Day 2: Hamilton Gardens and Raglan Sunset Cruise

Day 2: Hamilton Gardens and Raglan Sunset Cruise

The Northern Explorer from Auckland to Hamilton

The first full tour day saw guests boarding the Northern Explorer's Scenic Carriage for a trip to the next train stop and our Day 2 destination, Hamilton. Along the way the train passes by Waitematā Harbor (photo to the left) and the pastured lands of Waikato (the movie set for the Shire in The Hobbit, photo to the right) before pulling into Hamilton, our home for the next two days.

Hamilton Gardens Tour
Hamilton Gardens is a unique and expansive public garden located in the Waikato region, offering an immersive experience that blends
horticulture, history, and art. Unlike traditional botanic gardens, Hamilton Gardens is themed around the concept of garden design through different cultures and historical periods. In consists of over 20 distinct garden collections, each representing a specific cultural theme, historical era, or design philosophy. The gardens are divided into 5 categories:

Paradise Garden Collection (Chinese Scholar's Garden, the Japanese Garden of Contemplation, the English Flower Garden, the Modernist Garden, the Italian Renaissance Garden, the Indian Char Bagh Garden, the Ancient Egypt Garden)
Cultivar Garden Collection (the Roggers Rose Garden, the Rhododendron Lawn, the Hammond Camellia Garden, the Victorian Flower Garden, the New Zealand Cultivar Garden, the Dutch Renaissance Garden)
Productive Garden Collection (the Herb Garden, the Kitchen Garden, the Sustainable Backyard, Te Parapara
Landscape Garden Collection (Bussaco Woodland, the Hamilton East Park Cemetary, the Echo Bank Bush, The Valley Walk, the Hillside Lawn, the Baroque Formal Gardens)
Fantasy Garden Collection (the Chinoiserie Garden, the Tropical Garden, the Surrealist Garden, the Tudor Garden, the Concept Garden, the Picturesque Garden, the Mansfield Garden)

Each themed garden transports visitors to a different time and place, showcasing the global diversity of garden styles and cultural influences. The most eye-catching gardens are the enclosed gardens from the Paradise Garden Collection, as well as the Fantasy Garden Collection. These are displayed in the photo gallery below. Clicking on the photo will call up a larger version, while clicking on the title will take you to Hamilton Garden's description of the garden.

Paradise Garden Collection (Click on Photo to Enlarge)

Chinese Scholar's Garden	Japanese Garden of Contemplation	Italian Renaissance Garden

Indian Char Bagh Garden		Ancient Egypt Garden
Fantasy Garden Collection

Chinoiserie Garden	Tropical Garden	Surrealist Garden

Tudor Garden		Mansfield Garden

The gardens also host a wide variety of events, educational programs and exhibitions, make them a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. With over a million visitors annually, Hamilton Gardens is celebrated for its beauty, creativity, and unique storytelling approach to horticulture

Raglan Sunset Dinner Cruise
The Raglan Sunset Cruise in New Zealand is a magical experience, offering travelers an unforgettable evening on the water with stunning views of the sunset over the rugged west coast. This relaxing cruise departs from the quaint coastal town of Raglan, a place known for its laid-back vibe and natural beauty. As you glide through the calm waters of the Raglan Harbour, you’ll be surrounded by the dramatic limestone cliffs and lush native bushland that frame the bay. Along the way, experienced guides share stories about Raglan's rich Maori heritage, local wildlife, and environmental initiatives. Passengers often spot various seabirds and, occasionally, playful dolphins. The cruise’s highlight, however, is the breathtaking moment when the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden and fiery hues across the water, creating a picture-perfect ending to the day. Enjoy a complimentary drink and light snacks as you soak in the scenery, making the Raglan Sunset Cruise an ideal way to unwind and experience the natural wonders of New Zealand.