the year and entry is free.

Our address is Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand.

Get directions here.

 

Opening times

  • The Enclosed Gardens (themed gardens) are open 9am to 5pm daily (last entry at 4.30pm). Entry is free. 
  • The wider parkland areas of the gardens are open
  • The Hamilton Gardens playground is open
  • Public toilets are open 8.00am – 5.30pm and being cleaned 3x per day
  • Gates at the road entrances are open from 6.15am 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.

Tips for your visit

  • Peak time for visitors to Hamilton Gardens is between 11am and 3pm on summer weekends and public holidays. The car parks will be busy and you may experience delays within the Enclosed Gardens. 
  • Entry to Hamilton Gardens is free.
    Free parking is available on site through Gate 1 and Gate 2.
  • We have a range of options to assist visitors with limited mobility. Please visit our accessibility page for more info
  • 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.
  • From Tuesday 11 July, visitors to Hamilton Gardens will access the Enclosed Gardens via a temporary entrance next to the Red Arch. This will lead visitors to the English Flower Garden and from there they can continue to explore the Enclosed Gardens as they usually would. 
  • There will be a portacom cabin set up in the temporary entrance to provide information and maps and sell products and tours to visitors while the new Visitor Centre is built. Visitor services have moved to a portacom in the temporary entrance where visitors can shop, pick up a $10 audio guide, buy a map, hire wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and ask any questions. 
  • The Red Arch toilets are accessible through the temporary entrance. 
  • Hamilton Gardens Café remains open. 
  • The outer areas of Hamilton Gardens such as the Rose Garden, Rhododendron Lawn and Children’s playground will not be affected by the construction. 
  • The Entry Precinct project construction is now well underway and we thank you for your patience and understanding while we work hard to complete construction. 

Getting here

  • We are only minutes from Hamilton central city on Cobham Drive SH1. Get directions here.
  • 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. Read more about Hamilton's shared trails.
  • 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.

Making the most of your visit

  • 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.
  • Share your photos with #hamiltongardens. Tag us on Facebook or Instagram, and leave a review on Trip Advisor!

Guided tours

Hamilton Gardens Highlights Tour

Discover so much more

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!

Guided tours leave from the Hamilton Gardens Information Centre and last approximately 75 minutes. All guided tours are offered in English. At the conclusion of the tour, all participants will be given a 10% discount voucher to spend in the Hamilton Gardens Gift Shop valid on the day only.

 

Hamilton Gardens Private Highlights Tour

If you are looking for a more exclusive experience or are planning to visit at a time and date when there isn’t currently a tour scheduled, we also offer private Highlights Tours by arrangement.  Our friendly and knowledgeable guides will take you on a private tour through the Gardens at the time of your choosing, perfect for those booking for a group or looking for the personal touch.

Enquire today to arrange your ultimate Hamilton Gardens experience.

  • $150 per group of up to 6 participants
  • Subject to availability with 72hrs notice
  • Additional adults at $25pp
  • Additional children (5-15 years) at $15pp
  • Gift vouchers available 

 

 

For more info, phone (07) 958 5940 or email hgtours@hcc.govt.nz.

Cambridge local, John, had this to say in his review on Trip Advisor:

“If you are like us and have visited the gardens on many occasions then let me encourage you to take a guided tour on your next visit.

“The tour takes you around a number of the themed gardens and explains the stories behind each of the gardens which gave me an understanding which I've never got before by just wandering around.”

A visitor from Wellington shared this feedback:

 “The tour was great value as our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and we got an excellent overview of the different gardens and the history.

 “Brilliant. Highly recommended for all age groups including families.”

Audio Tour

Discover the story of Hamilton Gardens with our Audio Tour for just $10.

Join us 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.

Available in English and Mandarin.

Upgrade to a Tour and treats combo and you’ll get a Audio Tour with a side of coffee and cake for just $20. Book online today or pick up a handset at the Hamilton Gardens Info Centre.

Information Centre and Gift Shop

The Information Centre and Gift Shop is open 9am to 5pm 

Stocked with quality New Zealand made gifts, the Information Centre and Gift Shop is open daily.

Don't miss a thing! Purchase a map for $2 and get the most out of your free visit to Hamilton Gardens.

River Riders

You can now hire a bike from River Riders’ Hamilton Gardens depot. You can access the River Riders Depot from the Camellia Carpark, Gate 2, Hamilton

Upcoming garden closures

At times some gardens may be closed temporarily for private events or maintenance. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The Indian Char Bagh.

 

Seasonal highlights

Hamilton Gardens is a magical destination at any time of the year. If you're caught out with rainy weather, pop in and borrow an umbrella from our Information Centre. Feeling hot? There are free water fountains located throughout the gardens.

Summer

Around every corner there is a surprise, from reflections in the Cloud Court through to glimpses of the Waikato River from the Lawn Court. Check out the award winning roses in the Rogers Rose Garden.

  • English Flower Garden
    This traditional garden offers a rich assortment of colour during summer with its mixed borders and the beautiful white garden.
  • Italian Renaissance Garden
    Fragrant Seville orange trees are harvested for our bespoke marmalade, while ornamental grape vines drape the entrance pavilion.
  • Te Parapara Garden
    An abundance of traditionally planted rare kuumara (sweet potato) varieties on puke (mounds) are prepared for harvesting.

Autumn

Autumn provides a spectacular display of fiery oranges, reds and yellows throughout the gardens. Don’t miss the Italian Renaissance Garden with the changing colours of the Virginia Creeper and grape vines.

  • Japanese Garden of Contemplation
    While this garden is normally monochromatic, autumn is an exception with the maple trees creating vibrant reflections in the garden’s still waters.
  • Waikato River pathway
    Enjoy a picnic alongside New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato River and enjoy the changing colours of the Swamp Cypress trees.
  • Tudor Garden
    Admire the ornamental planting in the knot gardens which were inspired by the drawings of 16th century gardener Thomas Hill, and the productive quince trees that we harvest for our quince paste.

Winter

Misty mornings give way to clear skies over dramatic structures and courtyards - a photographer’s dream! Additional highlights include the Bussaco Woodland magnolias in late winter, and look out for the native tūī bird in our flowering cherries.

  • Hammond Camellia Garden
    Camellias in full bloom provide a spectacular backdrop to views across the Gardens. This garden is worth the short steep climb.
  • Tropical Garden
    An oasis of colour throughout the year with palms, aloes and birds of paradise. Escape to a tropical paradise!
  • Rhododendron Lawn
    Take an early evening stroll in September and October to enjoy the vibrant colours of the rhododendrons, while admiring the other complementary shrubs such as Pieris, Azalea, Skimmia, and Leucothoe.

Spring

As temperatures slowly warm, an abundance of new growth from fresh foliage to blooming flowers emerge. The Victorian Flower Garden glasshouses continue to put on a magnificant show of colourful blooms, and take time to explore the cactus house.

  • Rogers Rose Garden
    The national Pacific Rose Bowl Festival is held in November at Hamilton Gardens and Rogers Rose Garden is rich with the scent of many varieties. Come along and vote for Rose of the Year!
  • Hillside Lawn
    Located beside the Gate 1 carpark, this lawn erupts into a cascading blaze of golden daffodils on the slope.
  • Kitchen Garden
    Be inspired by this productive garden as it emerges from winter with planting and preparation for warmer months.