Hamilton Gardens is a botanical garden in two parts. The outer areas, including the playground, Turtle Lake, the rose garden and the café, can be visited by anyone without a ticket. The Enclosed Gardens are ticketed; under-16s enter free but still need a ticket.
Inside the Enclosed Gardens, the Surrealist Garden is marked as popular with kids. The free Garden Buds (ages 3-6) and Garden Rangers (ages 6-10) activity sheets are written for school groups, and printed copies are available on request at the Visitor Centre.
The trade-off is the paths. Most are at a gentle grade, but the Japanese Garden of Contemplation and the Chinese Scholars’ Garden contain paths that prams and strollers cannot use, and the paths up to the Camellia Carpark and the Victoria Flower Garden are steeper. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free from the Gallagher Visitor Centre, and booking ahead is recommended to be sure of one.
Outside the ticketed area, families can picnic among the roses. On summer weekends and public holidays, both carparks can get busy between 11am and 3pm.
Family FAQ
How much does Hamilton Gardens cost?
Enclosed Gardens single entry is NZ$20 for visitors from outside Hamilton; a MyGardens Annual Pass costs NZ$50 for 12 months of unlimited entry.
Where are the toilets at Hamilton Gardens?
Accessible toilets are beside the Red Arch, inside The Pavilion and beside the playground.
Is there parking at Hamilton Gardens?
Parking is free at the Gate 1 and Gate 2 carparks, with accessible spaces in each; campervans use the Gate 2 Camellia Carpark.
