To Whenua is located about 7 km from Taumarunui down on the Forgotten Highway and has been the home of Elle & John Anderson since 2016. The house and gardens are situated alongside the Whanganui River, offering special views across the paddocks to the river and bluff beyond.

The garden consists of approximately 14 acres of land on which Elle & John run dry stock, grow their vegetables, have a large chicken run and supply all their firewood. They run the property as sustainably as possible while following many organic principles. For them, the garden is as much part of the wider landscape it sits in.

At over 100 years old, the house has seen many additions & alterations since it was built. The garden and wider property have also seen many changes and improvements – one of the biggest being that only jet boats go past now, the river boats having long since ceased their journeys. In its early days, the house was serviced with goods via the river, until a decent road link was established to Taumarunui.

During the renovations of the gardens, several great features were discovered, and these have been given a new lease on life while adding other interesting features.

The garden consists of a mix of native and exotic plants, such as tree ferns, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and many fruit trees, providing John & Elle with yearly fruit for bottling jam making.

Made up of several intimate spaces, from a bog garden to a Hosta garden, the garden is linked through walkways and private spaces to enjoy the sun or the gorgeous views of the Whanganui River.  It is bordered by a stream across which several large purple and green beech trees can be seen.  These trees appear to be from a vintage similar to the house's age. Omaka Lodge is 1 km away.  

A gardener, landscape designer and artist, Elle, and her very supportive husband John, have spent the years since purchasing To Whenua reimagining the many previous owners’ long abandoned gardens and wider areas around the house.  The garden presented many challenges and pesky weeds (such as Wandering Jew, Convolvulus, Montbretia, and Oxalis) to eradicate along the way.  This means the replanting is done slowly to ensure these weeds are eradicated and to stop future tears and frustrations.

To Whenua consists of approximately 14 acres of land.

Forgotten World Adventures runs self-driven Rail Cart tours along the decommissioned railway line of the Forgotten World Highway.  Nestled within the deep hidden valleys of New Zealand’s Forgotten World has been described as the ultimate way to explore rural New Zealand. Travel along a decommissioned railway line, through tunnels, over bridges and rivers and to townships that time forgot. Forgotten World Adventures shares a history unique to New Zealand. It’s truly unforgettable.

Mounts Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro

Tongariro National Park

Whanganui River

Timber Trail cycle trail