Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, July 5, 2024
Hamilton Gardens has again secured an international accolade, being named among the top 1% of global attractions by Tripadvisor. This honour follows a record-breaking year for the Gardens, with over 500,000 visitors exploring the Enclosed Gardens over the past 12 months.
Expansive and Unique Attractions
The prestigious recognition comes from Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards ‘Best of the Best for 2024,’ the highest distinction awarded by the world’s largest travel review platform. Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate expressed her delight at the confirmation of the award, reflecting the pride and admiration of the local community.
“Of course, it is no surprise. All Hamiltonians know how amazing our gardens are. Once the new visitor centre opens, it will be even better,” said Ms Southgate.
“Our wonderful gardens are thanks to the vision of Dr Peter Sergel, as well as the team at Hamilton Gardens who put a lot of passion, skill, and hard work into creating a great experience for our visitors. We also love to see that effort recognised in the almost 3000 five-star Tripadvisor reviews. I remember my children loved exploring all the bamboo nooks and crannies in the Chinese garden. My absolute favourite is the tropical garden, as it feels like being transported to another part of the world.”
Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers
In the 2023-2024 financial year, Hamilton Gardens welcomed a record-breaking 537,584 visitors to its Enclosed Gardens, surpassing the previous peak of the 2020-2021 year by over 1000 additional visitors.
The Enclosed Gardens, a hallmark of Hamilton Gardens, consist of 18 conceptual gardens that explore the history and meaning of gardens from different times and places around the world. However, it is not just the Enclosed Gardens that attract large numbers to Hamilton Gardens. Visitors can stroll among rhododendrons, spot fish in Turtle Lake by the waterfall, enjoy a picnic among the roses, or play on the Garden’s destination playground.
Hamilton & Waikato Tourism Chief Executive Nicola Greenwell echoed the international praise received by Hamilton Gardens.
“Hamilton Gardens is a hero attraction for the region. The beautiful gardens and unique concept attract people to visit again and again. Local, domestic, and international visitors seem to agree – they are creating such memorable experiences they are willing to tell their friends, family, and the world.”
Entry Fee
It is currently free to enter all areas of Hamilton Gardens. From spring 2024, visitors 16 years of age and over will be required to pay a $20 entry fee to visit the Enclosed Gardens. Visitors under 16 years of age, and Hamilton residents (with proof of address) will remain free.
Hamilton City Council has said that the revenue from the entry fee will go towards the significant and increasing costs to maintain Hamilton’s most popular visitor attraction and continue to provide the world-class experience it is known for.
About Tripadvisor
The Tripadvisor awards honour travellers’ favourite destinations and activities based on visitor reviews and opinions collected over 12 months.
Tripadvisor, One of the World’s largest travel guidance platforms, helps millions of people each month become better travellers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travellers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and App to discover where to stay, what to do, and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before.
With more than one billion reviews and contributions, travellers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants, and discover great places nearby.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
