Two hours of free on-street parking in Hamilton’s central city is set to return in July 2026, and fees for outstation visitors to Hamilton Gardens will rise following decisions made by Hamilton City Council today, Thursday 28 May.
From Wednesday 1 July, two hours of free parking will apply to short-stay on-street parking spaces, as part of a simplified single parking zone replacing the current green and yellow zones. After two hours, parking will cost $6 per hour across the zone.
The decision will be formally adopted at a Council meeting on Thursday 25 June, as part of the Long-Term Plan and Annual Plan review.
Mayor Tim Macindoe said the decision reflects strong community support for the proposal to reinstate two hours free parking, during public consultation from 2 April to 3 May 2026.
“I was pleased to see strong support for the restoration of two hours of free parking in our central city. It reflects exactly what we heard throughout the election campaign, and it honours my commitment to Hamiltonians to ensure our CBD is more accessible and welcoming for everyone.”
If you stay longer than two hours, you will need to pay for additional time.
Meanwhile, the Council has also confirmed to increase the entry fee to the Hamilton Gardens Enclosed Gardens to $27.50 for non-Hamiltonians from 1 October 2026. Entry will remain free for Hamilton residents and all children under 16.
The increase is expected to help offset the ongoing cost of maintaining and developing the Gardens, reducing the burden on ratepayers, while keeping the attraction accessible for locals.
Does the 2x hours free parking include the Centre Place Mall car park? Thank you
From current info provided, 2-hours free parking will only apply to short-stay on-street parking spaces & will replace green/yellow zones.