Hamilton
Hamilton Gardens
Ph +64 07 838 6782
E bookings.gardens@hcc.govt.nz
Hamilton Gardens is made up of five botanical collections:
The Paradise collection includes the Indian Char Bagh Garden, also known as the “Universal Garden” as
it is widely regarded as being symbolic of the universe itself, with roots in Islam, Christianity and
Buddhism. These styles of garden were considered poetic, bathed in perfume and carpeted with
flowers. There is also an Italian Renaissance Garden with their focus on geometry, Japanese Garden of
Contemplation, The Chinese Scholar’s Garden, English Flower Garden and Modernist Garden.
The Productive collection includes Te Parapara, a shining example of a Maori productive garden,
showcases traditional practices and techniques, materials and ceremonies that the indigenous Maori
have used for the production and storage of food for many generations. There is also a working example
of a sustainable backyard with a focus on how a typical suburban backyard can be transformed into an
edible and productive landscape. There is also examples of a herb garden and kitchen garden
respectively.
The Fantasy Collection comprises the Tudor Gardens featuring intriguing geometric patterns and fanciful
beasts, a Tropical Garden and the Chinoiserie Garden which is a European interpretation of the Japanese
and Chinese culture in horticultural design dating back to the 1700’s
The Cultivar Collection features Roger’s Rose Garden, the Hammond Camellia Garden and The
Rhododendron Lawn all of which are impressive displays that tell the story of the discovery and
development of these beautiful floras. You will also find the Victorian Flower Garden, featuring
greenhouses and gardens and an amazing array of colourful flowers and curious plants from the 19 th
century Victorian era of gardening.
Lastly there is the Landscape Collection that includes the Bussaco Woodland – named after sacred
woodlands in Portugal and is a calming and contemplative space. There is also the valley walk, a space
that is dedicated to a natural style of garden, usually planted over man-made terrain. There is also the
Hamilton East Century dating to the 1800’s and lastly the Echo Bank Bush. This is a stunning remnant of
native bush that is maintained in a conservational style.
Hamilton Gardens is free to visit and located 45 minutes from the city centre. If you plan to take the kids
there is also a playground and the Children’s Sculptural Blocks. There is also and information centre, gift
shop and plenty of parking. You may also want to phone ahead and book a guided tour with one of their
competent staff members or add the Waikato River Cruise to your visit.
Hamilton Zoo
Ph Zoo Reception +64 07 838 6720
If you are looking for a unforgettable day out, then take a day to explore the Hamilton Zoo. Set on 29
hectares of lush and calming surroundings and over 600 native and exotic animals to fascinate, educate
and astound you.
Open every day from 9.30am to 4.00pm, you can make the most of your visit by checking out schedules
for “Meet the Keeper” where you can observe keepers as they feed the animals, take part in enrichment
activities with the animals or talk about the habits and personalities of your favourite animals. Be sure to
check the “Face to Face” schedule as well where you can choose to meet some of the animals face to
face – and a portion of the fee goes towards conservation! Premium tours are also available upon
request.
Prams and scooters are available for hire at reception, guests are also welcome to bring a picnic or dine
at the onsite Hungry Morepork Café and of course, pick up a memento of your visit from the gift store.
Waikato Museum
The Waikato Museum tells the stories of the Waikato region and the stories the Waikato Region has to
offer the world through exhibitions, events and programmes you can check out art exhibitions, social
history, tangata whenua (the people of the land – indigenous Maori) and science as well as the
museums own collections.
The museum sits upon the banks of the Waikato, and boasts 13 galleries that feature more than 25
exhibitions and hold approximately 100 events a year. Be sure to check out their stand out collections:
Te Winika, For Us They Fell, the Waikato WW1 story and take the kids to the hands-on, interactive
science galleries.
Waikato River
Hamilton and the larger Waikato region is home to the mighty Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest
river (originating in Taupo) and used extensively for recreation. Thanks to the hydro-lakes there are
many perfect spots for a huge range of water activities. Along the banks you will find bases for rowing,
kayaking, boating, cruises and fishing - many of the hydro-lakes are well stocked with trout. You might
like to visit Lake Karapiro, Cambridge. A 30 minute trip from Hamilton where you can hire a range of
water crafts (try The Boatshed or Canoe & Kayak Waikato). If you’re feeling adventurous, jet boating is
also on offer – you can try Cam-Jet.
Ph Cam-jet +64 027 775 8193
Ph The Boatshed +64 07 827 8286
Ph Canoe & Kayak Waikato +64 07 850 1002
If you prefer to stay on dry land, then you may choose to partake in a winding riverside walk or ride. The
Riverside Trails are comprised of five sections: The Karapiro Section, The Arapuni Section, The Waipapa
Section, The Maraetai Section, The Whakamaru Section each offering something different and beautiful.
The full trail extends 103kms for the most experienced cyclists however, the trails themselves are multi-
purpose and lend themselves to mountain biking, walking and running equally so. Trails are ridable year-
round.
Alternatively, if you make your way to the Western side of the region, Raglan also offers some of the
country’s best surf breaks, where you can put your board to use, try stand-up paddle boarding or give
kite surfing a go.
