New medieval-themed garden opens at Hamilton Gardens
Friday 25 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
Hamilton Gardens has opened its first new Enclosed Garden in over four years. The medieval-themed attraction follows seven years of construction and is now welcoming members of the public.
Key facts
5 facts
- The Medieval Garden is the 19th Enclosed Garden at Hamilton Gardens
- The garden was inspired by the Church of Saint John of the Hermits in Palermo, Sicily
- Construction of the garden took seven years
- The site features 10,000 hand-finished cement-and-limestone tiles
- The garden includes a 12-metre bell tower and 52 archways
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
The Medieval Garden has opened at Hamilton Gardens, marking the first new Enclosed Garden at the site in over four years. This attraction was seven years in the making.
Inspired by the Church of Saint John of the Hermits in Palermo, Sicily, the garden is divided into four quadrants that meet at a central fountain. The space features a 12-metre bell tower and a cloistered walkway containing 52 archways.
To create an authentic appearance, builders used approximately 258 to 280 tonnes of concrete and 10,000 hand-finished cement-and-limestone tiles. These tiles were intentionally varied in colour, texture, and thickness to make the garden look centuries old.
The garden is the 19th Enclosed Garden in the collection, following the Ancient Egyptian Garden which opened in May 2022. Plants were chosen based on their practical uses in medieval times, such as for food, household needs, and medicinal remedies.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on the amount of concrete used, citing either 258 tonnes or 280 tonnes
Compiled from reports by Waikato Times and NZ Herald.