We first sighted the Waihi Waterlily Gardens on a cold, wet winter day in 2004. The skeletons of deciduous trees were shrouded in mist; barely visible beyond thick drizzle, but the property had an indescribable effect. We were enchanted by its raw beauty: The rejuvenation of spring, we knew, would bring something very special! Six weeks later we took on the challenge of the property; taking residence shortly before the gardens burst into life with the birth of spring; delicate buds bloomed into glowing blossom, shoots expanded into leaves of vibrant green, and the ponds took on a new life; deciduous water lilies emerged from the depths; the water became a world of its own.
Within a short space time it became apparent that during the last 60 years the imaginations of thousands of visitors have been captivated by the beauty in the land, and flora within it.
Origninally a farm on the outskirts of Waihi, near the Coromandel's East Coast, the Waihi Waterlily Gardens were first established in the 1940s. Specimen trees of native and exotic origin were planted in the fields and on the flanks of the natural waterways. Water lilies were introduced to the streams, ponds and lake. Fields of gently rolling topography were tamed to become broad lawns of lush green, manicured grass.
After purchasing the environment in 2004, we closed the gardens to embark on redevelopment. We reopened in summer, 2007.
Hundreds of mature specimen trees of native and exotic origin.
More than 50 varieties of hardy water lilies, tropical water lilies, and Sacred Lotus.
Marginal Plants.
441 Pukekauri Road, Waihi, New Zealand, 3681
Open Daily Labour Weekend-Easter, 10am-4pm (the gardens close on selected public holidays).
Adults: $8.50 Senior Citizens: $7.50 Children Under 12 Free Family and Group Discounts Available.