MANAWATŪ GARDENS FESTIVAL //

9TH-17TH NOVEMBER 2024

20 BEAUTIFUL GARDENS OPEN

ONE

FABULOUS GARDEN FAIR

9 DAYS TO ENJOY IT ALL

GARDENS GALORE!!

Dig into Manawatū through the best gardens in the region, and the ultimate country fair! From gardens of national significance to spectacular swathes of rhododendrons, there's plenty to see and something different to suit everyone! Featuring gardens of all shapes and sizes, you won't want to miss getting out into the spring air and indulging your green thumb...

From award winning public gardens and rambling country estates right through to small cottage gardens and wild wetlands, 20 gardens have opened their gates for Manawatū Gardens Festival.

We invite you to wander full of wonder, and connect with all the natural beauty Manawatū's gardens hold.

Scroll down for a taster of some of the beautiful gardens included in the festival, information on each garden (including entry fee) and a touring map.

GREENHAUGH GARDEN >

HERITAGE PARK RHODODENDRON GARDENS >

THE HERB FARM >

VILLA CANDOTTI >

DUGALD MACKENZIE ROSE GARDENS >

MORE ABOUT THE GARDENS!

Find out more about each garden participating in Manawatū Gardens Festival 2024 below (including any entry fee info). Start with a location!

Or download the Manawatū Gardens Festival Map >>

Palmerston North

Feilding

Halcombe

Pohangina

Kimbolton

Rangiwahia

Palmerston North Gardens

Caccia Birch

130 Te Awe Awe Street, Palmerston North
Open Monday - Friday, 10am-4pm
06 357 5362

Set in 3 acres of established gardens including notable historic trees, wisteria walkways and rose beds, the gardens compliment the grandeur of the historic house.

Victoria Esplanade Rose Garden Palmerston North

Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens

Victoria Esplanade Drive, Palmerston North
Open daily, 9am-9pm
06 350 1922

A 5-star garden of national significance, Dugald Mackenzie Rose Gardens includes the formal rose beds, the trial grounds and the plant variety rights collection. The garden contains over 5000 roses in named beds.

Peter Black Conservatory

Victoria Esplanade Drive, Palmerston North
Open daily, 10am-9pm weekdays, and 12pm-4pm weekends

Originally constructed in 1941, the conservatory is home to a range of tropical plants from Africa, America and Oceania, providing a wonderful botanic experience for young and old.

Wharerata Gardens

University Avenue, Massey University, Palmerston North
Open daily, 9am-9pm
06 356 8199

Find yourself surrounded by roses, camellias, rhododendrons and a sunken garden. Parts of the garden date back over a century! Cafe open weekdays 8:30am-2:30pm and weekends 9am-1pm.

Hlomo Hlomo Garden

85 Ngahere Park Road, Turitea, Palmerston North
Open daily, 10am-4pm
021 107 4658
NB: Access is via a long narrow driveway. Please call ahead to avoid complications.

Native plants form the background of this garden with accents of exotic plants. Features plenty of interest areas such as shady paths, formal terraces, a potager, a labyrinth, multiple ponds and more! Entry fee = $10 per adult (under 16 free!), cash only.

Caroline's Boutique and Gardens

613 Fitzherbert East Road, Aokautere, Palmerston North
Open daily (excl. the 11th & 12th), 10am-5pm
06 354 2135

Caroline’s is a beautiful semi-formal garden such as mature trees and water features. Lunch at the ambient café, and visit the homewares boutique on site.

Country Lane Homestead

52 Orrs Road, Aokautere, Palmerston North
Open daily, 10am-4pm
06 326 8529

This rustic country garden is bursting with colour everywhere you look. Walk beneath the shade of the trees, alongside varied styles of plantings. Entry fee = Gold coin donation. (Devonshire tea available by arrangement).

Chatswood

1416 Kairanga-Bunnythorpe Road, Kairanga, Palmerston North
Open 10th-16th, 10am-3pm

Sitting on over 3 hectares, this classic English garden is full of interest from intricate hedging to beautiful established trees, an oriental area and wisteria covered archways. Entry fee = $10 per adult (under 16 free!), cash or bank transfer only.

Greenhaugh Garden

914 Napier Road, Palmerston North
Open Monday-Friday, 10am-3pm (weekends by arrangement)
027 387 0357

Featuring an 1874 homestead and vista after vista. Mature trees give this garden bones while ponds and natural plantings add whimsy. Entry fee = $10 per adult (under 16 free!), cash or bank transfer only.

The Herb Farm

86 Grove Road, Ashhurst, Palmerston North
Open daily, 10am-4:30pm
06 326 8633

The fourteen themed gardens here have been designed to connect children with nature and inspire imagination. Spread over 2 acres, and enjoyed by all with a focus on herbs and healing.

ICON KEY:

ENTRY FEE

TOILET

FACILITIES

WHEELCHAIR

ACCESS

PARENTAL

SUPERVISION

ADVISED

CAFE

ON SITE

Feilding Gardens

Mason Gardens at Kowhai Park

21 South Street, Feilding
Open daily, 9am-9pm
06 323 0000

Just inside Kōwhai Park is the Mason Family Rose Garden containing 150 beautiful rose bushes.

Villa Candotti

133 Reid Line East, Colyton, Feilding
Open Sunday - Friday, 10am-4pm
027 262 9012

This Italian Renaissance-inspired garden is a stunning and unexpected gem, complete with a loggia, hedged parterres, orchards, fountains and a small orangery. Entry fee = $10 per adult (under 12 free!), cash only. Optional: guided tour = $30.

ICON KEY:

ENTRY FEE

TOILET

FACILITIES

WHEELCHAIR

ACCESS

PARENTAL

SUPERVISION

ADVISED

CAFE

ON SITE

Halcombe Gardens

Spring Bloom Nursery and Gardens

70 Pearce Street, Halcombe (Google Maps will mislead you, please follow signage)
Open daily, 10am-4pm
06 328 8895

A five-generation family owned nursery and treasured perennial garden operated out of the beautiful country township of Halcombe. Entry fee = gold coin donation.

ICON KEY:

ENTRY FEE

TOILET

FACILITIES

WHEELCHAIR

ACCESS

PARENTAL

SUPERVISION

ADVISED

CAFE

ON SITE

Pohangina Gardens

Luttrells White Pine Gardens

1235 Pohangina Road, Ashhurst
Open daily, 10am-4pm
027 315 7032 (please call ahead)

Covering over 5 hectares and containing one of Manawatū’s largest remaining stands of Kahikatea Forest. Enjoy over one hundred named varieties as well as native bird and animal species. Museum entry = $6 per adult (cash only). Garden entry is free. Wheelchair access with assistance.

Pohangina Wetland image courtesy John Brock Copy

Pohangina Wetlands

1262 Pohangina Road, Ashhurst
Open daily, 10am-4pm

A verdent natural wonderland of native wetland species including grasses, shrub and trees. Follow the wide grassed pathways through the many ponds and enjoy the birdlife as you go. Wheelchair access with assistance.

ICON KEY:

ENTRY FEE

TOILET

FACILITIES

WHEELCHAIR

ACCESS

PARENTAL

SUPERVISION

ADVISED

CAFE

ON SITE

Kimbolton Gardens

Romney Lane Homestead

428 Levett Line, Kiwitea
Open daily (excl. 15th & 16th), 10am-2pm
027 433 3015

The grounds of this pre-1900s homestead feature some of the oldest trees in the area, a wilderness area full of bird life and will feature works by local art sculptors.

Mamaku Garden

41 Jens Road, Waituna West
Open daily, 10am-4pm (weekends by arrangement)
06 328 9666

This large country garden features many rhododendrons, magnolias, peonies, hostas, a portion of native bush and more. Enjoy views of the Ruahine ranges and surrounding farmland. Entry fee = $5 per adult (under 12 free!), cash only.

Heritage Park Rhododendron Gardens

34 Haggerty Street, Kimbolton
Open daily, dawn to dusk
021 701 492

A rhododendron lover’s dream, this phenomenal garden is home to over 2,000 of them and features heritage rhododendrons from around the world and some older New Zealand hybrids. Entry fee = $10 per adult (children free!), cash or bank transfer only.

Heritage Park Rhododendron Gardens Kimbolton Manawatū

Cross Hills Gardens and Nursery

339 Rangiwahia Road, Kimbolton
Open daily, 10:30am-5pm
06 328 5797

Cross Hills’ 7 hectare, park-like garden includes one of the world’s finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas: over 2,000 varieties. Entry fee = $15 per adult (under 16 free!). During Cross Hills Country Garden Fair (November 16th), entry = $20.

ICON KEY:

ENTRY FEE

TOILET

FACILITIES

WHEELCHAIR

ACCESS

PARENTAL

SUPERVISION

ADVISED

CAFE

ON SITE

Rangiwahia Gardens

Ian McKean Pinetum

Renfrew Road, Rangiwahia
Open daily, dawn to dusk

This pinetum is described as one of the most comprehensive collections of conifers in New Zealand. It includes more than 300 species of conifers, some of the rarest in the world.

Have you entered the competition yet? Stop by in person to take part! See Terms and Conditions here >>

CROSS HILLS GARDEN COUNTRY FAIR

Set in 18 acres of the most beautiful private gardens you'll find a record number of artists, makers, creators, growers and all-around clever people who have travelled from all corners of the North Island in New Zealand to showcase their product... just in time for Christmas! 200 + stalls and live music.

GO TO EVENT >>

EVENT.

WHILE YOUR HERE //

Choose a tailor-made itinerary below. No admin needed!!

Visitor Information

While our garden owners have made every effort to ensure your visit is a safe and enjoyable experience, care needs to be taken by all visitors at each garden. These gardens vary in terrain, parking, accessibility and layout so please be mindful of your surroundings and ensure you have suitable footwear. By entering these gardens, you acknowledge that you accept responsibility for the safety of yourself, those with you and of your possessions.

BUILD YOUR OWN ITINERARY

There is an incredible array of sights to be seen in Manawatū with ancient native bush walks to unique dining experiences. Use the regional map to help plan the rest of your stay.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Interested in being part of Manawatū Gardens Festival 2025?

Please contact [email protected]

MANAWATŪ GARDENS FESTIVAL //

20

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS OPEN

ONE

FABULOUS GARDEN FAIR

9

DAYS TO ENJOY IT ALL