Gardens currently closed: English Flower Garden

Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens is a must-see attraction for visitors to New Zealand and the Waikato region. An affordable day out for the whole family, our entirely unique destination is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it New Zealand’s best kept secret!

You'll experience unexpected delights in our Enclosed Gardens as you’re transported to a different time and culture throughout the ages. Let us help you plan your visit and make the most of your adventure at Hamilton Gardens. 

 

Open hours and entry information

The Enclosed Gardens is open to the public 364 days of the year (closed 25 December). The rest of the Hamilton Gardens site including the playground, Turtle Lake, and Outer Gardens are open 365 days of the year.

  • Carpark gates are open daily from 6.15am to 9.00pm
  • From 18 September 2024 - 31 March 2025, Enclosed Gardens and Gallagher Visitor Centre are open daily from 10.00am - 6.00pm
  • From 1 April to 30 October 2025, Enclosed Gardens and Gallagher Visitor Centre are open daily from 10.00am - 5.00pm
  • Public toilets are open daily from 8.00am to 5.30pm
  • Hamilton Gardens Café is open from 9.00am to 4.00pm weekdays, and from 9.00am to 5.00pm at weekends.

 

Travelling to Hamilton Gardens

Our address is Hungerford Crescent Cobham Drive, SH1c, Hamilton, New Zealand and is easily accessible for visitors travelling from across New Zealand.

Travel times from key destinations: 

  • 1 hr 25 minutes from Auckland Airport, Rotorua and Tauranga
  • 1 hr from Waitomo Caves
  • 45 minutes from Hobbiton 
  • 15 minutes from Hamilton Airport and 5 minutes from central Hamilton.

Find out more about travel and transport options to get to Hamilton Gardens and where to park.

Get directions on Google Maps

How to plan and make the most of your visit

Use the Hamilton Gardens map

Our map is the perfect guide to help you explore and navigate the wonders of Hamilton Gardens. It details all 18 Enclosed Gardens, the Outer Gardens, the Hamilton Gardens Café, playground and key points of interest across our expansive 45-hectare grounds. Get started and plot your adventure now.

Top tips to help plan your itinerary

With so many extraordinary gardens to explore, you could easily spend a whole day at Hamilton Gardens. But whether you have a full day or only a few hours, we’ve compiled our top tips to help, including which gardens are best to visit based on your interest, tour options, where to eat, and what to see.

The ultimate guide for your visit

To help you make the most of your visit, we've put together a guide to help plan your perfect trip to Hamilton Gardens. How do I get there? When shall I visit? Where do I park? Read on for our top tips on how to get here, what to wear, best times of the day to visit, and much more.

Best times of year to visit

Highlights of what to see and do

Guided Tours and Audio Guides

Discover the magic of Hamilton Gardens with one of our tours. Our Guided Highlights Tours and Audio Guides reveal the beauty and deeper meaning of our spectacular gardens. Whether you're a first time explorer or a returning visitor, this immersive journey brings the gardens to life. Audio Guide available in English and Mandarin.

Key places and points of interest

Beyond our stunning garden attractions, Hamilton Gardens offers much more to explore. Enjoy our playground, browse our gift shop and relax at the onsite café. Discover an impressive array of historic sculptures and points of interest with cultural, social or political significance, all scattered throughout Hamilton Gardens.

What's on at Hamilton Gardens

With a wide range of event and venue options, Hamilton Gardens plays host to a variety of events throughout the year. In summer, the grounds are heaving with visitors eating and relaxing at Gourmet in the Gardens, followed by the Arts Festival. Check out our events page to see what's coming up at Hamilton Gardens.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hamilton Gardens (FAQ's)

Hamilton Gardens has two free carparks, both accessible from Cobham Drive, off State Highway 1. 

  • Dogs are not permitted in the Enclosed Gardens or in the Hamilton East Park Cemetery, however dogs are allowed on-lead in the outer areas. 
  • Assistance dogs are always welcome throughout Hamilton Gardens
  • An off-lead dog exercise area is located near Gate 1 carpark. 

At Hamilton Gardens, we're committed to ensuring everyone enjoys a comfortable and memorable visit. Whether you use a wheelchair, mobility scooter, or have other accessibility needs, we've got you covered.

Explore Hamilton Gardens with ease. Visit our accessibility page for more information.

Toilets are available at the following locations:

  • The Pavilion in the entry precinct – see map
  • The Red Arch by the Gate 1 carpark (baby-changing facilities in the accessibility toilet)
  • Playground Toilet block next to Gate 2 carpark
  • Sergel Court beside the Ancient Egyptian Garden (baby-changing facilities in the accessibility toilet)

The rules around flying your kite at Hamilton Gardens change depending on the kite’s size:

  • Kites less than 2m in size can be flown under the tree line during daylight hours
  • Kites larger than 2m or to be flown above the tree line need permission from the control tower at Hamilton Airport. Call the air traffic control tower on 07 843 1876 at least one day in advance to inform air traffic control, and also on the day just before launching the kite, then again when flying is complete. 

Control of pests is planned as part of a wider strategy for riverside reserves based on the Pest Management Strategy prepared by the Waikato Regional Council. Read more about pest control at Hamilton Gardens on our About Us page.

Hamilton Gardens is proud to partner with the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment which aims to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025. Read more about sustainability efforts at Hamilton Gardens on our About Us page.

Hamilton Gardens is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is only permitted in carpark areas.