Oakura / Okato
Ngamamaku
1521 Surf Highway 45, Oakura
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Tony Barnes & John Sole
Cool shady walks follow the natural stream through native bush and nikau palms, in contrast to the formal gardens with hedges and roses. Colour is provided by camellias, rhodos, roses, maples, hostas and annuals, with mass plantings of stunning clivia in the shady understorey. Pigeons, tui and bellbirds find this a peaceful place to live. Elizabethan dancers and singers Sun 28 Oct at 2pm, or if wet Sun 4 Nov at 2pm or sing along with The Ukulele Dragons on Sat 27 Oct at 2pm.
Open 9am – 5pm, admission 2 tickets or $8pp
Ph/fax 06 752 7873, www.ngamamakugarden.co.nz
Pukeiti
2290 Carrington Rd, New Plymouth
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Taranaki Regional Council
New Zealand’s premier rhododendron garden set in magnificent rainforest on the lower slopes of Mt Taranaki. Enjoy more than 10,000 rhododendrons and azaleas in a unique setting of lush native bush full of ferns, mountain streams and birdlife. Check out the world renowned vireya collection housed in the Beverley McConnell Covered Walk – many of which are rare and vulnerable in their natural habitat - and marvel at the bursts of colour as the rhododendron garden comes to life.
First established in 1951 by the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust and now proudly owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council, Pukeiti comprises 360 hectares of rainforest and 20 hectares of species and hybrid rhododendrons. In particular the Loderi collection in the Stead Block is a treat for the senses during spring.
Open through-out the high season (October to January) enjoy a tasty lunch or tea in the Founders Café open 10-4pm daily. Pick up unique gifts made by Taranaki artists and take home a memory from Pukeiti.
Buggy available for people with disabilities (weather and availability dependent).
Open 9am – 5pm (last entries 4.30pm), admission free
Ph 0800 736 222, www.trc.govt.nz or find us on Facebook (TaranakiRegionalGardens) or Twitter (@TaranakiRG).
Church Gardens
1403 Surf Highway 45, Oakura
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Glyn & Gail Church
Woodleigh is different. You’ll find plants you’ve not seen before. Kingdon Ward’s Carmine Cherry, the Canton Water Pine or the huge Mexican Hat Magnolia. You can hunt out these plant treasures or take a stroll around this peaceful garden with plants, ponds and bird life. You won’t want to miss the hostas, day lilies and iris because they’re so beautiful. Come and enjoy this large natural garden.
Open 9am – 5pm, admission 2 tickets or $8pp
Ph 06 752 7597, Email gchurch@glynchurch.co.nz
Valentia
84 Upper Kaihihi Rd, Okato
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Adrienne O’Sullivan
A fine stand of native bush forms the perfect backdrop for this century-old villa and tranquil country garden which features roses, rhododendrons, camellias, box hedging, formal gardens and herbaceous borders. Water features and garden ornamentation complement the overall affect.
Open 9am – 4.30pm, admission 1 ticket or $4pp
(Proceeds to the National Heart Foundation)
Ph 06 752 4136, email adosullivan@xtra.co.nz
The van der Poel Garden
92 Ruakere Rd, Warea, Okato
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Maria & Hugo van der Poel
A developing garden of the old style using trees from a former garden as key components. Spacious lawns, including interesting under planting of mature trees. Dublin Bay roses also feature as well as formal planting around the house. A tranquil setting to stop and enjoy your picnic, or our native bush walk.
Open 9.30am - 5pm, admission 1 ticket or $4pp
Ph 06 752 8130, Fax 06 752 8236
Goodin Country Garden
158 Mirikau Rd, Okato
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Chris & Steak Goodin
The garden has been developed over the last 25 years and created around the family home. Featuring large volcanic rocks, trees, spacious lawns, roses, rhododendrons and numerous colourful plants of interest. Daughter Nicci is a prominent local florist, much of the planting is with her creativity in mind. Renowned sculptor Jeff Thomson and botanical artist Zoe Carter will be exhibiting.
Open 9am - 5pm except Sat 3 Nov 9am - 3pm
admission 1 ticket or $4pp
Ph/fax 06 752 8160, email jgoodin@farmside.co.nz
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