A relaxed country garden of about half a hectare, set in a farm environment.
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A dedicated band of volunteers has transformed a disused quarry into a world-class park waiting for you to explore.
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A seamless flow of informal borders incorporates a detailed use of plant textures and colour.
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Enjoy the beautiful surrounds featuring an array of heritage roses, a riverbank orchard, and English ‘cottage garden’ flowerbeds that encircle New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House.
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Auckland Botanic Gardens is a young garden with a distinct South Pacific flavour.
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Riverhaven Artland is 40 acres of rambling garden, arboretum and sculpture trail just 45 minutes from Auckland CBD.
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5 acres of intensive horticulture as a form of self-sufficiency as well as a garden oasis with a mixture of formal and cottage gardens.
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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.
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An AMAZING garden that astonished us all from the time we drove into the palm lined driveway until we left - still shaking our heads about the hard work and vision that we had seen. MASSES of stunning bromelliads ...not usually a fan but I'm a convert now! Wonderful to see superb trees- both native and exotic - and clever plantings.Ann + Graham have created a beautiful ,interesting garden with both skill and foresight....there was always something lovely to see....such a treat.
We visited after Mark spoke to our garden club the previous Monday.
Everyone was absolutely blown away by the thought and expertise that went into this exceptional garden....full of plants + wonderful areas which made us all want to explore more. Almost too much to take in with the one tour....I had to go round 3 times just to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Skillfully laid out- making the most of all areas with the use of mirrors a standout. Really clever the way the big water tanks were camouflaged...hardly noticed them.
What a garden - we all loved it.....and slunk away to check out our own gardens to see how we could measure up!
What a wonderful way to fund-raise for our Zonta Awards - a Garden Tea in a beautiful rose garden of one of our members. Thanks to Val Lott for her generosity in hosting us at her home. Our guests appreciated Val's generous sharing of her knowledge of her garden and the roses. Even though there was a mixture of sunshine and a little liquid sunshine, our guests really enjoyed the company, the delicious food, the ambiance of the afternoon and the background music by a talented young musician. Recommend as a venue
Incredible use of a medium-sized section giving the impression it is so much larger. The front is full of beautiful flowers and the back has an abundance of fruit trees and vegetables together with an all-weather entertainment area. There are endless surprises with garden art, statues, mirrors and an incredible Tillandsia 'tree' made from driftwood with the plants secured on. Was also very impressed with the well-hidden water tanks. Lots of ideas to take away for my own small section.
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.
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.
Recently I visited the Blue House Garden in Amberley. If you have not visited this garden before, I highly recommend it for the plant selection and layout. It has a naturalistic theme which looks effortless (but won't be!) and that is a testament to owner and garden designer Jenny. Sumptuous photos on her Facebook and Instagram.
This garden excels at texture and layering and colour. Seed pods are left for effect, special plants are showcased but the ordinary is also special. Wee pots of succulents grouped together; thuggish plants behave very politely in very drought prone parts of the garden and the contrast between simple plants looks deceptively effortless. I think you get the message that this garden rates highly with me.
Thank you very much for our visit today. Your kindness and hospitality is very much appreciated. Your garden is a real credit to you both.
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
Fate would have it that Google maps recommended this road to Lake Taupō. I am an amateur vase collector but this blew my mind. Have seen glass blowing in Venice but this topped that. Walked away with 3 pieces but could have left with more. Intimate but yet expert artisans. Loved every minute. Thank you
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