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.

‘Tauhara’ is a country garden of approximately 1½ hectares at the foot of Lake Taupo’s Mount Tauhara; it has been developed over the past 25 years. Older trees make a back drop to the planting on the property where from mid October flowering shrubs and bulbs are at their best; later giant scented lilies, roses and early perennials display in the semi-formal areas near the house.

Woodlands Historic Homestead, Gardens & Function Centre is a garden of rare historic, and landscape interest. In 1870 it began as the centre of a vast 98,000 acre farming enterprise from whence the first butter was exported - under the Anchor brand. The neo-Gothic homestead was built in 1875 and the many fine trees planted a year later.

The gardens at Hobbiton™ Movie Set have a naturally rambling style, with a profusion of plants co-existing without rigid lines or divisions. Designed and created for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, the Hobbiton Movie Set gardens tell a unique story of the individual and communal lives of the fictional characters known as “hobbits.”

This former greywacke quarry has been transformed into an arboretum over the past 32 years. It provides the foundation for a unique art-in-nature concept throughout its 17.5 hectares where imaginations are inspired, creative exploration encouraged and mental and physical health nurtured. 

Pleasantly situated just across from the lake, this garden is unexpected in such a locality. A children's railway runs through one part and it also includes a much-used playground and Superloo. The lake side portion is devoted entirely to a well-chosen and well -cared for selection of native trees ornamented by stone sculptures. A long mixed border leads along the far perimeter where a fine selection of plant material can be seen. An excellent and quite large rose garden well-labelled and well-tended can be found on the other side of the museum building.

The garden comprises of more than 600 glass sculptures, set in an acre of manicured grounds in an idyllic rural setting. A boardwalk takes you on a 500 metre amble around ponds, through fields of glass flowers, and amongst stunning sculptures. You can sit and enjoy the water tumbling down the fifteen-piece glass waterfall, then continue your browse through a native tree bird area. The newest additions to the garden are New Zealand themed, with giant cast glass korus and three colourful glass lancewoods.

The remarkable gold medal winning New Zealand entry to the world famous Chelsea Flower Show in May 2004 has been rebuilt and replanted at the Taupo Museum on a central site close to the main Taupo shops. Known as the '100% Pure New Zealand Ora - Garden of Wellbeing' it is the result of the combined creative energy of six talented New Zealanders who were delighted when a permanent home in a secure courtyard was offered.

Rapaura is an example of man in harmony with nature. Abundant native bush and ferns, birds (Tuis, Fantails, Silver Eyes and Wood Pigeons), meandering walks over bridges and streams and a bush walk to a cascading waterfall.