Location
2 Minogue Drive,
Te Rapa
Contact
Reception: 8.30am to 5.30pm
Reception: 07 849 8243
Sales Enquiries: 07 849 8233
Email: helenj@metlifecare.co.nz
Accommodation Types
Independent Living
Hamilton’s hidden gem.
Nestled in beautiful well-established gardens, complete with fountains and front row views of the Te Rapa Racecourse, Forest Lake Gardens is Hamilton’s hidden gem. Wide, level streets designed for cycling and walking make village life a breeze, and with Minogue Park quite literally on the doorstep there’s no shortage of recreational opportunities in this friendly village.
Come and see for yourself
Want a retirement lifestyle with plenty of pep? Forest Lake Gardens is a vibrant hub for active retirees who live life to the full. Come and check out Hamilton’s best-kept retirement secret for yourself!
Book a tourThis stunning retirement oasis is home to a welcoming community of active retirees surrounded by lovely gardens, fountains and scenic panoramic outlooks. With Minogue Park on our doorstep, the village enjoys front seat views of Te Rapa Racecourse, not to mention fantastic walks, while Raglan’s wind farm and Mt Pirongia form a distant backdrop.
We’d like to invite you to stay a while and explore all that’s offered at Forest Lake Gardens. Within these beautifully established grounds lies a vibrant community with the promise of new friendships and the opportunity to pursue new interests. So, come along to our next open day or visit us any day between 10am and 4pm. We welcome walk-ins any time – feel free to bring your family and friends!
Take a personal tour in one of our homes with Helen at Forest Lake Gardens
Facilities & Amenities
Forest Lake Gardens rewards your love of life with ample opportunities for recreation and adventure.
If you’re more inclined to take it easy, we have a library and a lounge area for cards and mahjong, as well as a comprehensive activities calendar, cinema area, bar and restaurant/café with a great social atmosphere to create the perfect balance. And for those special times when you just want to treat yourself, you can book an appointment in the hair salon, join one of the regular shopping trips or retreat to the private lounge overlooking the racecourse.
Restaurant
Pair your meal with a great atmosphere
With views of the Te Rapa Racecourse and Forest Lake’s bowling green, the light, spacious dining room at Raceview Café & Restaurant is the perfect complement to an idyllic meal.
Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, with seasonal operating hours:
- Summer Hours: 9am to 2pm
- Winter Hours: 9.30am to 2pm
Features and Amenities
- 24-hour emergency call system
- Activities room
- Bar area
- Barbeque area
- Blokes’ shed
- Bowling green
- Cinema lounge
- Ecare – self-monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and weight
- Fitness equipment
- Heated swimming pool & spa
- Library & lounge areas
- Petanque terrain
- Raceview Café & Restaurant
- Raised vegetable beds
- Snooker area
- Table tennis
Open Days & Events
There are no open day events planned at the moment, but don’t let that stop you paying us a visit! Drop in and say hello or contact us to arrange a village tour at a time which suits you.

To view a typical month's activity calendar for this village click here
Accommodation types
Style, comfort and easy living.
Architects Chow Hill have excelled in their design of Forest Lake Gardens’ stylish collection of villas and apartments. With your choice of outlook, on offer are spacious two and three bedroom villas nestled on one of our quiet winding lanes. While our modern one, two and three bedroom apartments, adjoined to the main community centre, enjoy stunning views over Te Rapa Racecourse and Minogue Park and protection from the Waikato’s seasonal weather.
Whilst landscaping is all maintained for you, you’re welcome to indulge your passion for gardening by creating your own individual touches in the gardens around your new home. And when it comes to the interior, we’ve taken care of the essentials from the latest in kitchen appliances to neutral toned carpets, so you can furnish your home according to your own taste.
What residents are saying
News

A happy transition
By Forest Lake Gardens Resident Transition Manager Pippa Bennett Ensuring new residents feel welcome and settled is an important part of Metlifecare’s Resident Transition…
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Order a free information pack, designed to provide all the information you need to make the right choice for your retirement.
Download Village info pack