The new Te Karoro Nature Precinct includes Hamilton Zoo, Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, Hamilton Observatory and Everyday Eatery. Photo / Hamilton City Council
The new Te Karoro Nature Precinct includes Hamilton Zoo, Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, Hamilton Observatory and Everyday Eatery. Photo / Hamilton City Council
Two of Hamilton’s most loved visitor experiences are now one connected destination in Te Kāroro Nature Precinct.
Hamilton City Council last week approved a new place name for the area — Te Kāroro Nature Precinct — that includes Hamilton Zoo, Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, Hamilton Observatory and Everyday Eatery.
Thename reflects conservation and kaitiakitanga values that join these destinations together, and the complementary visitor activities that connect people with nature.
Te Hā o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa gifted the name to the council, and is meaningful for the space.
Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park is a reconstruction of the natural forest, wetland and ecosystems present in pre-European times. Photo / Supplied
Te Ara O Kāroro is the name of the ranges that run along Newcastle Rd towards Hamilton Zoo and Rotokauri. The area is named after Chief Kāroro, of Ngāti Māhanga and Ngāti Hourua, who reigned in the area. His pā site was situated on the ridge.
“Te Kāroro provides Hamilton with a second visitor destination that has a unique conservation focus to complement Hamilton Gardens, Hamilton’s premier visitor destination,” said councillor Kesh Naidoo-Rauf, chairman of the community and natural environment committee.
“Te Kāroro offers something for everyone. Whether you are a local or visitor to Hamilton, there is something at Te Kāroro for anyone who wants to connect with nature, regardless of your budget. It could be a stroll through Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park, a day at the zoo, or lunch at Everyday Eatery,” said Lee-Ann Jordan, unit director of visitor destinations at Hamilton City Council.
Hamilton Zoo is home to more than 600 native and exotic animals and hosts New Zealand’s largest walk-through aviary for native birds and plants.
The new shared entrance was opened in March with a blessing from Te Ha o te Whenua o Kirikiriroa. Photo / Supplied
Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park is New Zealand’s largest inland restoration project and provides an ecological paradise for native wildlife. It has a rich cultural history for tangata whenua.
At Hamilton Observatory, visitors can learn about astronomy and stargaze through telescopes with assistance from members of the Hamilton Astronomical Society.
Hamilton Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day from 9.30am to 4.30pm (last entry at 3.30pm). The Viewing Tower at Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park is open every day except Christmas Day from 8am to 5.30pm. Hamilton Observatory is open to the public on selected evenings and must be booked in advance. Everyday Eatery is open every day except Christmas Day 8am to 4pm.
