Starting September 18, Hamilton Gardens will charge a $20 entry fee for visitors who are not residents of Hamilton City.
This new fee applies to the themed Enclosed Gardens, while the rest of the 50-hectare site remains free. Hamiltonians can still enjoy free access to the gardens by providing proof of residency.
The decision to charge non-residents was made by the Hamilton City Council to help cover the costs of maintaining the gardens. Council deputy chief executive Sean Murray explained that the fee would relieve local taxpayers of the financial burden.
“The council decided it cannot continue to lay the financial burden of the gardens solely on our ratepayers. That’s not fair,” said Murray.
Hamilton Gardens is highly regarded, having been ranked in the top 1% of world attractions by TripAdvisor for the past two years. Murray emphasised that the charge reflects the gardens’ value and helps ensure their sustainability.
Visitors will still be able to enjoy many parts of the gardens for free, including the rose gardens, Rhododendron Lawn, Camellia Garden, children’s playground, and Turtle Lake. To access the themed Enclosed Gardens without charge, Hamilton residents will need to provide proof of address and a photo ID. They can also apply for a MyGardens Pass for unlimited visits.
Frequent out-of-town visitors can purchase an annual pass, while discounts are available for SuperGold, student ID, and Community Services cardholders. The council aims to balance the needs of local residents with the popularity and cost of maintaining Hamilton Gardens.
Wow this is so interesting
thats sad