We entered Hamilton and visited the Botanical Gardens. An ornamental bridge into the gardens.
There are some cultural buildings on site such as a theatre and this children's theatre.
But there was also an arts festival taking place with temporary stages...
...and decorations.
I went first to the rose garden for the colours...
...and more examples.
One side of the gardens borders a river and there is an interesting walk along the banks...
...sometimes from high up the bank...
...and occasionally with access to the beach.
There were several enclosed gardens such as the Chinese garden...
...a covered door...
...and a shelter...
...although there were also flowers typical of the area.
The Tudor garden with more roses but also this Tudor style building...
...and some typical heraldry on poles.
But there were also Maori influences...
...and a typical Maori with his tongue out.
A lookout over one of the lakes.
The bird and bat houses were not just functional but also themed...
...and ornate.
And in the centre of the gardens was a cemetery with a variety of styles, some plain...
...some grander...
...ornate....
...some modern ash burials...
...and a separate children's area.
