New Zealand's horticultural highlights and hotspots
New Zealand's Top Five Gardens To Visit:
Ayrlies, 125 Potts Road, Whitford, Auckland, North Island
Created by Bev McConnell, one of New Zealand's most respected horticulturists, Ayrlies is an extensive country garden that covers more than five hectares and encompasses regenerating wetland, wildflower meadows, native bush, old roses, perennial borders and an architectural succulent area. With a mild climate, Ayrlies reflects the rich botanic diversity available to New Zealand gardeners.
Totara Waters, 89 Totara Road, Whenuapai, Auckland, North Island
An outstanding subtropical garden that defies its age, Totara Waters is an oasis of palms, bromeliads, aloes and agaves overlooking the tranquil upper Waitemata Harbour. The garden is just seven years old but no expense has been spared in its creation, with mature palms, dracaenas and tree aloes transplanted into island beds. Spectacular all-year round.
Briar Dell Lavender Farm, State Highway 6, Cromwell, Central Otago, South Island
With a formal herb garden, roses, old stone buildings and fields of fragrant lavender, Briar Dell is a plantsperson's paradise. Designed to thrive throughout Central Otago's dry, hot summers, it is breathtaking from mid-December until the lavender harvest in late January.
Larnach Castle Garden, 145 Camp Road, Otago Peninsula, Dunedin, South Island
This century-old garden has recently been extensively restored and redeveloped to create an elegant garden in keeping with the grand scale of the historic castle it surrounds. At an altitude of 300 metres, it boasts panoramic views over the Otago Peninsula and is home to a connoisseur's collection of plants, including rare indigenous alpine species and distinctive New Zealand trees.
Pukeiti, 2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth, Taranaki, North Island
This internationally-renowned rhododendron garden is nestled into the lower slopes of snow-capped Mount Taranaki and has been developed since 1951. Hundreds of mature rhododendrons flower within a canopy of native forest that is home to native tui, wood pigeons and bellbirds. Rhododendrons are the undisputed stars, but visitors should also leave time to explore the extensive walking tracks through regenerating native bush.
New Zealand's Top Five Garden Festivals:
Sculpture on the Gulf, Waiheke Island, Auckland, North Island - January
This biennial outdoor sculpture exhibition combines spectacular scenery with visionary sculpture. Works by leading New Zealand artists are placed along a two kilometre coastal walkway overlooking Matiatia Harbour.
Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival, New Plymouth, North Island - October/November
One of New Zealand's longest-running garden festivals, this event celebrates its 20th year in 2006 with a special international design project on the city's foreshore, plus guided walks, workshops and 50 open gardens, of which 10 are considered Gardens of National Significance.
Ellerslie Flower Show, Christchurch, North Island - March
Formerly held in Auckland, Christchurch is the new host city for the Ellerslie Flower Show. This is New Zealand's largest gardening event, showcasing modern New Zealand landscape design and horticulture.
Hunter's Garden Marlborough, Blenheim, South Island - November
The South Island's premier gardening event, Hunter's Garden Marlborough is set in a region renowned internationally for its sauvignon blanc wines. This six-day festival features a range of garden tours from the plains to the secluded inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. Includes an annual art auction, workshops and a garden fete in Blenheim.
Pohutukawa Festival, Coromandel Peninsula, North Island - November/December
A celebration of New Zealand's native Christmas tree, with art exhibitions, open gardens, concerts and a café crawl through this picturesque coastal region.
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