Eighteen gardens on Hungerford Crescent in Hamilton, each built around a different period or culture, laid out as what the site calls a museum of humanity. The collection includes an ancient Egyptian garden, a medieval garden, a Tudor garden, an Italian Renaissance garden, a Chinese scholars' garden, an Indian char bagh, a surrealist garden, and Te Parapara, which tells the story of kūmara, a sacred crop grown by Māori in this area. The audio guide explains the meaning and history behind each garden, and guided tours and school group visits are offered. Entry to the Enclosed Gardens has been paid since 18 September 2024. The Pavilion, a meeting room and the central court are available for hire, including for weddings and photo shoots. The site says the gardens have won the Qualmark Gold Award and are about 1.5 hours from Auckland. We hear the English Flower Garden is temporarily closed for rejuvenation, so check before you go. The Medieval Garden is nearing completion.