Thursday, 28 May 2026, 2:01 pm
Press Release: Hamilton City Council
Hamilton City Council has confirmed a range of fee
increases for the coming year, designed to balance
affordability for residents with the cost of delivering
services.
A key decision made at today’s meeting (28
May 2026) is to increase the entry fee to the Hamilton
Gardens Enclosed Gardens to $27.50 for non-Hamiltonians from
1 October 2026. Entry will remain free for Hamilton
residents and all children under 16. Access to the wider
Gardens, including the Rose Gardens, Turtle Lake and
playground, will continue to be free for
everyone.
The
increase is expected to help offset the ongoing cost of
maintaining and developing the Gardens, reducing the burden
on ratepayers, while keeping the attraction accessible for
locals.
During public consultation on the topic, which
attracted more than 1000 submissions, 33% of respondents
supported the increase and 22% partially supported the
proposal.
Council decided on retaining an approach
that ensures visitors pay their way, helping fund the
ongoing upkeep of the Gardens while keeping it free for
Hamilton residents.
Council’s Deputy Chief
Executive, Sean Murray, said the changes recognise both the
value of Hamilton Gardens and the need to ensure it remains
financially sustainable.
“Hamilton Gardens is one of
New Zealand’s standout attractions, and we’re seeing
strong demand from national and international visitors who
recognise the high-quality and unique experience,” said
Murray.
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“This puts us in a better position for the
future, supporting stronger visitor offerings and
opportunities to better align with other attractions in the
city, like Hamilton Zoo.”
Changes have also been
made to pricing across Hamilton Pools, aimed at making the
facilities – including swimming, hydrotherapy, recovery
and Waitai Gym – easier to access for the people who rely
on them for health, rehabilitation, and everyday
wellbeing.
Following targeted feedback from the
disability community and families with Community Services
Cards, Council has reduced the proposed upfront membership
joining costs, lowered concession swim pass prices, and
simplified access to hydrotherapy and spa facilities under a
single-entry fee.
After reviewing pricing at similar
facilities across New Zealand, the adult entry fee to swim
at Waterworld will remain at $8.80, while entry to Gallagher
Aquatic Centre will reduce to $7.20 to encourage more use of
that facility.
Children under five years old will
continue to receive free pool entry at both facilities (this
does not include additional services such as learn to swim
programmes).
The Hamilton Gardens price increase was
approved unanimously, and the Hamilton Pools fees were
approved with Councillor Mesh Macdonald
dissenting.
The final list of fees and charges will be
incorporated into the 2026/27 Annual Plan, which is set for
adoption on 25 June
2026.
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