Hamilton Tulip Festival | New Zealand

Last updated on 8 October 2024

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Days spent at the Hamilton Tulip Festival are the best kind of days.

September 22nd saw some friends and I head down to Hamilton from Auckland to check out the Hamilton Tulip Festival. We had seen the event on Facebook and thought that sounded like the perfect day out.

While it was a little different to what we thought it might be (we were expecting a whole field of tulips for some reason), it was so lovely to be able to head to the Hamilton Gardens again (for about the 6th time) and explore the closed themed gardens and check out the new one we hadn’t see yet.

Out in the Pavilion were a few stalls selling tulips, Dutch food, and other goodies, and there was even a square dancing group showing off their moves.

The tulips, however, were up near the roadside by the greenhouses (which I didn’t know existed until this trip), and they were beautiful. They were planted in round plots in all variety of colours and shades, interspersed with other flowers. It was definitely springtime in Hamilton, I tell ya.

If you’re around Hamilton this year for the festival, then it is a beautiful day out. If not, be sure to check out the gardens at least, because they’re well worth the trip.

How to get to the Hamilton Tulip Festival

The Hamilton Gardens are located on Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton 3216. If you’re coming from the Waikato Expressway, follow the signs to Hamilton Gardens. Once you’re off the expressway, the signs are clear and easy to follow.

Where to park

You can park for free at the Gate 1 and 2 car parks. They can get pretty busy during peak seasons and times (think summer, school holidays etc), so if you find they’re really full, there are side streets near the gardens for overflow.

How long do you need for the Hamilton Tulip Festival?

It’s not huge, so you only probably need an hour or so to enjoy it. If you’re spending more time at the other gardens, then allow at least half a day to really explore.

Have you been to the Hamilton Tulip Festival? Let me know in the comments!