Part 4 – Hamilton

After a week in Taupo we take a 2 hour drive to Hamilton. Located on the banks of the Waikato River, it is the seat and most populous city of the Waikato region.

We will play one of New Zealand’s newest golf courses, described by golfers as a truly unique riverbed masterpiece. There is nothing like it in New Zealand. Along the banks of the mighty Waikato River is New Zealand’s latest golf experience.

Tieke Golf Estate

Tieke Golf Estate was opened to visitors in 2022 and has quickly become one of New Zealand’s most sought-after golf experiences.

Crafted out of sand from the original riverbed of NZ’s mightiest river. Tieke uses the natural river sand, fine fescue turf, creeping bent grass putting surfaces, and a sensational design to provide a wonderful golfing experience for all levels of golfer. Tieke provides a special blend of links and private valley golf, leaving a feeling that you are the only golfers on the course.

The intention is for the ground game to be considered where a well-played “bump and run” shot will be equally rewarded as a skilfully played lofted wedge. The style of golf akin to what’s played on a coastal links despite being more than 50 kms from the nearest beach. The visual appearance of the expansive sandy wastelands adds a striking and very distinct character to the course that is a nod to the whakapapa or history of the land.

Hamilton Gardens

Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.

Throughout history, gardens have been a way of expressing the important philosophical ideas of their time. In some respects the story of gardens reflects the story of civilisation and attitudes to the natural world.

The collections of gardens at Hamilton Gardens explore the history, context and meaning of gardens. Each tells a story and offers an insight into a different civilisation.

Around every corner there is a surprise, from reflections in the Cloud Court through to glimpses of the Waikato River from the Lawn Court. Check out the award winning roses in the Rogers Rose Garden.

• English Flower Garden
  This traditional garden offers a rich assortment of colour during summer with its mixed borders and the beautiful white garden.
• Italian Renaissance Garden
  Fragrant Seville orange trees are harvested for our bespoke marmalade, while ornamental grape vines drape the entrance pavilion.
• Te Parapara Garden
  An abundance of traditionally planted rare kuumara (sweet potato) varieties on puke (mounds) are prepared for harvesting.