NZ release date: 30/04/26
AU release date: TBC

How did a city rubbish dump transform into a collection of gardens that is now a major visitor attraction?

The story of how Hamilton Gardens became a unique museum of humanity, showcasing gardens from ancient Egypt to the surreal future, is told on screen.

The Time Traveller’s Guide to Hamilton Gardens documentary explores this stunning achievement. Each of the gardens reflects the beliefs, lifestyles, and values of those who created them. The viewer can travel backwards and forwards in time – moving from 16th-century England, back to Song Dynasty China, Ancient Egypt, and the Italian Renaissance, and forward to the future, from sustainable to surreal.

Masterminded by designer Peter Sergel and developed with council, community support, and sponsorship, Hamilton Gardens is now recognised as one of the great gardens of the world. More than places to walk, these gardens are living histories, waiting to be explored.

DIRECTED BY: Grant Sheehan

SHOWING AT THESE
NZ CINEMAS:

Cinema Kororareka, Russell
Cathay Cinemas, Kerikeri
Matakana Cinemas, Matakana
Bridgeway, Auckland
Rialto Cinemas, Auckland
The Vic, Auckland
Waiheke Community Cinema, Waiheke Island
Mercury Twin Cinemas, Whitianga
Luxe Cinemas, Tauranga
Luxe Cinemas, Papamoa
Lido Cinema, Hamilton | Q&A Screening with director Grant Sheehan and producer Shelley-Maree Cassidy, Wednesday 29 April
Raglan Old School Arts Centre, Raglan
Tivoli Cinema, Cambridge
WhakaMax Movies, Whakatane
The Regent Theatre, Te Awamutu
Dome Cinema, Gisborne
Hawera Cinemas, Hawera
The Screening Room, Masterton
ShoreLine Cinema, Waikanae
Light House Cinema, Wellington
The Gecko, Motueka
State Cinemas, Nelson
Reefton Cinema​​​​​​​, Reefton
Regent Theatre, Hokitika
Town Hall Cinemas, Rangiora
Academy Gold Cinema, Christchurch
Deluxe Cinemas, Christchurch
Lumiere Cinemas, Christchurch
Movie Max Digital, Timaru
​​​​​​​The Riviera Cinema, Oamuru
Rialto Cinemas, Dunedin