We spent the entire morning in the magnificent Hamilton Gardens, with our own private tour guide.
Hamilton Gardens is a public garden park in the south of Hamilton owned and managed by Hamilton City Council, New Zealand. The 54-hectare park is located on the banks of the Waikato River and includes enclosed gardens, open lawns, a lake, a nursery, a convention centre and a cemetery.

Near the entrance to the gardens
Our timing was perfect, as everything was in bloom in early November. I am sure that the gardens are lovely year-round, but in spring they are glorious. The enclosed gardens are spectacular scenes from countries around the world – each an oasis of colour and tranquility – we were transported to Italy, India, Japan, UK and China. Each garden is unique and if you take a ‘garden tour’ your guide is able to explain the history of each area
Telling the story of gardens through these themed garden collections, Hamilton Gardens explores different civilisations, and recreates historically important garden styles from the farthest reaches of the world.
We were guided on a journey of discovery along paths leading to mysterious surprises: we stepped from a peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar’s garden into an Italian Renaissance Garden, before being enthralled by the grandeur of the Indian Char Bagh Garden. Hamilton Gardens has 21 themed garden areas with more being developed.

Italian Renaissance Gardens
Twin sons Romulus and Remus
The concept of the garden as a story to be told is fascinating and the diversity is incredible. You get carried along because there is always something beautiful and interesting around the next corner.
We were there during the Rose bowl competition and were treated to hundreds of rose varieties all blooming and glorious.
We meandered through the rose, rhododendrons, camellias and lawns.
We finished our morning tour with a visit to the Hamilton Gardens Cafe for a delightful lunch sitting outside, overlooking the lake. Just a short walk from the cafe is a bridge that takes you over to the spectacular Rose Gardens
You could easily spend most of a day wandering in and out of the various locations within the gardens. There are lots of places to sit and eat and enjoy the scenery.
Entry to the gardens is free however donations are very gratefully accepted so they can continue to improve the facilities.
This could easily be one of the best gardens in the world.
Wow what a magnificent place to visit. Thankyou for the story and once again beautiful photos. Xx🌺
Thanks Leah, it was absolutely delightful. xx
Beautiful!
Yes, definitely
That is just beautiful, I can see how easily you could spend the entire day there.
What a wonderful concept. xxx
Yes Donna, especially for a garden lover like you. The themed gardens were spectacular and of course you can guess which one was my favourite.
Truly magnificent. They have the perfect weather for such gardens. Goshe you could spend a day in each garden!
Yes Kay. They have much more rain than we do and probably not the heat we have
The garden is gorgeous! It is a real gem!
Good to have different themes of gardens throughout. This is probably quite unique. The gardens look very beautiful and luckily in bloom on your visit. xx gg
Thanks Gail. They were really lovely and so well done xx
Thank you so much for the follow Lyn! I have just discovered your blog :-)
Have a nice day!
And thank you also. Wishing you a great week Lyn