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12 - 16 Nov. 2025

Smell the roses.

Take a moment to smell the roses this November with the Manawatū Garden Festival 2025.

Over 20 gardens will open their gates for a lush week of wonder and delight. From gardens of national significance like Greenhaugh Garden, to the acres of rhododendrons you’ll find at Heritage Park Rhododendron Gardens, to the short trip to Italy that Villa Candotti will send you on and more...


Journey down all the garden paths, and encounter gardens of all shapes and sizes. 

Whether you’re taking notes for your own garden or simply bathing in the special glow of a beautiful garden (you didn’t even have to weed!) – Manawatū Garden Festival will be a joyful jaunt in the fresh spring air that you won’t want to miss.

As well as an at-your-own-pace exploration of the beautiful gardens of Manawatū, the five-day festival also wraps around two key garden events happening in the region: Cross Hills Garden Country Fair, a popular country fair with 200+ stalls featuring art, crafts, clothing, food and more all set within the 18 acres of Cross Hills Garden. Hearts and Homes is a 28-year-old fundraising event that offers attendees access into 10 Manawatū homes and properties while raising money for Arohanui Hospice.

After indulging your green thumb in the region’s gardens, why not get even more out of Manawatū? It’s a region that rewards those who follow their nose to discover its hidden gems!

Take a moment to smell the roses this November with the Manawatū Garden Festival 2025. Twenty gardens will open their gates for a lush week of wonder and delight. 

From gardens of national and international significance to the acres of rhododendrons you’ll find at Heritage Park Rhododendron Gardens, to the short trip to Italy that Villa Candotti will send you on and more... Journey down all the garden paths, and encounter gardens of all shapes and sizes.

Manawatū Garden Festival will be a joyful jaunt in the fresh spring air that you won’t want to miss.


The Gardens.

Twenty gardens will be included in this year's festival; a few are public, but many are private - you will only get an opportunity to wander through them during this festival. Lead your own exploration or book a guided tour.

 Purchase Tickets 


Hands-on
Workshops.

If you're more of a 'busy hands makes a calm mind' type person, why not book yourself into a garden-themed workshop? Learn the art of seasonal container planting, make your very own 'Gardener's Hand Cream', or even join a pottery class and make a vase for your gorgeous blooms!

 Purchase Tickets 
Web Flower assets


Blooming
Plant Sale.

A great opportunity to pick up gorgeous perennials and other garden delights at the beautiful Heritage Park. Note that stock is limited and won’t last long! Fee required for garden entry - pay entry here.

On Saturday the 15th - Sunday the 16th of Nov.

Learn More


Hearts and
Homes.

Hearts and Homes is a biennial Arohanui Hospice fundraising event which has been running for almost three decades.  This beloved event is a self-drive tour, featuring ten inspiring homes and gardens in and around Palmerston North.

On Friday the 14th - Saturday 15th of Nov. 

Purchase Tickets


Cross Hills Garden Country Fair.

Cross Hills Garden Country Fair is a popular event with over 200 stalls featuring art, boutique clothing, food and more all set amongst the 18 acres of the beautiful Cross Hills Garden. 

On Saturday the 15th of Nov.

Learn More
Plot Your Journey.

1Caccia Birch House

Set amidst nearly three acres of established gardens, where notable historic trees such as a magnificent Liriodendron tulipifera from the USA, Himalayan cedar, and grand old oaks stand tall, this garden reflects a distinctly New Zealand landscape enhanced by protected exotic species. The grounds also feature a colorful wisteria walkway and classic rose beds, all complementing the grandeur of the Category One-listed Historic Places Trust house perched above Hokowhitu Lagoon. Visitors can stroll through these lush lawns and gardens, pausing by the Coach House to explore the rich historical displays that bring the estate's past to life. This garden is closed for a private function 14th - 15th November.
130 Te Awe Awe Street, Palmerston North
2.4kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Managed by Palmerston North City Council
https://www.caccia-birch.co.nz

2Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens

Recognized as a 5-star garden of national significance as part of the stunning Victoria Esplanade. Established in 1968, the gardens are admired by local, national, and international visitors alike and features over 5,000 named rose varieties displayed across three main sections: the formal rose beds, the trial grounds, and the plant variety rights collection. Also home to the New Zealand Rose Society International Rose Trial Grounds, where new roses have been assessed for over 33 years by a panel of judges on criteria such as plant health, freedom of flowering, appearance, fragrance, and novelty. Alongside the extensive rose displays, visitors can also enjoy a tropical plant house and native bush trails, making the Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens a diverse and serene horticultural destination.
Victoria Esplanade Drive, Palmerston North
2.1kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Managed by Palmerston North City Council
https://www.pncc.govt.nz/Community/Venues-for-hire/Dugald-MacKenzie-Rose-Garden

3Wharerata Gardens

Nestled within Massey University, these gardens offer a tranquil escape into a world of roses, camellias, rhododendrons and a charming sunken garden. With sections dating back over a century, these grounds are lovingly tended by expert horticulturists and feature manicured formal lawns edged by vibrant cottage flower beds. The iconic wisteria-draped veranda and graceful balustrade set the scene for memorable gatherings, making Wharerata Gardens not only a picturesque backdrop for events but also an enchanting location for both outdoor and indoor weddings.
University Avenue, Massey University Palmerston North
4.3kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Managed by Massey University
http://wharerata.co.nz

4Hlomo Hlomo Garden

A 5-star garden of national significance, discover a large sprawling country garden where nature and creativity flourish. Wander down shady paths, passing hostas, giant lobelias, ferns and hydrangeas, across timber boardwalks to explore the native bush planted 20 years ago to form the background of the garden. Expect native plants and exotic, and unique features such as the Remembrance Garden, reflecting pools, inspiring sculptures, and The Cloud - a tribute to Aotearoa. Every corner invites you to linger, wonder, and connect.
85 Ngahere Park Road, Turitea, Palmerston North (access via long narrow driveway)
7.8kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Louise and Martin
https://www.gardens.org.nz/visit/hlomo-hlomo

5Caroline’s Boutique and Gardens

This popular semi-formal country garden has many stunning features, such as the water fountain and steps leading to the picturesque, 100-year-old homestead. Throughout the gardens there are several varieties of hydrangeas, and mature trees line the driveway to the property creating a hidden oasis of colour. Surrounded by mature trees, explore the English style fountain bordered by colour and charm. These gardens make a popular wedding and event venue, with ample parking and a French-country styled barn. The onsite Caroline's Design & Desire boutique and on-site cafe, Artisan Kitchen, make for the ultimate destination.
613 Fitzherbert East Road, Aokautere, Palmerston North
13kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Eddy and Caroline
https://www.designanddesire.co.nz

6Country Lane Homestead

Discover a picturesque country garden in the heart of Aokautere, where vibrant bursts of color, varied plantings, and mature shade trees create a breathtaking landscape. Stroll through the grounds and spot white doves among the blooms, relax in the rotunda surrounded by fruit and nut trees, and soak in views of a charming homestead transformed from a humble workers cottage. This tranquil oasis is a perfect escape for nature lovers and garden enthusiasts alike.
52 Orrs Road, Aokautere, Palmerston North
15kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Fay and Alan

7Stonebridge Country Estate

Step into a tranquil woodland garden where a serene lake shimmers and gentle waterfalls create a soothing ambiance. Stroll across a charming English-style stone bridge that arches gracefully over a babbling stream. Here, you’ll find vibrant magnolias, stunning rhododendrons, and delicate Japanese maples, each adding to the garden’s enchanting beauty. Wander through a lush, expansive perennial garden, explore winding bush walks beneath the canopy, or admire the elegance of a formal garden, where box hedging forms beautiful, symmetrical designs.
200 Tutaki Road, Palmerston North
8.8kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Margaret

8Longwood Gardens

Once a simple horse paddock graced by just 15 pine trees, Longwood Gardens has been thoughtfully transformed into a breathtaking three-and-a-half-acre sanctuary. Bursting with trailing wisteria, vibrant rose beds, a fountain and pond, structured garden beds bursting with colour and peaceful walkways, the gardens offer visitors a tranquil escape to explore and appreciate nature’s beauty in every carefully cultivated corner of this well-crafted garden. Guided tours are available at this garden - please see tickets for details.
338 Stoney Creek Road, Kelvin Grove, Palmerston North 4470
8.3kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Yvonne and Peter
https://www.longwoodgardens.co.nz/

9Chatswood

A living tapestry of color, fragrance, and artistry beckons in this garden that spans over three hectares. A classic English-style retreat that has matured gracefully over more than two decades, offering a delightful escape. Wander beneath wisteria-draped archways, through clipped hornbeam hedges, intricate knot gardens, an oriental-inspired corner, and stately oaks. Ornamental maples and weeping elms paint the landscape in vibrant hues, while the extensive potager, orchard and beehive burst with seasonal bounty.
1416 Kairanga-Bunnythorpe Road, Kairanga, Palmerston North
12kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Judith-Sandra and Bruce

10Greenhaugh Gardens

Greenhaugh is a 6-star garden of international significance and has been lovingly developed over the past 40 years. Surrounding an 1874 colonial homestead, the gardens feature mature trees which give the two-hectare property its bones, while ponds and naturalised plantings add whimsy. Explore the onsite plant nursery, and spot the pergola, clad with wisteria, rambling roses and clematis which leads through a tapestry of bearded iris to vista, after vista, after vista. Explore the shell rock paths and enjoy the many places to picnic. Guided tours are available at this garden - please see tickets for details. This garden is closed 14th - 16th of November for a private function.
914 Napier Road, Palmerston North
9.8kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Lynne
https://www.greenhaugh.co.nz/

11Silky Oak Ranch

Silky Oak Ranch seamlessly blends Southern Colonial elegance with the relaxed charm of country life. The golden elm-lined driveway leads to sweeping lawns, formal plantings, and vibrant borders that set a refined yet inviting tone. A Victorian rose garden featuring David Austin ‘Mary Rose’ and Iceberg roses opens to park-like vistas, while a new English cottage garden blooms joyfully around a sundial. The restful loggia and grapevine pergola offer shaded retreats, and a secret garden - reached by a quaint bridge - provides a magical, secluded escape. Workshops are available at this garden - please see tickets for details.
21 Raukawa Road, Ashhurst 4470
11kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Susanne and Julian
https://www.instagram.com/silkyoakranch

12The Herb Farm

Visitors are greeted by fourteen unique themed gardens spread across two lush acres, each thoughtfully designed to connect children and adults alike with the wonders of nature. The gardens invite exploration, whether it's through pathways lined with herbs and healing plants or among playful corners where fairies, gnomes, and elves await discovery in the woods. Over three decades of organic cultivation have created a vibrant landscape, where the health and vitality of the plants can be felt with every step. Stroll past rustic raised beds and tranquil ponds, immersed in the nurturing philosophy of Gaia and surrounded by abundant bird and insect life, all part of nature’s grand plan. Guided tours and workshops are available at this garden - please see tickets for details.
86 Grove Road, Ashhurst
16kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Managed by The Herb Farm
https://www.herbfarm.co.nz/pages/gardens

13Villa Candotti

Explore a world where the splendor of the Italian Renaissance flourishes far from its Mediterranean origins and explore this unexpected gem complete where tall Italian cypress trees leading to a Loggia, hedged parterres, an orchard and olive grove, fountains and a small orangery.  Beautiful outdoor spaces act as intimate rooms with structure and sculpture at every turn of the head.  Whether you are strolling beneath archways, admiring the symmetry of the formal plantings, or relaxing beside a bubbling fountain, Villa Candotti offers an atmosphere of tranquility and timeless beauty. Guided tours are available at this garden - please see tickets for details.
133 Reid Line East, Colyton
20kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Peter and Jeannette
https://www.facebook.com/people/Villa-Candotti/100063002061126/

14Luttrells White Pine Gardens

Established in 1985 and sprawling across more than 12 acres, this property is home to one of the area’s largest remaining stands of kahikatea forest - the tallest native tree in New Zealand, reaching heights of up to 60 metres. Also home to regenerating native bush and thriving wetlands, visitors can wander through the native plant arboretum walk, which boasts over a hundred named varieties, and delight in the abundant birdsong from both native and introduced bird species inhabiting the area. Dedicated to preserving New Zealand’s natural and historical heritage for future generations, the gardens and museum foster awareness, appreciation, and education.
1235 Pohangina Road, Ashhurst
28kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Carol
https://manawatunz.co.nz/listing/lutrells-white-pine-gardens-and-museum/

15Pohangina Wetlands

Once farmland struggling against the marshy earth, this area has blossomed into the beautiful Pohangina Wetlands, a tranquil haven where native birdlife thrives amidst lush grasses, bush, and trees. Winding grassy pathways invite you to explore the many ponds, each reflecting the untamed beauty of nature and offering a peaceful escape from the hurried world. Follow the signs and stick to the paths as you immerse yourself in this rustic wonderland. Whether you’re captivated by the chorus of native birds or the gentle sway of grasses in the breeze, the Pohangina Wetlands promise an authentic, restorative encounter with New Zealand’s vibrant natural landscape.
1262 Pohangina Road, Ashhurst
28kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Carol
https://pohangina.org/wetlands/pohangina.wetlands.html

16Spring Bloom Nursery And Gardens

In the rolling countryside of Halcombe, Spring Bloom Gardens and Nursery is more than a family business, it’s a living legacy. For five generations, the family behind Spring Bloom has lovingly tended both their farm and the lush perennial gardens that surround it, weaving tradition into every blossom and bough. Visitors are greeted by v tranquil ponds, formal hedging, and the gentle sound of a fountain, all layered in harmonious color that speaks of decades of devotion. This cherished oasis is a sanctuary where nature and family history flourish side by side, inviting guests to wander, discover, and be inspired by the beauty cultivated on Halcombe’s fertile land.
70 Pearce Street, Halcombe
31kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Donna and Paul
https://www.facebook.com/springbloomnursery/

17Springvale Gardens

Immerse yourself in Springvale Gardens, a century-old horticultural gem tucked near the foothills of the Ruahine Ranges. This enchanting retreat showcases historic rhododendron and cherry borders, complemented by diverse plantings and rare species. Wander beneath towering natives, where Chatham Islands forget-me-nots bloom and delight in prolific birdlife. Five generations have crafted this living museum, where each plant tells a story, including an array of trees and shrubs that are examples of new varieties developed by different breeders. Guided tours are available at this garden - please see tickets for details.
2180 Pohangina Valley East Road, Pohangina
46kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Liz and Brent
https://manawatunz.co.nz/listing/springvale-gardens-and-bed-breakfast/

18Heritage Park

With over 2000 species and hybrid rhododendrons as well as azaleas, magnolias and specimen trees from around the world, this well-known park-like garden also showcases rare heritage varieties and New Zealand’s own celebrated hybrids and a renowned deciduous azalea collection. Lose yourself among towering species rhododendrons and carefully tended trees and shrubs and trial beds which all create a vibrant tapestry of color and botanical history. The 5-hectare site is gently undulating with ponds, streams and sculptures which can all be viewed from wide, easy walking paths.
34 Haggerty Street, Kimbolton
46 from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by a Heritage Park volunteer
https://www.heritagepark.co.nz/

19Cross Hills Gardens and Nursery

Cross Hills Gardens is a park-like garden that features one of the world's finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas, with over 2000 varieties spread over seven hectares. Discover many other rare trees, shrubs and perennials and explore the onsite camelia maze. Most buildings and virtually all gardens are accessible by wheelchairs or electric scooters. This garden is closed for casual viewing 15th of November; tickets to Cross Hills Country Garden Fair must be purchased for entry on this date.
339 Rangiwahia Road, Kimbolton
49kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Angela and Scott
https://crosshills.co.nz/

20Ian Mckean Pinetum

Nestled across 14 hectares of undulating, hilly terrain on the McKean family farm this enchanting landscape is home to one of the most comprehensive collections of conifers in New Zealand. Boasting over 300 species, including 90 of the world’s 110 recognised pines and some of the rarest conifer species on the planet, such as Pacific yew, Cyprus cedar, Himalayan hemlock, and Californian nutmeg. Founded in 1958 through the vision and dedication of Rawhiti “Ian” McKean, the pinetum is now part of the Queen Elizabeth Trust and welcomes everyone to explore its diverse and exceptional array of trees, all set against the backdrop of sweeping hills that make every visit both scenic and memorable.
Renfrew Road, Rangiwahia
77.3kms from Te Marae o Hine - The Square, Palmerston North
Hosted by Alexander
https://www.irongates.co.nz/ian-mckean-pinetum.html
Gardenmap

Key:

Tickets
Entry Fee

free
Free Entry

Wheelchair
Accessible

Toilet
Wharepaku

Coffee
Cafe On-Site

parental supervision new
Parental Supervision
plant sales
Plants On Sale

 Purchase Tickets 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: For the best experience of the Manawatū Garden Festival, please read our Health and Safety information, Terms and Conditions and Frequently Asked Questions.

Book Your Stay.

Now that you've bought your tickets to the Garden Festival, why not book a place to rest and dream about all the beautiful gardens you wandered through?
 See Accommodation 

In partnership with

AirNZ Wordmark Reversed


Interested in participating in the Manawatū Garden Festival 2026?
Please contact [email protected] to register your interest.

 

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