A selection of NZ gardens to visit
The latest garden to list on the site is Cottonwood, a 2 hectare garden set in rural Mid Canterbury, lovingly developed since 2005 by its current owners. Designed to be explored, the garden unfolds through a series of formal and informal spaces connected by winding paths that invite discovery. Visitors are guided through diverse plantings of both native and exotic species, with thoughtfully chosen combinations that provide year-round interest in colour, texture, and form. A Rhododendron walk, an organic kitchen garden, espaliered fruit trees, a gently meandering stream, and a pond are among the garden’s highlights.
View garden...
Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful oasis with me.
It exceeded my expectations and the high tea was exquisite. You have inspired me to get on with my life projects!
Many thanks for hosting our Garden Club last Wednesday. We enjoyed viewing your extensive garden, especially the guided tour and the knowledge you shared with us. I guess we also need to thank your husband. Many thanks.
They are so good for the kids and adults it was like a world of wonder land with its hard worked products and tasty goods on the table. It might be made by hand, but you can tell it was worked on for months.
It is a must-see!
Our visit to Rapaura Watergardens was nothing short of magical. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world — a peaceful sanctuary where nature is not just preserved, but truly honoured.
The gardens are crafted with incredible care and intention. Every turn of the path reveals something beautiful: tranquil waterfalls, crystal-clear ponds, lush native plants, and perfectly placed resting spots that invite you to slow down and simply breathe. You can feel the love and vision that went into creating this place. It’s not just a walk — it’s an experience that reconnects you with stillness.
What stood out the most was the atmosphere. There is a deep sense of calm here, almost meditative. The sound of flowing water, the birds, and the surrounding forest create a natural symphony that grounds you instantly. It’s the kind of place where time disappears and you feel fully present.
The staff were warm and welcoming, and everything is maintained to the highest standards
Completely in love! Utterly perfect for a night to recover. Graeme and Tracy Whanganui
Warm and welcoming hosts. Beautiful gardens . Gorgeous and comfortable room. Lyn, Australia
Beautiful place, great location, amazing food and company. Alonso , Peru
Gorgeous setting only 10-minute drive from Invercargill. Super comfy bed. Lovely breakfast. The owners are a joy to converse with. Joy , United States
Hi Anne & Ron, I just wanted to thank you both so much for our wonderful garden visit on Monday. Our members were all so appreciative of the time you spent with us and amazed at your beautiful garden and the vast variety of plants. We all came home inspired.... thank you again for sharing your stunning garden with us and making us so welcome in your home.
I just wanted to thank you for allowing my twin sister and me to visit your amazing property last week. What an absolute inspiration and delight you are Judy. You’ve kept that dream alive after your dear husband passed and I think it’s keeping you going!! We so enjoyed the experience, swapping our funny gardening stories and seeing your beautiful garden. The photos don’t do it justice but I created a post on my own page, The Uralla Garden. Hope you don’t mind. I used some of the photos from your website but captioned them as such.
Hope you are well and once again thank you Judy
I visited Woodside for a friend's wedding and was blown away by the beautiful gardens. I've lived in Hamilton for many years and can't believe I've never seen this place before. Les, the owner, gardener, host and self-proclaimed comedian hehe... was so accommodating and friendly. We loved the place so much that my fiancé and I will be back here next year to have our wedding too!
Thanks for having us!
Such a magical and truly unique garden. Exploring the many pathways and features along the way is a delight - Jenny’s imagination and passion for her creation is infectious!
"Thank you so much for your hospitality and your story was very inspiring and interesting and amazing all at once. Your property is so restful and delightful to wander around."
Gardens to visit is a collection of New Zealand's most beautiful gardens that open to the public.
