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...
We were lucky enough to stay 3 nights in the B&B cottage on site at Aramatai Gardens (highly recommended!). Jill is a wonderful host and her garden is beautiful. The ponds, lovely trees, seating areas, and naturalistic pathways make this a very restful garden. We also enjoyed seeing the white geese waddling about, cute piglets in the adjacent paddock, and friendly farm dogs who greeted us warmly from over the fence. Jill’s garden is well worth visiting and I’d love to see it again in November/December, when the peonies and roses will be doing their thing.
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!
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.
Visiting Jules' tropical paradise is amazing. Her knowledge of tropical plants is huge. Each time I visit, she introduces me to plants I didn't know about and will even show me photos of the flowers on her phone. The nursery is beautifully landscaped and an easy walk around. Plenty of parking for cars and buses as well. Well worth a visit.
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.
I attended several of Val's garden tours over the summer months.
Through a shared love of gardens and beauty pageants Val and I have worked together for years. I serve tea and coffèe at many of her garden tours and love how people embrace and linger in this beautiful space. For anyone wanting to embrace a city space, I cannot recommend this paradise of roses highly enough.
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!
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
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.
Gardens to visit is a collection of New Zealand's most beautiful gardens that open to the public.
