Waikato top 10 unmissable gardens to visit

1. TREE CHURCH GARDEN

Living church gardens in Ohaupo. Imaginative very large scale topiary creating a living green roof and walls shaped in the form of a chapel. There are water features, herbaceous borders and swaths of lawn for picnics. Tree Church is a popular venue for weddings and celebrations.

Open November to April (conditions apply) check beforehand to avoid disappointment.

2. MOONDANCE GARDENS

Moondance Manor Gardens are extensively planted with abundant flower beds, expansive lawn areas, a wealth of native and exotic trees, a large ornamental pond and island, substantial formal hedging – all set on over a hectare bordering the Waikato River. The gardens are beautiful in spring and autumn with awakening spring blooms and autumn foliage colour. The Edwardian homestead is set within terraced lawns, formal flower beds and trees.

Open between October to March.

3. LAVENDER BACKYARD GARDEN

Enjoy a delicious combination of farm to gift pack products (lavender), blueberries and a rural setting. Natural aromatherapy and skin care products are distilled on the premises from naturally grown lavender. The lavender and blueberry is a family owned business located on the outskirts of Hamilton. In summer kids are encouraged to pick their own lavender and blueberries. At the end of December, it normally is the peak season of blueberry picking. For peak season bookings are required. Check entry conditions beforehand to avoid disappointment.

4. NGATEA WATER GARDENS

The gardens have a whimsical wheelchair friendly path through the gardens that will take you over bridges, past water lily ponds, waterfalls, waterwheels and magical fountains. You will be kept entertained by hand fed birds and fish, plus fascinating turtles, said to be the oldest in New Zealand. Also set within the gardens is a Can Museum, displaying over 11,000 different beer, soft drink and unusual cans from around the world.

Zealong Tea Estate offers high teas, wedding venue settings and private group functions as well as an extensive gift shop and tours. Check opening hours beforehand to avoid disappointment.

In the vicinity of What’s so great about Cambridge.

What to do, highlights

• Te Ara Wai Journey a digital mobile story while exploring Cambridge, launched by Waipa District Council
• Lake Karapiro kayaking either guided or self-guided
• Sanctuary Mountain all things feathered and creepy, crawlie in New Zealand
• Tivoli Cinema, a treat to sit with your wine, snacks or a coffee from the inhouse cafe and relax the old-fashioned way in a picture theatre

6. THE SCULPTURE PARK AND WAITAKARURU ARBORETUM

Discover The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum is a former quarry now the home of over 100+ outdoor sculptures and installations in this 17.5 hectare arboretum park. The sometimes quirky installations tell stories about sustainability and nature in thought provoking positions. The 2 km walk is surrounded by trees and shrubs. Groups can book a riddle-solving puzzle game (similar to escape rooms) with locked boxes holding clues for the participants.

Location

207 Scotsman Valley Road, Tauwhare, New Zealand

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Monday to Sunday 9.30 to 3.30pm. Entry fee applies

Location

42 Whitikahu Rd, Gordonton

Gordonton is a country town with its heritage church, outstanding heritage estate of Woodlands and mature trees lining the route through the village. Gordonton is characterised by a clean public toilet block where locals put fresh flowers in the toilets. The adjoining carpark is often frequented by coffee carts, fresh produce vendors from the area and in spring the stunning Clandon commercial daffodil growers with their gay yellow flowers in ordered bunches.

8. OTOROHANGA MAIN STREET WITH BASKETS OF FLOWERS

While not strictly a garden, the entire settlement exodudes garden charm with baskets of annual blooms gracing the main street. The town embraces street art, sculptures and statues with kiwiana the theme of the day. Postcard pretty main street is augmented with the Sir Ed Hillary walk a visual feast of kiwiana objects. Nearby the Otorohanga Historical Society Courthouse Museum, managed by volunteers, has replica buildings and exhibits and is a reservoir of local history. For more information about Otorohanga check out Otorohanga: Things To Do and See in a Travel Guide.

9. ARAMATAI GARDENS

Extensive exotic and native plantings over undulating former paddocks has created a quiet oasis for visitors. There are numerous weeping trees overlooking small streams and pools. Rhododendrons, camellias, roses and perennials that flourish in the sheltered microclimate. The working vegetable garden and orchard hint at the practical origins of the garden. There is a special element with a 30-minute walk through our sheep and beef farm to a large picturesque hidden waterfall and native bush area.

The garden is open for public visitors, prior arrangement is necessary. Toilets on site. Morning / afternoon teas available on request prior to arrival. Contact Aramatai Gardens for details. Telephone: +6478788683. Email: aramatainz@gmail.com

For more ideas what to see and do check out Piopio, Waitomo district top 7 best things to do and what to see.

10. KARIOI SUMMIT – PRE-EUROPEAN MAORI GARDENS

The people have left yet the evidence of gardening lingers. Climb to the top of an ancient volcano for spectacular views, or stop at a roadside viewing platform above what was once the site of extensive of Māori gardens. The three natural coastal amphitheaters at Te Toto were once the site of extensive Maori gardens. Remnants of stone rows which would have outlined garden plots can still be seen in places, as well two small pa, storage pits and terraces.

Karioi area is 13 km south of Raglan. Leave Raglan on Wainui Rd, and continue on Whaanga Rd to Te Toto. The viewing platform is at Te Toto Gorge car park, and overlooks where the historic gardens once were.