Eight Gardens of National & Regional Significance

TARANAKI

The Heart of New Zealand Gardens

Itineraries

Map

The NZGT has assessed that 32 gardens in New Zealand have reached the highest standard of "Garden of National Significance" with a further 32 being of Regional Significance. Taranaki has 10 of the Gardens of National Significance and 5 of Regional Significance, putting it at the forefront of the garden sector in New Zealand. To achieve "Garden of Significance" status the gardens underwent an onsite assessment by two professional assessors. The assessment process evaluates all the aspects that go into making a garden a great place to visit.

The eight gardens of Gardens Taranaki have come together to offer visitors a self-drive exploration of these wonderful treasures. Further details of our gardens follows. See also our separate page outlining itineraries for groups or for independent travellers.

*Medium

TIKORANGI - THE JURY GARDEN While gardened in the English landscape tradition, Mark & Abbie Jury push the boundaries of what can be grown in this area. The range of plant material grown in different areas brings this garden into the new Pacifica style. A plant breeder's garden, home to the acclaimed Jury hybrids.

www.jury.co.nz

589 Otaraoa Road, RD43, Waitara. Ph/fax (+64) 06 754 6671. jury@jury.co.nz Open 1 September to 31 March daily, other times by appointment. Admission $10 per adult (except Rhododendron Festival - see Festival Guide)

*Small

TE KAINGA MARIRE This city garden is one of the country's finest native gardens. Valda Poletti & Dave Clarkson have created a very different garden by concentrating on a wide range of indigenous plants, from alpine to forest. Their skills in creating natural plant associations evoke a feeling of the real New Zealand.

www.tekaingamarire.co.nz

15 Spencer Place, New Plymouth. Ph/fax (+64) 06 758 8693. valda@tekaingamarire.co.nz Open September to April 9am - 6pm daily, other times by appointment. Admission $8 per adult.

*Large

PUKEKURA PARK & BROOKLANDS Pukekura Park's unique botanical landscape within a native lowland forest, together with the historic settler estate of Brooklands, offers fine trees, lawns, lakes and streams connected by tranquil shady footpaths, with beautiful views. A natural paradise for the plant enthusiast or casual observer.

For further details

Main Gate at Fillis Street, central New Plymouth. Gardens open daily. Conservatory/Fernery open daily (except Christmas Day) 8.00am-4.00pm. Zoo open daily 8.30am-5.00pm. Free admission throughout.

*Medium

WOODLEIGH GARDENS Nestled at the foot of Egmont National Park, Woodleigh is a garden paradise created by plantsman and author, Glyn & Gail Church, using plants from around the temperate world. A natural haven for birds and many rare plants, including New Zealand's best Hydrangea collection.

1403 Surf Highway 45, Oakura. Ph (+64) 06 752 7597, Fax 752 7657, glyn@woodleigh.co.nz Open all year - by appointment; daily during Rhododendron Festival. Admission $8 per adult

*Medium

NGAMAMAKU Landscaped on many levels, this garden is a careful mix of strongly defined small spaces. The contrast between strictly formal and totally natural is deliberate and satisfying. Tony Barnes & John Sole have recently opened their new Japanese garden, their latest innovative landscape feature.

www.ngamamakugarden.co.nz

1521 Surf Highway 45, Oakura. Ph/fax (+64) 06 7527 873, tony.john@xtra.co.nz Open September to March by appointment, daily during Rhododendron Festival. Admission $8 per adult

*Large

PUKEITI New Zealand's premier rhododendron garden set in lush rainforest. Plants from all corners of the world provide a year round display with the most colour in Spring and Summer. Covered Vireya House, bush walks, waterwheel plus café and souvenirs make for a complete visit.

www.pukeiti.org.nz

2290 Carrington Road, RD 4, New Plymouth. Ph (+64) 06 752 4141, Fax 752 4151, pukeiti@pukeiti.org.nz Open all year except Christmas Day. Admission $10/adult, $9/seniors, except Labour Weekend thru Festival $15/adult, $12/seniors.

*Medium

TE POPO GARDENS Renowned for its birdlife, Te Popo is a large private woodland and park featuring a fine collection of exotic trees. Deep ravines enfold the garden while easy level paths wander through woodland, open lawns, perennial borders and forest. Owned and gardened by Lorri & Bruce Ellis in conjunction with their country retreat.

www.tepopo.co.nz

636 Stanley Rd, RD 24, Stratford. Ph/fax (+64) 06 762 8775 tepopo@clear.net.nz Open all year - by appointment, daily during Rhododendron Festival. Admission $8 per adult

*Medium

HOLLARD GARDENS The bequest of Bernard and Rose Hollard, owned by the Taranaki Regional Council. Featuring an extensive collection of trees, rhododendrons, shrubs and perennials gathered over the past 77 years. Experience the story of one man's passion for plants in a rich growing environment.

1686 Upper Manaia Rd, Kaponga. Ph (+64) 06 764 6544 regional.gardens@trc.govt.nz Open daily 9.am - 5.00pm Free admission.

* Key to Garden Size: Small - under 0.5 ha; Medium - 0.5 - 5 ha; large +5 ha

• Itineraries.
• Map
• Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival late October each year - see www.rhodo.co.nz
• New Zealand Gardens Trust - for details of the Trust and the full range of gardens in New Zealand see www.gardens.org.nz
• For further enquiries:
  Abbie Jury Phone/fax +64 6 754 6671 jury@jury.co.nz
  Lorri Ellis Phone/fax +64 6 762 8775 tepopo@clear.net.nz