Welcome to Hamilton Gardens, a true horticultural gem nestled in the picturesque Waikato region of New Zealand. This botanical wonderland offers a captivating blend of nature, culture, and history, making it a must-visit destination for garden enthusiasts and anyone seeking a serene escape.

What sets Hamilton Gardens apart is its collection of themed garden spaces, each a unique masterpiece that transports visitors through time and across continents. Explore the serenity of the Japanese Garden, where meticulously pruned trees, tranquil ponds, and authentic architectural elements create an atmosphere of peace and contemplation. Wander through the mystical Fantasy Collection, where enchanting landscapes and whimsical sculptures bring fairy tales to life.

But the magic doesn't stop there. Hamilton Gardens is a living testament to the evolution of garden design and horticultural practices. Here, you can trace the history of gardening through themed spaces that showcase different eras and styles, from the grandeur of the Italian Renaissance to the simplicity of the Sustainable Backyard. It's a journey that not only educates but also inspires.

The gardens themselves are more than just green spaces; they are living works of art that tell stories, evoke emotions, and ignite creativity. As you stroll along the meandering pathways, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where nature and human ingenuity coexist in perfect harmony. The attention to detail in every corner of Hamilton Gardens is a testament to the passion and dedication of those who tend to this living canvas.

If you're looking for a tranquil picnic spot, or an opportunity to escape the bustle of city living, then Taitua Arboretum offers a relaxing retreat.

John and Bunny Mortimer started planting trees and shrubs in 1973 to provide shelter and shade for animals in the area. This continued their life-long passion for growing native and exotic trees and shrubs.  By the time it was gifted to the people of Hamilton in 1997, it was recognised as an arboretum and is now open for all to enjoy.

The arboretum has a collection of mature trees covering 20 hectares of open pasture, lakes and woodland gardens which are linked by a network of meandering walking paths. With great views and wonderful bird life, the arboretum is ideal for a family outing or Sunday stroll.

Dogs are welcome at Taitua although they must be kept on a lead at all times. Unfortunately pushbikes are not permitted within the arboretum. Toilets are available beside the car park, along with drinking water.

Waikato Museum's exhibitions, events and programmes tell our stories from a regional and global perspective, and include visual art, social history, tangata whenua and science from touring exhibitions, and the museum’s own collections. 

On the banks of the Waikato River, in the heart of Hamilton's south-end cultural precinct, Waikato Museum's 13 galleries feature more than 25 new exhibitions and 100 public events annually. Through this interactive programme we aim to engage and inspire our local and international visitors.

Highlights include the majestic war waka Te Winika, the fun hands-on science galleries for children; and our galleries which exhibit a rich blend of artworks.

Since the year 2000, Waikato Museum has hosted the National Contemporary Art Award. The award, held annually is curated by a new judge every year and culminates in an annual exhibition which documents a snapshot of New Zealand contemporary art.

Waikato Museum in its current building was opened in 1987. The architect was the late Ivan Mercep of JASMaD (now Jasmax), Auckland, the same architect who went on to design New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa. Mercep was awarded a prestigious Gold Medal by the Institute of Architects (June 2008) for his notable career.

There are a number of parking options within a few minutes’ walk of the Museum. Grantham Street is non-metered parking on both sides for either 120 (side closest to the river) or 180 minutes. All metered parking in the city is free for the first two hours and $6 per hour after that. The closest metered parks are on Victoria Street (south of Grantham) and Knox Street.

There are open-air car parks for the Museum and ArtsPost located off Victoria Street behind ArtsPost and on Victoria Street next to the Meteor Theatre. Please note that the upper level of the Museum and ArtsPost carpark will be unavailable between 7am-7pm Monday to Friday from 25 March until the end of May due to a maintenance project on the concrete retaining wall behind ArtsPost.

There is covered parking at three of the largest and most central car parking facilities in the central city: Garden Place is free for the first hour, parking at Knox Street, the closest covered park to the Museum, costs from $3 per hour, and Centre Place has free parking on the weekends. 

Disability parking can be found in the Trades Entrance car park off Grantham Street. 

The walk meanders through an ancient forest, with large rimu, kahikatea, tawa, pukatea and kohekohe and takes you to the beautiful Mangakara Stream before looping back.

There are numbered posts at points of interest along the walk. There are also illustrated signs to further your understanding and appreciation of this special place.

It's accessible to people of most ages and fitness levels but is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Seats are located around the walk.

An easy trail situated in the heart of Hamilton City, the Hamilton Lake Domain Walkway is popular with both runners and walkers alike.

In Raglan you can catch a wave or sip a great espresso. This lively surf town has an interesting creative culture and a wonderful choice of cafés.

West of Hamilton, Raglan is both a surfing mecca and a dramatically scenic area of black sand coastline. Many people believe that Manu Bay on this coast has the longest, most accessible and consistent left-hand break in the world. If you have the required level of skill, it's possible to catch a wave and cruise for up to two kilometres. Manu Bay (also known as The Point) was featured in the 1966 cult surfing movie Endless Summer.

If you're not a hard-core surfer, Ocean Beach is a fine place for a swim, a body boarding session or even a surf lesson . Lifeguards patrol the western end of the beach during the summer months - it's safest to swim between the flags.

Follow a stream through beautiful native forest or walk through a 20 metre limestone cave - with swimming and picnicking opportunities as well, these tracks are great for children.

Nikau Walk

The track starts from the Kaniwhaniwha car park. It passes through a recently planted area, then follows along the stream to a loop walk, lush with nikau palms and tree ferns.

There are opportunities for swimming and picnicking along the stream, and a picnic/campsite with toilets is a short distance off the track (this is accessible by wheelchair, but the loop track is not).

This walk can be combined with the Kaniwhaniwha Caves adding 30 minutes to the walking time.

Kaniwhaniwha Caves

The two limestone caves are near the start of the Bell Track, 5 minutes from the junction with the Nikau Walk. You can walk through the 20 metre long main cave, but note there is a short hands-and-knees crawl. The cave is wet underfoot and torches are required.

The second smaller cave is tight and narrow.