Cherry blossoms, magnolias, daffodils, tulips and rhododendrons in New Zealand
Transient spring blossom flits into view as a burst of pink tinted colour. It’s infectious happy moments as the blossom floats down on visitors and carpets the ground with petals. The world has bulbs weaving their annual magic as daffodils, spring flowers where to go – nzjane relishes the warmer days. The kowhai (New Zealand native tree) offers a double bonus for visitors with the tui (bird) feasting on the rich nectar. The bell shaped yellow flowers are surrounded by the lacey flush of unfurling green leaves.
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Wine trail fans watch the unfurling leaf buds on vineyards.
- WAIKOWHAI KERERU SANCTUARY AUCKLAND
Waikowhai Kereru Sanctuary in Hillsborough. Waikowhai means “bay of the Kowhai trees”. The forest also holds excellent Pohutukawa, as well as Karaka, Rewarewa and Mahoe. The bay, on the northern shore of the Manukau Harbour has the largest original block of mature kowhai in Auckland. The beaches are tidal with mudflats, the home of shorebirds at low tide. Waikowhai Bay has a playground and public BBQ area.
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Listen for the orchestra of tui birds calling out their joy at the bountiful food supply of nectar.
- EDEN GARDEN – AUCKLAND
The joy of a garden bursting with tulips and spring bulbs. Eden Gardens has over 10,000 spring bulbs creating colour.
Eden Gardens is one of 8 Auckland free gardens to visit, trip guide, what to see. The gardens even have a tulip festival. Check with the Eden Garden for up to date information for the opening dates.
- AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS – MANUREWA
The carpet of daffodils under a canopy of cherry blossoms and the nearby flowering crab apples is the perfect reason for a day of leisure in one of Auckland’s finest public gardens.
Check Spring Blossom Valley to get inspired. The rose gardens are worth a detour as well, the scent of roses and petals softly opening is another spring favourite.
- PARNELL ROSE GARDENS – AUCKLAND
The best time to visit is late spring and summer. Winter is largely dormant rose bushes (over 5,000 of them) waiting for spring. The Rose Gardens are situated in the historic district of Parnell with its 1800’s buildings and designer shops. The cute Judges Bay beach is located below the Parnell Rose Gardens.
Check out the Parnell walk in TOP-5 Auckland walks for families & kids, trip guide: Pacific Jane
- CORNWALL PARK AUCKLAND
Lambs and daffodils herald spring down the avenue of mature deciduous trees. Then there are the brides who frequent the park for their wedding finery photos. Cornwall Park – is also home to Cherry Tree Grove.
For further information check Cornwall Park.
- WAIKATO CHERRY TREE FESTIVAL
The popular Waikato Cherry Tree Festival – a multicultural celebration of spring featuring flowers, food entertainment and activities returns with covid19, regulatory obstacles and disappointments in 2020 as a backdrop to the planned late September events.
Visitors are surrounded by a floral canvas of rhododendrons, camellias, candelabra primulas, tulips, dianthus and lavender setting off the cherry blossoms.
For updates on the event dates check English Cherry Tree Manor – Home
- CHRISTCHURCH BOTANIC GARDENS CHERRY BLOSSOM
The mature trees form magical circles of floating delight as you enter the world of flowering cherries. Combined with spring flowering magnolias Christchurch gardens have stunning spring displays.
Look for the blooming deciduous azaleas.
Hop aboard the Garden Explorer to view the garden in its entirety. For details about the Botanic Gardens check here for further information about 9 Christchurch public parks & gardens to visit, trip guide.
- ROTORUA GOVERNMENT GARDENS
Tulips in massed glory next to the cute 19th century bowling green pavilion create a magic of red, orange and yellow shiny glory among the swaths of beautifully manicured green lawn grass.
Rotorua is known for its public plantings of pansies, polyanthus, primula, myosotis and antirrhinum. Around 40,000 tulips are planted through Rotorua’s CBD.
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Flowering lavender in commercial lavender farms is coming into its own. The bonus is glorious lavender goodies and a cafe specialising in lavender scented shortbread.
- ASTON NORWOOD GARDENS – WELLINGTON
The Aston Norwood Gardens offer afternoon teas, meals and are an entertainment venue for celebrations. The garden is home to New Zealand’s highest number of mature cherry blossoms in one place. Cherry Lane masses are instagram worthy and lead to daffodil dell. If nature and spring are in concert visitors are in for a treat. Watch Aston Norwood facebook page for updates of festival events.
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Look for the deciduous trees and the unfurling green leaf buds on the bare branches creating an ephemeral picture moment.
For visitors on their way to the Wairarapa Aston Norwood is located in the Rimutaka Ranges offering an ideal stop for visitors checking out TOP-10 things to do in Wairarapa, trip guide, what to see: NZ Jane
- NELSON
Lush full bodied extravagant flowering glory aptly describes a flowing peony.
Late spring in Southland and the romantic blooms welcome visitors. The colours range from bridal white through to deep creams, as well as a range of pinks, corals and deep red.
Peonies Galore welcomes visitors to their Appleby store. Imagine armfuls of peonies blousy blooms stacked in jars looking shabby chic.
- THE LAKE ESPLANADE – QUEENSTOWN
Stroll around Lake Wakatipu and the Esplanade where mature blossoming trees greet visitors.
The Queenstown Gardens specialise in spring bulbs and perennials adding a dash of vivid colour to the day.
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