Located halfway between Auckland and Rotorua lies Hamilton Gardens, a free public garden /park that explores the context, history and significance of gardens throughout time periods. Waikato region’s most popular visitor attraction, it houses a variety of gardens, including four spiritual ones. This includes the Te Parapara, a traditional Maori garden and the only one of its kind. Other attractions here include the Victorian Flower Garden Display Houses, and in fact, there are also several guided tours for visitors to choose from! The guided tours will give visitors the stories of the gardens, which will definitely leave you intrigued. River cruises are also available here, or if you simply just want to relax, renting a picnic basket for two can also be arranged.