Kia Ora
Nau mai, haere mai and welcome to the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival.
We are delighted to bring you another spring celebration of beautiful and diverse gardens, sustainable backyards, and a refreshed programme of events. This guide and festival map are packed with information to support your garden adventures around the stunning Taranaki Maunga.
As Garden Festival Manager, it is a privilege to present this iconic event in its 39th year.
This year’s festival features 40 gardens, including five new gardens and four returning favourites. We warmly welcome all participating gardeners and thank them for opening their gates to visitors.
Alongside the gardens, visitors can enjoy more than 30 events and tour experiences, from botanic walks and creative workshops to educational sessions and wellbeing offerings. New highlights include a dedicated wellness event at Green School
New Zealand and the Blooms & Brews tour, creating fresh opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate our inspiring garden settings.
We also acknowledge the loss of Shirley Greenhill, a founding member of the festival, who passed away shortly after last year’s event. Shirley’s passion, vision, and dedication helped shape the festival into what it is today, and she is deeply missed.
Our sincere gratitude goes to our partners, sponsors, gardeners, and visitors who continue to support this special event and the wider Taranaki region each year.
We are proud that the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival continues to showcase an exceptional number of NZGT gardens of national and international significance. The 39th festival truly offers something for everyone, and our gardeners look forward to welcoming you.
See you in the gardens.
Jessica Parker Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival Manager
Mitre 10 Garden Speaker Series
Team
Chief Executive: Suzanne Porter
Festival Manager: Jessica Parker
Business Manager: Tracey Bell
Festival Co-ordinator: Maree Simons
Marketing Manager: Jessie Schumacher
Festival Publicist: Virginia Winder
Creative Designer: Catriona Mellows
Trustees
Glenn Brebner (Chair)
Daimon Stewart
Katie Wolfe
Eleanor Connole
Kerry Vosseler
Garden Liaison Team
Jenny Oakley, Tony Barnes & Chris Paul
To the 2026 Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival.
Each year, this festival offers a fresh perspective on what makes the Taranaki region so unique - from spectacular private gardens and public spaces to the rugged coastline and natural landscapes that frame them.
Centuria is proud to be supporting the festival once again as naming sponsor, marking our fifth year partnering with this much-loved event.
As an Australasian property investment manager with more than $20 billion of trans-Tasman assets under management, we
take a long-term view, with a focus on quality property fundamentals and strong local relationships.
The festival’s continued growth and strong connection to the community are testament to the efforts of the dedicated garden hosts, along with the leadership and coordination of Taranaki Arts Festival Trust (TAFT). We extend our sincere thanks to them - and also to our fellow sponsors, whose support plays a vital role in bringing the festival to life each year.
We hope you enjoy this year’s festival and all it has to offer.
Mark Francis CEO, Centuria NZ
Intelligent investing.
Don’t chase property trends. Pursue value.
We open the door to diverse investment opportunities. Find out how easy it is to invest in prime commercial property. centuria.co.nz | 06 759 1520
Come join us at the
Festival Hub
The Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival Hub will once again be located at the heart of the Plymouth International Hotel, a place known for its fabulous hospitality – just like our Hub team.
Located between New Plymouth’s two major one-way systems, with free parking on site, the hotel is an ideal place to start your festival journey.
Our garden festival team will be on hand to answer all your questions and help steer you around the Taranaki Maunga to meet our dedicated gardeners, view their glorious gardens and learn more about what our wonderful region has to offer.
All visitors are welcome to the Festival Hub to find:
- Garden and event entry tickets
- Festival information, guidance and suggestions
- Local knowledge of things to do and see in Taranaki
The Plymouth International Hotel will be offering Devonshire teas and delicious options from their lunch menu. The hotel bar will be open to relax and unwind after a day in the gardens.
Pop in to see us for information, advice, tickets and the warmest welcome to the 39th Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival.
Date & Time: Fri 30 Oct - Sun 8 Nov, 8:30-11:30am
Venue:
Plymouth International Hotel 220 Courtenay St, New Plymouth Free Admission
How to Book Garden Categories
Easy Online Bookings:
www.gardenfestnz.co.nz
This is the official site for your festival bookings. Service fees apply.
Phone Bookings:
06 759 8412
Credit / Debit card payments only.
Monday - Friday, 10am-4pm.
Garden Entry:
Tickets are required to enter the gardens and can be obtained via:
- Official ticket outlets
- Online
- TAFT Office
- Garden gates (cash only)
Entry Fee:
Ticket Outlets:
i-Site Centres
New Plymouth i-Site
Puke Ariki Store/ Level 1, 65 St Aubyn St
South Taranaki i-Site
121 High St, Hāwera
Stratford Library & i-Site
54 Miranda St, Stratford
Local Info Centres & Libraries
Inglewood Library
46 Rata St, Inglewood
Inglewood Info Centre / Fun Ho! Toys
25 Rata St, Inglewood
Waitara Library
15 Queen St, Waitara
Ōpunake Library
43 Tasman St, Ōpunake
Bell Block Library
188 Parklands Ave, Bell Block
Private gardens - $5, Public gardens - FREE
Festival Enquiries:
Ph: 06 759 8412
E: enquiries@gardenfestnz.co.nz
W: www.gardenfestnz.co.nz
Follow us for festival updates and exclusive offers:
taranaki_garden_festival
Other Outlets
Big Jim’s Garden Centre
1221 Devon Rd, Bell Block
Mitre 10 New Plymouth
305-307 St Aubyn St, New Plymouth
Mitre 10 Mega
5 Vickers Rd, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth
Mitre 10 - Stratford
Dovehaven, Floreat, La Ultima, Portia’s Place, Rural Haven
Dovehaven, La Ultima, Portia’s Place
Christiansen Garden, Lepper’s Garden, Te Kukumara, Van der Poel Garden
Pukekura Park & Fernery, Te Henui Cemetery, The Vicarage, Tupare, Pukeiti, Stratford’s King Edward Park, Hollard Gardens, King Edward Park (Hāwera)
Refreshments
Toilets
Wheelchair friendly
Plants / Art for sale
Accommodation
Bus parking
Pop-over motorhome parking
(enquire with gardeners)
All festival gardens are assessed on a three-year cycle. The New Zealand Gardens Trust (an initiative of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture) independently evaluates gardens, and some of our gardens undergo this process. These are identified by the NZGT logo, indicating Garden of Significance, National or International status. Taranaki is home to 11
Waiongana Gardens
74 Kairau Rd West, Waitara John Wilmshurst & Diana Montgomery
This 4ha garden bound by the Waiongana River has many varied spaces, including a Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Redwoods, Native River Walk, log walls and a developing produce area to name but a few. The mostly flat terrain has enabled a large variety of easy walking avenues and vista viewpoints. This garden is well known for the herbaceous peonies that usually flower during the festival.
Local caterers Theory Food will be in the Pavilion Cafe from 10am - 4pm daily with Muskoka Lifestyle’s beautiful products for sale from the Garden Studio.
Turn off Mountain Rd SH3A to access Kairau Rd West.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–5pm
P: 021 103 1237
E: waionganagarden@gmail.com
waionganagarden Waiongana Gardens
Waitara, Bell Block & Lepperton
From lush rivers to rugged coastlines
Magnolia Grove
6 Mahoetahi Rd, Waitara Vance & Kathryn Hooper
Magnolia Grove is owned by nurseryman and magnolia plant breeder Vance Hooper and his wife Kathryn. Together they have created a garden where paths flow out naturally to unfold a myriad of magnolia species, the bamboo forest, a bee garden and a Mediterranean garden of succulents and cacti. This idyllic sanctuary, maturing to a forest, is a must see for rare and unusual plants and trees with a wide range of plants for sale.
EVENT: BANANA Workshop (see page 63)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–4pm
P: 027 439 7207 E: budder@xtra.co.nz
W: www.magnoliagrove.co.nz
Dovehaven
101 Centennial Ave, Waitara
Nicola & Murray Fabish
Flowers are the focus of this Waitara garden, where Nicola and Murray grow many oldfashioned blooms. Aquilegias, roses, sweet peas and fuchsias provide colour, along with window boxes frothing with lobelia. Clematis, wisteria and roses smother arches, and Dovehaven’s driveway is edged with a “hedge” of petunias. The summerhouse and shaded courtyard are places to pause.
Nicola’s craftworks and plants are for sale. Proceeds to the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–4pm
P: 027 303 0397 E: dovehaven_wt@xtra.co.nz
3
4
Te Kukumara
10 Mountain Rd, Sentry Hill
Bryce & Delwyn Barnett
Te Kukumara is a sub-tropical garden for fun, family and feathered friends. Add art, automobiles and an aviary, plus palms, pigeon doves and plantings en masse to imagine Bryce and Delwyn Barnett’s 10-acre (4-hectare) garden near Waitara. The cars are classics, the parrots on show are Indian ringnecks and the lake is home to Pekin ducks.
An ongoing vision for 32 years, this “garden for everyone” has courts for tennis, petanque and beach volleyball, and a children’s playground. Picnickers welcome.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–5pm P: 027 483 5246 E: delwyn@xtra.co.nz
Lepper’s Garden
486 Manutahi Rd, Lepperton Robyn & Graeme Lepper
Now in its sixth generation, this family homestead and 100-year-old garden is filled with treasures. Large mature English trees and native bush boundaries surround this one-hectare garden. Clivia, hostas, ligularia, roses and rhododendrons are some of the varieties on this rural property. There are also spacious lawns, curved beds, garden rooms and a large variety of bright flowers. Off road parking, complimentary tea/coffee with cakes and slices available for sale.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–5pm P: 06 752 0821 / 027 473 6262
E: glepper@xtra.co.nz
112 Ackworth Rd, Lepperton
Christina Hannam
Five years ago, there was barely a bee in sight - today this rural flower farm is alive with bumblebees and seasonal abundance. Christina’s working garden showcases cut flowers and foliage in generous, naturalistic plantings, set against sweeping views from mountain to sea. The PYO garden offers layers of colour, creativity, and a sense of occasion - evolving into a destination for private events and workshops. A
Riverlea
367 Corbett Rd, Bell Block
Ann & Vince Naus
This large garden property flows around a relocated and restored 1890’s villa. Since 2003 Ann and Vince have poured their talents and passion into creating Riverlea. They have engaged an array of ideas, including a perennial border, woodland garden, and a maple walk. The boardwalk to the river leads to a secluded seating area surrounded by rimu, kauri, nikau and other natives. This is a garden full of treasures and rare shrubs and perennials, acquired over many years. This is their final festival; another challenge awaits them, so join Ann and Vince for one final wander. Buses by arrangement. Little Liberty Ice Cream for sale.
All garden proceeds go to Breast Cancer CURE.
MULTIPLE EVENTS: (see pages 51 & 58)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–5pm P: 027 447 3950 (Ann) 027 471 6474 (Vince) E: ann.vin@xtra.co.nz
NEW
Rural Haven
118 Lower King Rd, Tarurutangi
Yvonne Geeraedts & Len Houwers
Festival first-timer Rural Haven is a peaceful place planted with a painter’s eye. For the past 20 years, Yvonne, the artist, and Len, the handyman, have developed a creative rural garden with flowing curves and layers of mixed planting.
Their one-acre property of colour and texture is a harmony of all sorts, including abutilons, hydrangeas and groundcovers. There is also an abundance of edibles – they are 80% selfsufficient in garden-grown food.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9:30am–4:30pm P: 027 323 2772 E: l.y.houwers@actrix.gen.nz
TREE SPECIALISTS
Richard Lambert ACA
Ph: (06) 76-96-828 / 0275-418-788
Email: richard@highfrontiers.co.nz
Villa Verde
363 Corbett Rd, Bell Block
Greg & Kylie West
From bare land, Greg and Kylie have transformed their one-acre property into a bountiful garden of great beauty. Since moving a house on to the section in 2001, they have created a cottage garden starring
• Quality tree pruning
• Technical and confined space removals
• Hazardous Trees
• Large tree specialists
• Taranaki wide (urban and rural)
• Approved contractor to NPDC
“Committed to the highest quality workmanship, professional integrity and care of the urban forest”
Tropics on Mangati
108 Mangati Rd, Bell Block
Amelia de Ridder & Michelle Magrath
Step into a maturing garden that feels like a peaceful island paradise, packed with palms, perennials, bromeliads and native beauties. Amelia and Michelle, long-time friends and co-gardeners, have reshaped this urban space, adding a lush
TARANAKI
Jungle Nurseries
57 Colson Rd, New Plymouth Michael Mansvelt
Discover Jungle Nurseries – a lush 1.5-acre botanical wonderland created by awardwinning designer Michael Mansvelt. Wander through vibrant native plantings, steamy tropical zones, and traditional landscapes with stately trees and long-flowering perennials. Each zone offers a unique mood, designed to inspire creativity and joy. Explore the expansive glasshouses filled with rare and exotic plants from around the world. Meet Michael, enjoy onsite refreshments, and pick up a signed copy of his acclaimed book Everyday Opulence – a heartfelt celebration of nature, beauty, and the art of living well.
Admission: Free Open: 9am–5pm
P: 021 420 930 E: michael@michaelmansvelt.com
michaelmansveltlimited
New Plymouth
The vibrant hub of Taranaki
Sequoia Steps
21A Sequoia Gr, New Plymouth
Shane & Mel Hurliman
A tranquil inner-city hideaway orientated to comfortable outdoor living. Shane has built structures that make the most of the available space, while Mel has added the softer touches with her love of maples and hostas. The garden lights up at night and there will be live music most evenings. There are areas to shelter from the wind and rain. Garden art will be for sale, including water features. Sequoia Steps featured in NZ Gardener magazine.
Supporting Taranaki Animal Protection Trust
EVENT: Sequoia by Night (see page 58)
Admission: 1 Ticket P: 027 297 4157 / 027 477 3434
Open: 10am–5pm & 7:30pm-10pm E: mel2@xtra.co.nz
Alan has created a town garden of two parts - a flat courtyard and a hillside garden. The courtyard garden features spring colour. Annuals and perennials combine with vireyas, roses and maples. The woodland garden at the rear has wonders around every corner of the zigzag path, with colourful rhododendrons, azaleas, viburnums and hydrangeas under a canopy of mature trees. Pukemara is a haven for hostas. You’ll find a large selection of these lush leafy plants on show and for sale along with other plant varieties. Pukemara has featured in the NZ Gardener magazine.
EVENT: Urban Garden Tour (see page 55)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm P: 06 758 6251 / 027 828 0230 E: acmorris@xtra.co.nz
Indulge in a beautiful central city garden with bubbles and two course lunch.
Friday & Saturdays during the festival 12 - 2pm
Bookings essential, min of 10 people
Open bookings available thereafter
$60 per person
71 Brougham Street, New Plymouth (06) 758 6423
Kahikatea
61 Branch Rd, New Plymouth
Katy & Willie Roach 14
This peaceful, secluded garden with large sprawling lawns, is a hidden urban retreat. The rustic natural setting is surrounded by native bush, which has a QE II covenant. Sustainability and resourcefulness are key gardening practices. Maples, specimen trees and natives are interspersed with colourful annuals, perennials, roses, hostas, hydrangeas, irises and subtropical plants. Fruit trees and vegetables provide organic produce.
Stroll through the bush paths, view old farm collectables or Willie’s collection of American cars.
Devonshire teas and home-baked classics, available 10am - 2pm in the garden cafe or picnic on the lawn. Woodcraft made by local wood turner for sale.
On street parking preferred. Parking is available down the drive for those less mobile.
EVENT: Mitre 10 Speaker Series (see page 65)
@kahikateagarden
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm P: 027 863 9048 E: katywillieroach@gmail.com
Tītoki
16A Kinross Dr, Merrilands John and Janet King
Thirty-five years ago the only feature on this property was a lone Tītoki. Now this special tree is the centrepiece of a delightful sanctuary garden. Wandering down steps and paths, visitors will find a garden that opens out to reveal a variety of plantings and features, including camellias, rhododendrons, roses and a terraced vegetable garden, all with a backdrop of stunning native bush.
EVENT: Twilight Tour (see page 56)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm P: 027 301 4728 E: jjade.king@xtra.co.nz
Te Rongohua
16B Kinross Dr, New Plymouth Steph & Brent Cockerill 16
Nestled among native woodlands, this garden offers an incredible bush outlook, blending natural beauty with artistic expression. Thoughtfully designed with good bones, it features handcrafted horseshoe sculptures by Brent and elevated platforms to view the serene valley below. A perfect perch (Te Rongohua) for abundant birdlife, the garden provides harmony of structure and wilderness with a tiny stream, inviting visitors to connect with nature. Featured in NZ House & Garden magazine.
EVENT: Twilight Tour (see page 56)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm P: 027 342 7733 E: roosterz@xtra.co.nz
487 Mangorei Rd, New Plymouth Taranaki Regional Council
Tūpare is a masterpiece of nature and design set on a steep hillside. Spanning 8.5 acres, this enchanting landscape was crafted by Sir Russell Matthews and blends formal elegance with natural beauty. From the iconic Chapman-Taylor homestead to the tranquil flow of the Waiwhakaiho River, Tūpare captivates with its lush plantings and serene atmosphere. Wander beneath towering trees, discover hidden garden rooms and experience the magic of this historic place.
Admission: Free Open: All day, every day
P: 0800 736 222 W: www.trc.govt.nz
E: regional.gardens@trc.govt.nz
Oak Valley
248 Junction Rd, New Plymouth Paul & Pat Ekdahl
Massed plantings of trees, shrubs and roses give immediate impact to this level country garden, which has been developed over the past 27 years.
The various garden rooms and wedding garden make this a perfect picnic spot for visitors. Other features include a jetty by the lake, a renovated chapel, and classic cars on display.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-4pm P: 06 758 1501 / 027 442 0325 E: patekdahl@gmail.com
What’s On?
Sun 1 Nov, 1pm-3pm
La Mer in the Garden
Relax, unwind, and enjoy great live music. Pack a picnic, bring your friends, and soak up the vibes.
Wed 4 Nov, 10am-11:30am
Guided Walk with the Head Gardener Join Nick as he discusses some garden features, latest projects and what the team have been up to.
Sat 7 Nov, 10am-11:30am Gardener’s Guided Walk Fri 30 Oct - Sun 8 Nov 10am-3pm Morgan Paige Taitoko Art Exhibition and Open Studio at The Cottage. Sat 31 & Sun 1, 7, & 8 Nov 9am-2pm VIBE Coffee will be onsite serving fresh brews and treats.
The Yews
523 Carrington Rd, New Plymouth
Lee & Roland Brumley
Lee and Roland have lovingly planted their property with overflowing roses and rhododendrons. This large formal country garden is inspired by traditional English style to complement the grand old 1800s villa, which was shifted back from the roadside to enable the garden to develop around it. Yew hedging gives definition to the expansive flat lawns, an easy walk for visitors with mobility issues. Featured in NZ House & Garden magazine.
EVENT: Twilight Tour (see page 56)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm
P: 027 696 4872 E: leebrumley2@gmail.com
Art for your home and garden— explore our handcrafted collection at our boutique gallery
Pukeiti
2290 Carrington Rd, New Plymouth Taranaki Regional Council
Pukeiti spans an impressive 360ha of lush gardens and rainforest and has built up one of the world’s biggest and most diverse rhododendron collections. Along with other exotics, they create an explosion of colour amidst lush native rainforest and mountain streams. Pukeiti boasts an all-weather visitor centre and walking tracks for all fitness levels. Other highlights include the covered vireya houses, the treetop viewing platform over the waterwheel and the popular café.
Admission: Free Open: All day, every day
P: 0800 736 222 W: www.trc.govt.nz
E: regional.gardens@trc.govt.nz
What’s On?
Fri 30 Oct - Sun 8 Nov, 10am-3pm
An Art Exhibition - Yours Faithfully by Jana Branca in The Rata Room.
Sat 31 Oct, 10am-11:30am
Guided Walk with the Head Gardener
Join Kristian as he discusses garden features, latest projects and what the team has been up to.
Sun 1 Nov, 10am-11:30am
Discover Rare Plants
Explore the remarkable collection of rare and unusual plants and the conservation efforts helping them flourish.
Wed 3 Nov, 10am-11:30am
Gardener’s Guided Walk
Fri 6 Nov, 10am-11:30am
A Walk with the Rhododendron Collections Officer
Discover the unique varieties and rich history of Pukeiti’s vibrant rhododendron collection.
Fri 30 Oct - Sun 8 Nov, 10am-2pm
Free rides for limited mobility visitors 25
La Ultima
48 Hine St, New Plymouth
Margaret Parker
Korito
28A Trafalgar St, New Plymouth
Dee Turner
This suburban permaculture garden is a place to learn about self-sufficiency and growing food. It is planted with annual, biennial and perennial crops that provide food year-round.
Dee’s garden has mandalas, mosaics, stepover and espaliered fruit trees, a herb spiral, food forest, productive subtropicals and an ancient bush block.
EVENT: Mitre 10 Speaker Series nnnnnnDaily Talk at 11am (see page 62)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm
P: 021 125 2035 E: derinatur@hotmail.com
W: www.korito.co.nz
If you want to see what can be achieved in under two years, head to La Ultima in central New Plymouth. Planting “anything I like”, Margaret Parker has created an eclectic cottage garden around a charming home.
On a small urban section, kōwhai, salvias and a flurry of flowers sit alongside a 52-year-old pruned cloud Himalayan cedar in a pot. There are leafy edibles greens and citrus trees.
Sculptures are woven throughout, many made by Margaret’s late husband, Terry Parker.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm
P: 022 013 6931 E: manatu@eol.co.nz
Floreat
60 Barrett St, New Plymouth
Christine & Leigh Hucker
This medium-sized town garden has recently been redeveloped on a flat section with expansive views overlooking Western Park and out to sea. The garden is anchored by several mature magnolias and camellias. Buxus hedging formalises the gardens containing hostas, roses, hydrangeas and ligularia. An espaliered camellia is the centre piece of the plantings in the pool enclosure. The garden incorporates areas where vegetables, berries and citrus are grown.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm
P: 027 534 6700
E: huckerchristine@gmail.com
Pukekura Park, The Fernery and Display Houses
10 Fillis St, New Plymouth several entry points NPDC Staff
Located in the heart of New Plymouth, Pukekura Park is a Garden of National Significance, has a five-star rating from the New Zealand Gardens Trust and has the international Green Flag award. Created in 1876, the 52ha park has an amazing range of native and exotic plants displayed in a natural setting.
The Fernery and Display Houses have been a must-see for almost a century. Linked by tunnels, the three glass-topped caverns dug into a hillside and the tropical house display a wide variety of native and exotic plants. The Fernery and Display Houses are open 8.30am-4pm.
GUIDED WALKS & TOURS: (see page 59)
Admission: Free Open: Open all hours to pedestrians. Main carpark locked at 8pm
P: 06 759 6060 E: enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
W: www.npdc.govt.nz
Te Henui Cemetery
Cnr Watson St & Lemon St
New Plymouth
Volunteers & NPDC Staff
Pretty, vibrant, charming and unexpected with huge plant diversity. Visit the city’s oldest cemetery featuring 6ha of massplanted graves and an abundance of mature trees. Five-star TripAdvisor rating. Open all hours to pedestrians, vehicle access locked at 8pm.
Hirst Cottage
94 Pendarves St, New Plymouth Judi Gopperth
This inner-city garden adopts linear principles and is themed ‘green and white with a touch of red’. It features white petunias and lilies, black velvet pelargoniums, formal courtyards, a gazebo, buxus hedging, along with protected oaks, ginkgo and pōhutukawa. This 1865 property holds a Heritage A listing and is part of the historical cluster known as Hen and Chickens. Previously featured in a variety of national magazines, including NZ House & Garden.
EVENT: Urban Garden Tour (see page 55)
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm
P: 027 676 1500 E: judi.jag@xtra.co.nz
GUIDED WALKS & TOURS: (see page 59)
Admission: Free Open: All day, every day
P: 06 759 6060 E: enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
W: www.npdc.govt.nz
@hello_np
New Plymouth District Council
158 Mirikau Rd, Warea
Chris & Steak Goodin
Set amidst old coastal lahars, this country garden is shaped by dramatic volcanic rocks and anchored by a welcoming family home, with expansive lawns and mature trees surrounded by lush clivia, roses, and rhododendrons. Chris and Steak’s daughter, Nicci Goodin, is a prominent New Plymouth florist and much of the planting is with her creativity in mind.
The garden provides a fitting backdrop for photographer Emma Bass’s luminous floral works, exhibited here during the festivalan evocative dialogue between cultivated landscape and artistic interpretation of nature’s beauty.
There is plenty of room for a picnic, take some time out to relax and enjoy a Devonshire Tea.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–5pm
E: christinegoodin8@gmail.com
P: 06 752 8160 / 027 471 9744
W: www.goodincountrygarden.co.nz
The Van der Poel Garden
92 Ruakere Rd, Warea
Maria & Hugo van der Poel
A charming 30-minute drive from New Plymouth, this traditional spacious country garden is set amongst expansive lawns. Established mature trees including a century old Puriri tree and formal plantings seamlessly lead to a native bush walk. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy this garden at your leisure. Punctuated with sculptures by Italian artists Simone Cenedese, Alfredo Barbini and Christchurch sculptor, Gary Baynes, this natural setting provides an inspiring amphitheatre for art. Complimentary tea and coffee available. Art is for sale.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm P: 027 633 0351 E: hugo_maria@xtra.co.nz Cabins - Units - Powered & Non-powered Sites 06 752 7861
AWARDS CEREMONY: 6.00PM 30 OCTOBER 2026
Newland Whanau
EXHIBITION: 10AM - 4PM 31 OCT - 8 NOV 2026
SINCLAIR ELECTRICAL & REFRIGERATION EVENT CENTRE TASMAN STREET OPUNAKE, TARANAKI
7 CATEGORIES.$15 ENTRY TO AWARDS CEREMONY. $2 ENTRY TO EXHIBITION
2 Jans Terrace, Oakura oakurabeachcamp@internet.co.nz www.taranakiartawards.co.nz
OPEN DAY
Register at enrol@greenschool.nz
Frid ay 5 March
Register at enrol@greenschool.nz
Green School prepares learners for real life by equipping them with the knowledge, values and skills needed to navigate our ever-changing world.
Green School prepares learners for real life by equipping them with the knowledge, values and skills needed to navigate our ever-changing world.
To enrol your future leaders enrol@greenschool.nz
“We were attracted to the way Green School educates in a modern, innovative way. As a school integrated into the environment, with small class sizes, its curriculum is designed for the future and led by educators who have a passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship.
School educates in a modern, innovative way. As a school integrated into the environment, with small class sizes, its curriculum is designed for the future and led by educators who have a passion for sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Some people told us we were brave taking a risk to educate outside the traditional system, but we thought we were taking a bigger risk staying in it.”
www.greenschool.nz @gr eenschoolnewzealand
Some people told us we were brave taking a risk to educate outside the traditional system, but we thought we were taking a bigger risk staying in it.”
-Kate and Damian Newland moved to Taranaki from Waiheke Island in 2020 after enrolling their two children in Green School.
The Newlands moved to Taranaki from Waiheke Island in 2020 after enrolling their two children in Green School. Their eldest is now in his first year at The University of Auckland.
To enrol your future leaders enrol@greenschool.nz
www.greenschool.nz @gr eenschoolnewzealand p.06 222 0260 Ōākura, Taranaki
www.greenschool.nz @greenschoolnewzealand
King Edward Park
Cnr Fenton & Portia Sts, Stratford Stratford District Council
Portia’s Place
31 Portia St, Stratford
Zach Caskey & Mitchel Alexander
Portia’s Place is a romantic two-year-old garden with 100-year-old bones. On this contoured halfacre section, Zach and Mitchel have combined plant knowledge and creative flair to shape a woodlandcottage garden with yesteryear charm. Mitchel has created paths and stonemason-style steps, while Zach, the plantsman, has unusual specimens thriving in a glasshouse beside an old copper beech. This place of constant discovery includes bamboo, a wetland, wild topiary and hidden treasures.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 10am-5pm P: 022 089 0069 E: mitchelalexander90@icloud.com
Stratford’s King Edward Park is a gem in the heart of Taranaki, showcasing the area’s unique history, a colourful array of plantings, and the Pātea Awa. Take the Three Bridges Trail spanning the river, wander along easy walkways of mixed exotic and native gardens and enjoy the McCullough Rhododendron Dell.
Remember to visit the Malone Memorial Gates, built in 1923 to honour local Gallipoli hero Colonel William George Malone, who also invented the lemon squeezer hat.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: All day, every day P: 06 765 6099 E: StratfordDC@stratford.govt.nz
33
Cairnhill
1054 East Rd, Toko, Stratford. Along the Forgotten World Highway
June & Colin Lees
This vibrant, colourful garden is framed by a canopy of deciduous trees. Rhododendrons and viburnums flower in profusion. Collections of hostas and heuchera interplay in areas of filtered light providing a sense of peace and timelessness. A range of different edging plants give definition to borders, many of which are filled with amazing iris varieties, peonies and blue poppies. Upgrades and new plantings have taken place throughout areas where trees have been pruned or removed. Peeling coloured bark with ‘metallic sheen’ and horizontal banding, are to be found on special trees. Simon Lees woodcraft is available to purchase.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm P: 06 762 2847 / 027 955 5539 E: colin.june.lees@xtra.co.nz
What’s On?
Sat 7 Nov, 10am-11:30am Guided Walk with the Head Gardener
Hollard Gardens
1686 Upper Manaia Rd, Kaponga Taranaki Regional Council
This lush horticultural oasis in the heart of dairy country boasts a nationally significant plant collection featuring rhododendrons, azaleas and a stunning mix of native and exotic species. Established in the 1920s by renowned plantsman Bernie Hollard, the garden is a living legacy of his passion for horticulture. Year-round, Hollard Gardens hums with the activity of birds and insects feasting on seasonal flowers, fruits and seeds. There’s something here for everyone.
Admission: Free Open: All day, every day
P: 0800 736 222 E: regional.gardens@trc.govt.nz
W: www.trc.govt.nz
Join Shannon as she discusses some garden features, latest projects and what the team have been up to.
Wed 4 Nov, 10am-11:30am
A Walk with the Rhododendron Collections Officer
Discover the unique varieties and rich history of Hollard Gardens’ vibrant rhododendrons.
Sun 1 Nov, 10am-11:30am Gardener’s Guided Walk
Every Day, 10am-3pm
Jodi Naik Art Exhibition and Open Studio in the Hollard Centre.
Sat 31 Oct & Sat 7 Nov, 9am Start Morning Yoga with Jodi in the Hollard Centre.
Suitable for all ages. Register via eventbrite.co.nz - $10 per person on arrival.
Every Day, 9am-2pm Bernie’s Shed Pop-up Cafe
Oakley Garden
79 Lower Normanby Rd, Manaia Jenny & Guy Oakley
Festival stalwart and trained horticulturist, Jenny Oakley has had her garden open for the full 39 years. Just 2km from the exposed coastline, her towering shelter-belt hedges are an important characteristic for the thriving garden.
Features brick walls and pillars, cottage style plantings, early flowering roses, a vegetable garden and the remarkable hanging baskets for which she is renowned. Plants for sale, complimentary tea/coffee. Featured in Home and Garden magazine, NZ Gardener, Go Gardening and RVNZ Today
Jenny will have a selection of her bird photography available for sale.
EVENT: Mitre 10 Speaker Series (see page 63)
Hanging Baskets Demonstration nnnnnn
Sat 31 Oct, 2pm Sat 7 Nov, 2pm
Propogating Plants nnnnnnSat 31 Oct, 11am Thu 5 Nov, 11am
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am-5pm P: 06 274 8060 / 027 634 3784 E: guy.oakley@xtra.co.nz
Gravetye
60 Manawapou Rd, Hāwera
Jenny & John Pease
Gravetye is a formal garden that celebrates the simplicity of mass green planting. Wander along the mixed border, pass the sunken vegetable garden, the reflection pool and the laburnum arch, which all radiate from the house. The immaculate lawns are bordered by carefully designed hedging. You will also see sculptures, plantings of iris, roses and lavender. The garden was designed and planted by the owners. Ice cream tubs available.
‘Gravetye Garden Cottage’ is fully self-contained accommodation and sleeps three.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9:30am–5pm
P: 06 278 5422 / 021 1760 820
E: jjpease@yahoo.com
Christiansen Garden
200 Ketemarae Rd, Hāwera
Steve & Kerry Christiansen
On the outskirts of Hāwera, Steve and Kerry Christiansen have created a semi-formal garden with manicured lawns and shapely hedging of many varieties. This one-acre garden, less than seven years old, is dotted with rustic garden art, along with Kerry’s birdhouses made from recycled materials and Steve’s metal sculptures including a full-sized deer.
You’ll also see an avenue of espaliered fruit trees, a quaint black-and-white craft shed and greenhouse. Garden art for sale. Featured in NZ House & Garden
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9am–4:30pm
P: 021 901 178 E: christiansenfamily@xtra.co.nz
King Edward Park
Sullivan Garden
283 Matangarara Rd, Hāwera
Peter & Neryda Sullivan
The Sullivan Garden began as an asparagus paddock, and over 27 years, has transformed into a curvaceous creation. Peter and Neryda’s Hāwera haven is flowing with flowers, including a bounty of roses, rhododendrons and azaleas. Curved paths and clipped hedges provide definition and form, garden art adds interest, while sweeping lawns frame views of Taranaki Maunga. This property has featured in NZ House & Garden and NZ Gardener.
Admission: 1 Ticket Open: 9:30am-4:30pm
P: 027 292 6886
E: nerydasullivan@gmail.com
Cnr Upper High St & Waihi Rd, Hāwera
South Taranaki District Council
Established in 1902, this Hāwera park is a charming example of Edwardian design. Clipped hedges shelter abundant azalea and rhododendron collections and beds of modern and heritage roses bloom alongside historic aged trees. The public garden also features a bronze Wendy Statue, a 150-year-old cannon and refurbished Observatory/Park Museum (open daily 10am-2pm). Seek out hidden features along pathways or bring a picnic to seated areas.
Admission: Free Open: All day, every day P: 0800 111 323 E: contact@stdc.govt.nz W: www.southtaranaki.com
Fibre Art Exhibitions - Guest Artist: Suzan Kostanich
7am - 7pm
Set amongst the lush surroundings and beautiful architecture of Green School New Zealand, Taranaki Wellness Escape is a boutique one-day gathering designed to help you slow down, reconnect and recharge.
Beginning with a welcome, guests will move through a curated programme of wellness sessions guided by some of Aotearoa’s leading facilitators, with experiences designed to nourish both body and mind in a calm and inspiring setting.
Guests personalise their day by choosing from a range of wellness sessions and experiences, creating a schedule that suits their own pace while making the most of the festival’s additional onsite offerings.
Included Sessions:
Additional Experiences:
- Massage - Sauna - Live Music
- Nourishing Food and Drink
- Wellness Activations
- Green School Tours
Intimate by design and limited in capacity, Taranaki Wellness Escape offers a premium wellness experience unlike anything else.
Whether you’re looking to reset, reconnect or simply carve out a day for yourself, this is your invitation to pause and immerse yourself in a truly special experience in one of Taranaki’s most breathtaking settings.
Nadia Lim is a celebrated New Zealand chef, bestselling cookbook author, and co -founder of My Food Bag.
A MasterChef NZ winner and trained dietitian, she’s known for her fresh, healthy approach to food.
Nadia has inspired Kiwi households through her television shows, recipes, and books, and will be hosting a Q&A followed by a book signing at this special event, where guests can purchase and have her latest cookbook personally signed.
This event is brought to you by:
The Barden Party
Date & Time: Thu 5 Nov, Doors open 6pm Speaker start at 6:30pm
Venue: Mitre 10 Mega, 5 Vickers Rd Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth
Cost:
$50pp Incl. light refreshment and canapes provided
Bookings:
Tickets available from www.mitre10newplymouth.co.nz
Naumai Park marks 100 years with a Bardinspired garden party – and everyone’s invited.
The Barden Party brings Heracles to Hāwera, an original folk musical that reimagines the Greek hero’s story, exploring his fraught relationship with Hera, Queen of the Gods, and his own inner battles.
Performed by the award-winning New Zealand theatre company, these two free shows blend myth, live music and a 1940s Hollywood aesthetic.
Set in South Taranaki District Council’s lush native reserve, established in 1926, enjoy the celebrations among the trees with Greek gods, not goblins.
Date & Time: Sat 31 Oct, 2pm-4pm Sun 1 Nov, 2pm-4pm
Venue:
Rod Syme Magnolia Dell - Naumai Park
Gladstone St, Hāwera
Wet Weather Venue:
Repertory House, Collins St, Hāwera
Cost: FREE EVENT
Mitre 10 aims for this to be a Zero Waste Event.
Nadia Lim
Glenbrook Vintage Train
Garden Excursion New Plymouth to Hāwera - Return
All aboard! We’re excited to announce the Glenbrook Vintage Railway train is returning for the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival.
The refurbished heritage diesel train arrives mid-week – just the ticket for a day out from New Plymouth to Hāwera and back.
In South Taranaki, you’ll be taken by coach to visit four glorious properties – the Sullivan Garden, Gravetye, Oakley and the Christiansen Garden.
For this event, hosted by local garden enthusiasts, you can order a picnic bag lunch or pack your own to enjoy in a beautiful setting.
Botanical Art Workshops
with Jennifer Duval-Smith
Date & Time: Wed 4 Nov, 8:30am-5:30pm
Venue:
Departs Tasman Prospect
90 St Aubyn St, New Plymouth
Cost:
$130pp Lunch not included
$155pp Picnic Bag Lunch included
Fast track – ticket sales are limited so book early to secure your passage.
Join botanical artist Jennifer Duval-Smith for a relaxing, inspiring workshop series suited to all skill levels.
Learn to create a simple concertina sketchbook and use it to capture observations from nature. Jennifer will guide you through techniques to see and draw finer details, transforming how you experience the outdoors.
Weather permitting, sessions include time outside drawing from life. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided. You’ll gain practical strategies for sketching plants with confidence while creating your own nature journal page and learning to let go of perfection and enjoy the creative process.
Date & Time:
Draw Flowers of the Spring Border Fri 30 Oct, 10am-1pm
Draw Rambling Roses Sat 31 Oct, 10am-1pm
Draw a Native Leaf with Confidence Sun 1 Nov, 10am-1pm
Venue: Riverlea
367 Corbett Rd Bell Block
Cost:
$110pp max. 10 people per session
Day Tripper
North to South, South to North
By popular demand, our Day Tripper coach tour is back.
Whether you’re heading North to South, or South to North, you can sit back, relax and enjoy a outdoor adventure through five fabulous festival gardens. There will be a lunch stop, so please pack a picnic.
Both tours are perfect for non-drivers, and garden lovers keen to share the day with others. So, leave the driving to us and get your ticket to ride.
North to South Trip
Date & Time:
Tue 3 Nov, 8:45am-5pm
Visiting Portia's Place, Gravetye, King Edward Park (Hāwera), Sullivan Garden and Joradalee Creek (Sustainable Trails Garden).
Venue:
Departs from the Festival Hub, Plymouth International Hotel, 220 Courtenay St, New Plymouth, 4310
Cost: $85pp Incl. garden entry fee and transport
South to North Trip
Date & Time: Thu 5 Nov, 8:45am-5pm
Visiting Rural Haven, Leppers Garden, Waiongana, Kukumara and Joradalee Creek (Sustainable Trails Garden).
Venue: Departs from the car park
TSB Hub, Camberwell Rd, Hāwera
Cost: $85pp Incl. garden entry fee and transport
Arts thrive here
Bee Valley Events
Come, play and bloom with us. Join us for seasonal workshops surrounded by flowers, creativity, and country charm at Bee Valley Flower Farm.
All events will be held at: Bee Valley Flower Farm 112 Ackworth Rd, Lepperton
Botanical Candle Making Workshop
Create your own luxurious botanical candle using seasonal scents and delicate dried Bee Valley blooms. A beautiful slow-living workshop filled with flowers, creativity, and cosy countryside charm. Includes garden entry, farm tour, all materials, and your choice of cake with tea or coffee.
The Bloom Table
The Art of Flower
Preserving & Crafting
Discover three beautiful ways to preserve flowers and transform them into modern botanical crafts. Learn pressing, drying, and preservation techniques while creating your own keepsake to take home. Includes all materials, garden entry, farm tour, sweet treat, tea or coffee, and a mini Bee Valley flower press.
Urban Garden Tour
Christmas Wreath Making
Celebrate the season by creating a lush festive wreath using fresh and dried foliage, flowers, fruit, and natural treasures. A cosy, joy-filled workshop with expert guidance, festive treats, and plenty of Christmas sparkle. Includes all materials, garden entry, farm tour, and your choice of cake with tea or coffee.
You’ll have a ball on an urban crawl through some of New Plymouth’s most delightful small gardens. On this full-day coach tour, you will see everything from lush tropics to heritage charmers, bushy trails to hillside havens. Offering inspiration at every step, this garden outing heads to Hirst Cottage, Pukemara, Sequoia Steps, La Ultima (NEW) and Tropics on Mangati.
There will also be a picnic lunch stop in one of the city’s much-loved community parks.
Blooms & Brews NEW
For the first time at the Garden Festival, we bring you Blooms and Brews!
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Rural Haven, Leppers Garden and Te Kukumara, three stunning festival gardens. Then round off your day with fine ale and delicious food at New Plymouth’s award-winning Shining Peak Brewery.
A garden tour with a fizz – the perfect way to experience the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival!
Date &
Time:
Cost: Tue 3 Nov, 9am-11am
$95pp Max. 12 people per session
Date & Time:
Sat 7 Nov, 2pm-4pm
Date & Time:
Venue:
Cost: Tue 3 Nov, 9:15am-4pm
Departs from the Festival Hub
Plymouth International Hotel 220 Courtenay St New Plymouth
$80pp incl. garden entry & transport Bring your own lunch
Date & Time:
Venue:
Sat 31 Oct, 1-6pm
Twilight Tours
When the sun begins to sink, Terry Parkes, a celebrated Taranaki personality and Nice Hotel owner, will lead you pleasantly astray.
The Twilight Tour begins with bubbles and blinis at Nice Hotel, before heading to festival gardens – T Ītoki and Te Rongohua and then onto The Yews Garden. The tour winds up at Nice Hotel for wine and canapes.
Expect delicious food, fun and glorious gardens.
Stay on at the Nice Hotel for dinner: Two course/wine match - $80 per person.
Bookings Essential
Date & Time:
Venue:
Cost:
Fri 30 Oct, 5-8pm
Sat 7 Nov, 5-8pm
Nice Hotel
71 Brougham St
New Plymouth
$100pp
Discover Taranaki Garden Tours
Transforming Outdoor Spaces:
A Landscape Tour with Chris Paul
Full day tour: Join renowned landscape consultant Chris Paul on an exclusive tour of five Taranaki gardens. Discover invaluable insights on assessing site conditions, balancing aesthetics with function, choosing plant palettes, and implementing sustainable, long-term planning for extraordinary outdoor design across urban, coastal, and rural settings.
Date & Time:
Sat 31 Oct, 9am-5:45pm
Cost: $345, Max 10 people incl. entry and tour of 5 gardens, morning tea, lunch, drinks at the end of the tour & coach transport
Explore the Beauty of North Taranaki’s Premier Gardens with Tony Barnes Join renowned horticulturist and writer, Tony Barnes, for an exclusive guided tour of five spectacular gardens in North Taranaki. Don’t miss this opportunity to soak in the beauty of the gardens and discover their secrets with guidance from one of the region’s top garden experts.
Date & Time:
Sat 7 Nov, 9:30am-4pm
Cost:
$265, Max 10 people incl. entry & tour of 5 gardens & coach transport. Lunch at Waiongana - own cost.
Japanese Tea
A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony is an art, a spiritual ritual, and a symbol of culture. It is believed that this ceremony maintains a peaceful mind, washes away stress and fatigue. The Japanese Tea House in Taranaki was authentically designed, built and landscaped in the customary style. All materials and tradesmen, including the gardener were brought out from Japan by the owner Mr Masashi Iwata during its construction in 2009.
Participate in this unique experience of a Japanese Tea Ceremony prepared respectfully by the skilled Tea Master.
Juno Gin Masterclass
Distiller and owner Jo James will take you on a journey from garden to bottle in this peek behind the scenes at the Juno Distillery.
With many of their ingredients now grown onsite, take a stroll through the Juno gardens with an educational deep dive into the key plants and ingredients behind their award-winning gin and Juno’s sustainability culture.
We start the evening with a welcome cocktail, canapés, and sample a range of delicious, handcrafted spirits.
Date & Time:
Venue: Cost: Daily during the festival 11am and 5pm
Japanese Tea House 59 Dorset Ave
New Plymouth
$15pp 10 people per session
Date & Time:
Venue: Cost: Wed 4 Nov, 5:30pm Fri 6 Nov, 5:30pm 90-120 min
Juno Spirits Distillery 14 Sunley St
New Plymouth
$90pp
NEW Sequoia
by Night
with guitarist Chris Moutter
Chris Moutter brings a warm, expressive singer–songwriter sound to evenings at Sequoia Steps, blending originals with reimagined indie, folk, alternative rock, and modern classics.
His performances balance intimate and energetic, fitting the garden atmosphere while drawing listeners in.
With a relaxed presence and dynamic guitar style, he delivers thoughtful originals, fresh acoustic twists, and nostalgic favourites, adding warmth, colour, and connection to the experience.
Supporting Taranaki
Animal Protection Trust
Date &
Time:
Venue:
Cost:
Fri 30 Oct- Wed 4 Nov 7:30-10pm
Sequoia Steps
21a Sequoia Gr
New Plymouth
Garden Entry Fee Only
La Mer Jazz
The French café-style music of La Mer will float through three gardens during the festival. Pack a picnic and head to Tupare, Beechwoods and Riverlea, for gypsy swing classics led by vocalist Dominique Blatti. Sit at café tables or lay a blanket to enjoy a gorgeous garden swirling with mesmerising music. La Mer’s line-up also includes Bernie Schmid on guitar, Malcolm Alder on bass, Helen Griffiths on violin and Aaron Bosch on piano accordion. Ce sera magnifique!
Guided Walks & Tours 2026
Te Henui Cemetery Guided Walk
Our dedicated Te Henui Cemetery volunteers will take you on a Colourful Characters Tour. Explore this heritage cemetery established in 1861 and restored by NPDC visionary Allan Jellyman and his team.
Pukekura Park Guided Walk
Join NPDC staff on a guided walk through one of New Zealand’s most significant public gardens. Learn about the history and fascinating plants and discover hidden corners whilst on this tour.
Fernery & Display House – Pukekura Park
Date, Time & Venue:
Cost: Sat 31 Oct, 1-3pm Beechwoods 2313 Mountain Rd, Tariki
Sun 1 Nov, 1-3pm Tupare 487 Mangorei Rd
New Plymouth Sat 7 Nov, 1-3pm Riverlea
367 Corbett Rd, Bell Block
Garden Entry Fee Only Bring your chairs, picnic blankets & enjoy!
Date & Time: Fri 30 Oct, 3:30-4:30pm Sat 31 Oct, 3:30-4:30pm Fri 6 Nov, 3:30-4:30pm
Venue:
Meet at the first roundabout inside the cemetery.
173 Lemon St
New Plymouth Free Event
Please wear suitable walking shoes. A medium level of fitness is required. The event will proceed wet or fine.
Meet outside the Bellringer Pavilion.
Tours are strictly limited to 20 per tour. Registrations must be made to rose.hogwood@npdc.govt.nz
Date & Time: Wed 4 Nov, 9-11am Fri 6 Nov, 9-11am
Venue:
Pukekura Park, Rogan St
New Plymouth Free Event
This tour and demonstration will give you a first-hand look at what goes into creating the stunning displays in the Fernery and Display Houses. You’ll see colourful coleus, exotic foliage plants and elegant orchids. Meet at lower entrance by the Fred Parker Lawn.
Tours are strictly limited to 20 per tour. Registrations must be made to rose.hogwood@npdc.govt.nz
Date & Time: Tue 3 Nov, 11-12pm Thu 5 Nov, 11-12pm
Venue:
Fernery & Display Houses
Pukekura Park, Fillis St New Plymouth Free Event
Pick up tips for healthy gardens and check out events hosted by Taranaki Sustainable Backyards, kindly supported by the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival.
Bookings at www.sustainabletrails.org.nz
Seeds
Saving and Sowing Success
Know the essentials for heirloom seeds, cross-pollination, sowing and saving seeds. This hands-on workshop will get to sieving, fermenting, and shelling garden favourites before you create your own seed-raising mix, know what makes it good, and sow several popular varieties to take home.
Date &
Time:
Venue:
Cost:
Book: Thu 5 Nov, 6pm-8pm
TOI Foundation, Davidson St entrance, New Plymouth
$30 Incl. snacks, refreshments, tea towel and seeds.
sustainabletrails.org.nz
Bookings essential
Soil Building
Mulch, Compost and Worms
Join Kath Irvine and Bena Denton for a hands-on workshop exploring living mulch, thriving composts, and healthy worm farms. Drawing on years of experience, you’ll learn practical, proven techniques to build rich soil and take inspiring yet achievable ideas home to your own backyard.
Date & Time:
Venue:
Cost:
Book: Fri 6 Nov, 10am-12:30pm
Greenbridge, 321 Hurford Rd Hurford
$80pp, or bring a friend $75 Incl. snacks and refreshments
sustainabletrails.org.nz
Bookings essential
eBike Tour & Treats
Pedal through a mix of streets, shortcuts and coastal and riverside walkways to arrive at three productive urban gardens, new to the Backyards Trail. Pick up growing tips, a little local history, bike skills, plus delicious treats.
Date & Time:
Venue:
Cost:
Book: Sat 31 Oct, 9am-1pm Sun 1 Nov, 9am-1pm
Escape Coffee, 15 Liardet St
New Plymouth
$75 or $140 with eBike hire Incl. light lunch, barista coffee & garden entry
www.sustainabletrails.org.nz
Bookings essential
An Unforgettable Taranaki Spring
Come & Join Us 30 Oct - 8 Nov 2026
Discover Artist Studios Taranaki
Garden Speaker Series
Permaculture Food
Forest with Dee Turner
Take a walk around a permaculture urban food forest with gardener and teacher Dee Turner. Learn how you can combine fruit trees, fruiting crops, perennials, root crops, bulbs and climbers into an enhanced foodscape that feeds itself.
Dee has done away with the conventional orchard and mowing. Instead, she grows plants in guilds around her fruit trees to feed them, keep bugs away and obtain a yield at the same time. Herb and edible groundcovers grow where grass once was, as well as alpine strawberries in profusion. Productive self-seeders sow themselves every season and perennial root crops don’t need planting every year.
There’s always food to harvest all year round with minimal weeding and pruning – a great solution for a busy lifestyle.
Let’s Grow Bananas with Vance Hooper
Bananas have been growing in New Zealand for more than 100 years – now it’s time to learn how you can add a taste of the tropics to your own garden.
Historically, growing bananas has been dependent on limited microclimates, but with careful variety selections and a few key cultural factors, the fruit – botanically a berry – can be grown more widely.
Vance will share tips on banana propagation, establishment and ongoing garden culture to get the best out of these fresh-and-fruity jungle beauties.
You can see various stages of banana growth throughout the garden and orchard at Magnolia Grove.
Hanging Baskets with Jenny Oakley
Hanging baskets are fun and simple to do if you follow a few basic rules. You can create a spectacular combination of plants that you will enjoy for many months. Come along and learn about the tips and tricks Jenny uses when creating her spectacular baskets.
Date & Time: Sat 31 Oct, 2pm Sat 7 Nov, 2pm
Propogating Plants
Jenny will share gardening tips on how propagation is inexpensive and easy. This is a great way to get new plants from plants you already own. Hear from Jenny as she shares her horticultural knowledge gained from years of commercial garden design and maintenance.
Date & Time:
Venue:
Cost: Daily, 11am Korito, 28a Trafalgar St New Plymouth
Garden
Date & Time:
Venue:
Cost: Sat 31 Oct, 1pm & 3pm Sat 7 Nov, 1pm & 3pm
Magnolia Grove 6 Mahoetahi Rd, Waitara
Garden Entry Fee Only
Bookings essential via enquiries@gardenfestnz.co.nz
Date &
Time:
Venue:
Cost: Sat 31 Oct, 11am Thu 5 Nov, 11am
Oakley Garden
79 Lower Normanby Rd, Manaia
Garden Entry Fee Only
Butterflies & Moths in your Garden
A Workshop with the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust
Butterflies are often called “flowers that fly,” bring beauty and life to gardens like Bee Valley Flower Farm. Beyond their charm, they pollinate plants and signal healthy ecosystems. Creating a butterfly-friendly space means planting nectar and host plants, avoiding sprays, and adding shelter.
Jacqui Knight, founding trustee of the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust, will share practical tips, surprising insights, and simple steps you can take to transform your own garden into a haven for butterflies.
Date & Time: Venue:
Bee Valley Flower Farm Tours
Join us for a guided walk through our rustic flower fields to meet our bees and blooms while soaking in enchanting views. Discover the beauty and challenges of working with nature, how we grow with the seasons and bee inspired to create your own cut-flower garden.
“Nature never hurries, yet everything blooms in its own time.”
NZ Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Saving the Sounds of Summer
Without bumblebees and their pollinator friends, many of our food crops - and the landscapes we love - simply wouldn’t survive.
The NZ Bumblebee Conservation Trust invites you to explore the remarkable world of bumblebees, why they matter, and how we can protect them.
Visit a live hive and enjoy a family-friendly bumblebee trail through this beautiful garden.
Sat 31 Oct, 11am & 2pm Sun 1 Nov, 11am & 2pm
Bee Valley Flower Farm 112 Ackworth Rd Lepperton
Edible Plants for the Beginners Garden with Katy Roach
Walk and talk with Katy as she takes you for a tour through the garden while discussing key factors in plant selection, placement, maintenance and harvest.
Katy shares her delight in growing and harvesting organic fruit and vegetables which are proudly incorporated into her culinary endeavours and preserves.
She works with the mantra “Keep it simple and practical, and make it happen.”
Sun 1 Nov, 10:30am & 1:30pm Sat 7 Nov, 10:30am & 1:30pm Sun 8 Nov, 10:30am & 1:30pm
Bee Valley Flower Farm 112 Ackworth Rd Lepperton
Date & Time: Venue: Cost: Sat 31 Oct, 10:30am & 1:30pm
Date & Time:
Venue:
Cost: Sat 7 Nov, 11am & 2pm Sun 8 Nov, 11am & 2pm Bee Valley Flower Farm 112 Ackworth Rd Lepperton
Date & Time: Venue:
Cost: Sat 31 Oct, 1pm Sun 1 Nov, 1pm Thu 5 Nov, 1pm Sat 7 Nov, 1pm
Kahikatea, 61 Branch Rd
New Plymouth Garden
Worldwide Botanically Themed Tours & Cruises
With more than 25 years’ experience, Botanica consistently offers an extensive range of unique itineraries and botanically themed cruises and tours throughout Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia, the Americas, Australia & New Zealand.
• Travel in small groups
• Be escorted by an expert Botanical Guide
• Visit private gardens not usually open to the public
• Have all the details taken care of
Cherry Blossoms and Revered Traditions of Japan & South Korea by Small Ship
Take hold of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise the islands of Japan. Embark the MS Island Sky, enjoying a 10-night privately chartered voyage, stopping in at celebrated cities, as well as remote, lesser-known regions. Travel during cherry blossom season, a time of year revered by Japanese people. Embrace regional art and culture, in the Geisha District of Kanazawa, at Adachi Museum of Art near Matsue, and during a special tea experience in the city of Uwajima. Admire the world-renowned Kenroku-en and Koraku-en gardens. And explore the South Korean city of Ulsan and Jeju Island.
Why visit the Taranaki Arts Trail?
Taranaki is rich with creative talent, and we are thrilled to offer you our 2026 participating artists to visit, enjoy and wonder at their creativity. Our artists are ready to welcome you to their open studios around Taranaki Maunga.
Where to find
information about the artists and studios.
All the information you need you’ll find on our website, in our printed brochure and on our social channels.
www.taranakiartstrail.co.nz
taranakiartstrail
taranakiartstrail
Discover a range of artists and a variety of practices.
As well as seeing our beautiful region, while visiting open studios you’ll discover many artists with different practices including:
Painting Ceramics
Sculpture
Fibre
Glass
Mixed Media
Jewellery
Photography
Printing
Visit the Hub
Visit the official Art’s Trail Hub in Centre City New Plymouth. Here you’ll find an exhibition of our artist’s works, brochures and Arts Trail representatives who are happy to help guide your trail experience.
Pick up a brochure
Brochures will be available at:
• The Taranaki Arts Trail Information Hub and gallery space; Centre City, New Plymouth.
• All iSites throughout New Zealand.
• From all our sponsors and places of interest including:
— Auto Lodge
— Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/ Len Lye Centre
— Plymouth International
— Puke Ariki
— Taranaki National Art Awards
Make sure to visit our places of interest.
— Isaac Peterson
— Juno Gin
— Gables Gallery
— New Plymouth Airport
— Percy Thomson Gallery
— The Jewel and the Jeweller
— White Sail Gallery
— For Fossils Sake
— Crafty Fox
— Out of the Blue Gallery
— The Emporium
— WITT
Visit our website for artist profiles and more information.
Visit the Taranaki Arts Trail Information Hub at Centre City.
Centre City hosts the official hub for the Taranaki Arts Trail where you can see an exhibition of all the artists and get information for planning your studio visits.
11 Gill Street, New Plymouth
