Hamilton Gardens Tours and Activities

Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton Gardens


From the peaceful Japanese Zen Garden to the explosion of colour in the Indian Char Bagh Garden, anyone who loves nature will enjoy this man-made paradise.

A stroll through the Hamilton Garden’s Paradise Collection is a journey through three different continents, taking in some of the world’s most diverse gardening traditions.

Although it’s just one section within Hamilton Garden’s 58 hectares of space, the Paradise Collection is by far the most popular. Other collections include local plants, a perfume garden and roses.

The curving water features in the American Modernist Garden make a striking contrast with the classical feel in the Italian Renaissance Garden, where ornate statues of mythical figures watch over ordered rows of neatly shaped shrubs.

Wander through the English Flower Garden, with its box hedges and weathered brick paths. One of the earliest examples of garden design is in the Chinese Scholars Garden.

The most educational of the other sections in the Hamilton Gardens is the Productive Collection, which features a working kitchen garden as well as an example of how the average family can make their own garden sustainable.

This collection also holds the impressive Te Parapara, the country’s first dedicated public Māori garden. It showcases plants that are culturally and agriculturally significant to the native people of New Zealand and describes techniques they use.

Find a perfume garden, complete with Chinese Pavilion, in the Fantasy Collection and head to the Cultivar Collection to see a stunning rose garden and rhododendron lawn.

In the centre of the gardens, The Pavilion is home to the Hamilton Gardens Café where you can buy a range of snacks and meals. Stop here to enjoy an open-air lunch amid the floral displays.

Take a self-guided tour with the map you can download from the Hamilton Gardens website. For a different view of the gardens, jump on board the Waikato River Explorer, which departs from the gardens. The 90-minute cruise is very scenic, especially in autumn.

The Hamilton Gardens are close to the city centre, free to enter and open daily. There are regular events, and any day of the year you can enjoy a picnic lunch with family or friends.

Plan a trip to see Hamilton Gardens

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
VR Hamilton
The Clements Hotel
Barclay Motel

Popular places to visit


Top Hamilton Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

VR Hamilton

VR Hamilton

4 out of 5
237 Victoria Street, Hamilton
VR Hamilton
Novotel Tainui Hamilton

Novotel Tainui Hamilton

4.5 out of 5
7 Alma Street, Hamilton
Novotel Tainui Hamilton
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center

3.5 out of 5
287 Victoria Street, Hamilton
Ramada by Wyndham Hamilton City Center
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton

4 out of 5
23 Clarence Street, Hamilton
Ventura Inn & Suites Hamilton
Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge

4 out of 5
16 Thackeray Street, Hamilton
Ashwood Manor Motor Lodge
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton

3 out of 5
86 Ulster Street, Whitiora, Hamilton, Waikato
Heartland Ambassador Hotel Hamilton
Avon Apartments

Avon Apartments

2.5 out of 5
14 Avon St, Hamilton, Waikato
Avon Apartments
ibis Hamilton Tainui

ibis Hamilton Tainui

3.5 out of 5
18 Alma Street, Hamilton
ibis Hamilton Tainui
Alcamo Hotel & Conference Centre

Alcamo Hotel & Conference Centre

3 out of 5
290 Ulster Street, Hamilton
Alcamo Hotel & Conference Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Hamilton Gardens

Hamilton Gardens offers a variety of activities for visitors, including relaxing spa treatments and scenic walking trails. For those looking to hit the greens, there are excellent golf courses nearby. Additionally, booking tours is a fantastic way to explore the gardens and surrounding attractions, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this beautiful location in Waikato, New Zealand.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Hamilton Centre Place, just 3.2km away, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. The Base, located 8.0km from Hamilton Gardens, is another great option for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting more unique local markets in the area.

Recreation

At Waikato Stadium, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports, only 4.8km from Hamilton Gardens. For a family-friendly experience, Waterworld, located 6.4km away, offers a splash of fun with its aquatic facilities. Cambridge Raceway, 16.1km away, adds to the excitement with thrilling horse racing events.

Adventure

Kartsport Hamilton offers an exhilarating karting experience, located 8.0km from Hamilton Gardens. Feel the adrenaline rush as you race around the track, perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike. Enjoy the adventure vibes while competing against friends or honing your driving skills in a fun, safe environment.

Nightlife

After exploring Hamilton Gardens, catch a show at Founders Theatre, just 3.2km away. With its vibrant blend of entertainment and culture, it's the perfect spot for a romantic evening or a family outing, enveloped in a lively atmosphere that highlights the heart of Hamilton's nightlife.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Hamilton Gardens

If you're visiting Hamilton Gardens in Waikato, New Zealand, you'll find a delightful mix of attractions nearby. Explore the modern college and university, visit local entertainment arenas, or admire the beautiful temples. The gardens themselves offer a wonderful outdoor experience, making it a fantastic spot for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Don't miss the opportunity to discover other amazing gardens in the area, which promise to enhance your travel adventure.

  • University of Waikato: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, located 1.6km from Hamilton Gardens. The campus is beautifully landscaped and offers a unique blend of academic and city vibes, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a coffee break.
  • Globox Arena: Just 3.2km away, this entertainment hub hosts a variety of events suitable for families and sports enthusiasts alike. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps catch a show or a game during your visit.
  • Hamilton Central Business District: Explore the heart of Hamilton, 3.2km from the gardens. The bustling CBD features shops, cafes, and art galleries, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture and urban energy.

Best time to go to Hamilton Gardens

The best time to visit Hamilton Gardens is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. February is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January64.9°F (18.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February65.5°F (18.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
March62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June50.0°F (10.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
September51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
October54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Hamilton Gardens

For a budget-friendly trip to Hamilton Gardens, consider visiting in May or from August to September when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to filter for eco-certified hotels and sort by price for the best deals. You can also save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package. Take advantage of free activities at the gardens and explore public transport options for affordable travel around Hamilton.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Hamilton Gardens are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January, March and June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Hamilton Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Hamilton Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Hamilton Gardens hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.