Discover why Hamilton Gardens is ranked among the world’s top attractions.

Hamilton Gardens explores the relationship between people and plants in 18 Enclosed Gardens, showcasing 4,000 years of gardening history from places as diverse as India, Italy, and China. Step back in time with traditional Māori, Egyptian, Tudor, and Italian Renaissance gardens, or take a conceptual leap into art-inspired conceptual and modernist gardens.

Garden themes

Waikato
Hamilton Gardens , Waikato

Paradise collection

This collection explores the theme of paradise on earth. Interpretations range from orderly Japanese Zen and Chinese Scholars' gardens to a wilder but equally serene English Flower Garden, and the epitome of California cool with an American Modernist Garden.

Fantasy Collection

Let the green fingers of your imagination run wild with Hamilton Garden’s epic fantasy collection. No visit is complete without a visit to the Surrealist Garden, a playful garden that feels a bit like stepping into the world of Alice in Wonderland. Another popular choice is Mansfield Garden, which recreates the garden of the wealthy colonial family described in Katherine Mansfield’s famous short story, ‘The Garden Party.’ And the spectacular Tudor Garden, celebrating the Tudors’ love of intricate designs, fantasy beasts, and secret symbols. 

Productive Collection

Discover how civilizations have cultivated crops with these remarkable vegetable and herb gardens from throughout history. Highlights include a traditional Māori garden, showcasing the skills required to produce tropical crops in a colder climate, and a Kitchen Garden, which recreates the productive gardens found on European estates in the grand 18th and 19th centuries. Along with contemporary sustainable and aromatic herb gardens.

Cultivar Collection

Discover traditional gardens from around the world, featuring the award-winning Rogers Rose Garden, a garden dedicated solely to roses, and the epitome of sophistication in the Victorian Flower Garden.

Explore the seasons

Waikato
Te Parapara Garden at Hamilton Gardens, Waikato

Hamilton Gardens offers a unique experience in every season. In summer, explore Te Parapara, a traditional Māori garden featuring kūmara, which is particularly beautiful at this time of year. Autumn transforms the Japanese Garden of Contemplation into a serene retreat with vibrant foliage. Winter showcases the elegance of the Italian Renaissance Garden, while spring brings a burst of colour to the Indian Charbagh Garden and the Rogers Rose Garden. The Victorian Flower Garden and the Rhododendron Lawn, dedicated solely to rhododendrons, reach their peak in September and October. Insider tip: their fragrance is strongest in early evening.

More than a garden

Waikato
Hamilton Gardens, Waikato

Enjoy a meal at the Hamilton Gardens Café with views over Turtle Lake or explore treasures at Hamilton Gardens Shop. Families should head to the playground or rent bikes to explore the mighty Waikato River. Don’t miss the Earth Blanket Sculpture, a powerful symbol of New Zealand’s connection to the land, and the Wood Carving Mural Wall, celebrating the magic of Hamilton Gardens.

Discover Hamilton Gardens

Find Hamilton Gardens

Find more things to do

You may also be interested in...