(Image Supplied by Hamilton Gardens)
Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, August 2, 2024
Hamilton Gardens will begin charging a $20 entry fee for out-of-town visitors to its Enclosed Gardens starting September 18, 2024.
Hamilton residents and ratepayers, along with all visitors under 16, will continue to enjoy free access.
Hamiltonians will need to present proof of address and photo ID to gain free entry.
This requirement applies at least for the first visit, after which they can apply for a ‘My Gardens Pass’ for unlimited free access or continue to show proof of address and ID for each visit.
Hamilton City Councillors claimed that this decision aims to alleviate the financial strain on Hamilton ratepayers who currently shoulder the $6 million annual cost of operating and maintaining the Gardens. About 60% of the visitors are from outside Hamilton.
The new entry fee is projected to generate around $10 million over ten years, all of which will be reinvested into the Gardens.
(Image Supplied by Hamilton Gardens)
Limited application
Sean Murray, Deputy Chief Executive of Hamilton City Council, said that the charge applies to the themed Enclosed Gardens, which represent just 10% of the 50-hectare site.
“We appreciate that not everyone wants to pay, but the Council has huge budget pressures, as do ratepayers. The Council decided that it cannot continue to lay the financial burden of the Gardens solely on our ratepayers. That is not fair,” he said.
He said that the Gardens, recognised as among the best in the world, warrant the entry fee to reflect their value.
Visitors will have free access to other areas of Hamilton Gardens, including the café, rose gardens, Rhododendron Lawn, Camellia Garden, children’s playground, Turtle Lake, and parking facilities. For comparison, a standard adult entry fee at Kew Gardens in London costs NZ$ 40, and NZ$ 41 at Hunter Valley Gardens in Australia. Hamilton Gardens will offer annual passes at $39 if purchased before December 31, rising to $50 from January 1, 2025.
Discounts of 10% on entry fees are available for SuperGold, student ID, and Community Services cardholders.
Future Developments
Hamilton Gardens has consistently been ranked in the top 1% of global attractions by TripAdvisor. Between July 2023 and July 2024, a record 537,584 visitors explored the Enclosed Gardens, featuring highlights such as the Indian Charbagh Garden, Surrealist Garden, Ancient Egyptian Garden, Chinese Scholars’ Garden, and Italian Renaissance Garden.
The Visitor Entry Precinct Project is part of the Hamilton Gardens Development Programme, which includes new gardens such as the Ancient Egyptian Garden (opened May 2022) and the forthcoming Medieval, Pasifika, and Baroque Gardens. The Medieval Garden, currently in the final stages of fundraising through Momentum Waikato, is expected to open in Spring 2025. Hamilton Gardens spans 50 hectares, nearly the size of Lake Rotorua in Hamilton (54 hectares).
Visitor Reviews
90% of Hamilton Gardens will remain accessible to everyone, with the Enclosed Gardens comprising only 10% of the total area. Hamilton Gardens boasts nearly 3000 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, underscoring its global appeal and reputation. This new fee structure aims to maintain the Gardens’ beauty and accessibility for future generations while ensuring its financial sustainability.
Additional Information
Hamilton Gardens is the city’s top tourist attraction, rated ‘Best of the Best’ on TripAdvisor for the past two years. The Garden’s main feature is its Enclosed Gardens, comprising 18 conceptual gardens that explore the history and significance of gardens from various eras and regions.
Internationally acclaimed for its unique concept, Hamilton Gardens stands as the most popular tourist destination in the Waikato region. This fee structure underscores the value of Hamilton Gardens while striving to maintain its beauty and accessibility for future generations.
Residents’ Reactions
Hamilton resident Sasha Thompson commented, “I understand the need for the fee, especially since it helps keep the Gardens maintained without overburdening us ratepayers. It is a small price to pay for the quality and beauty we get to enjoy.”
Another Hamilton resident, Aman Singh said, “We have to pay for many of the Auckland attractions, like the Museum, which is free for Aucklanders. It is only fair that Hamilton charges people from out of town for the attractions in the city and offer some benefit to the city residents.”
In contrast, Auckland resident Michael Lee expressed some disappointment, saying, “While I get why the fee is necessary, it does make me think twice about visiting as often. Hamilton Gardens is such a lovely spot, but for a family, the cost adds up quickly.”
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
