Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa is on at Hamilton Gardens from 20 Feb - 1 Mar 2026. Enclosed Garden closures will be listed here. Please ask staff for details.

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Garden closures this weekend for Hamilton Arts Festival:
Friday 27th - Surrealist Garden 10.00-11.00am; Medici Court 5pm till close;
Saturday 28th - English Flower Garden 2.30-4pm; Medici Court 2.30-4.30pm; Chinese Scholars' Garden 11am-12pm, 1-2pm, 3-4pm;
Sunday 1st - Medici Court 3.30pm till close; Japanese Garden of Contemplation 3-5pm; Chinese Scholars' Garden 11am-12pm, 1-2pm, 3-4pm, 5-6pm;

Immerse yourself in a vibrant display of blooms, explore the Rhododendron Lawn.

This steep wooded area and other gardens bordering the path that circles the Rhododendron Lawn accommodate the Rhododendron collection and a number of other acid loving and complementary shrubs such as Pieris, Azalea, Skimmia, and Leucothoe.

This collection is at its best in September/October, and the perfume is best in the early evening.

The garden also features a variety of small deciduous trees - various, Acer with their special bark, Prunus, Cornus, and Magnolia, and also a variety of perennials that associate well with these shrubs and trees, thriving in the dappled shade.

Cultivar

Cultivar

Free entry

Best viewed: Sep – Feb (Spring, Summer)

Easily accessible

NZ native flora

Colourful blooms

A hand holding their phone with the Gardens map on the screen

Navigate the wonders of Hamilton Gardens and plan your visit now.