New Plymouth

The hub of the Taranaki region, New Plymouth is a bustling city with a carefree beachside attitude and easy friendliness. The city features an eclectic mix of diverse cultures and contemporary styles, supported by a thriving business district and prosperous dairy and oil industries. Boasting superb examples of innovative architecture, melded with numerous historical landmarks, this 70,000-strong district is the thriving centre point of Taranaki and has emerged as a place steeped in history with a strong arts and culture presence. One of the seaside city’s main attributes is the award-winning Coastal Walkway that spans 12.7km from the Taranaki Port to Bell Block and offers outstanding views of the Tasman. The iconic Wind Wand, a 48-metre-high kinetic sculpture designed by the eminent Len Lye is one of the features of the walkway and informs local residents when the weather is particularly windy. The Te Rewa Rewa Bridge also located on the walkway links New Plymouth with Bell Block and cuts an impressive form against the backdrop of Mt Taranaki. New Plymouth caters to all ages and differing interests, from the outdoor adventurer to the book worm. The city centre has a vast array of shopping options for those eager to embark on some retail therapy. The selection of cafés and restaurants are not only extensive but well spread throughout the city meaning a delightful dinner or light lunch are within easy walking distance. The impressive setting that is New Plymouth means there’s no shortage of outdoor activities for thrill seekers. New Plymouth has hosted the ASP Women’s World Surfing Tour and hosts the internationally acclaimed WOMAD festival on an annual basis. Debonair yet down-to-earth, the New Plymouth district houses a friendly population of people passionate about their region and eager to share their slice of paradise with visitors from New Zealand and abroad!

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES INCLUDE:

• For information about the festival, region and tickets head to our Festival Hub in the courtyard of the White Hart Hotel opposite

Len Lye on Queen St. You can grab a coffee and do some retail therapy while mingling with other festival visitors. • Discover the striking architecture of the Len

Lye Centre, an exceptional home to honour the artist, his collection and archive. Corner

Devon St West and Queen Streets. • Lose yourself in a story at Poppies Boutique

Book Store on King Street. • For some rest & relaxation enjoy a mineral spa at Taranaki Mineral Pools.

Ph 06 759 1666 or take a stroll along the dramatic Back Beach which sits near the

Sugar Loaf Islands on Centennial Drive. • After a day of garden visits, book a table at the Social Kitchen, a comfortable bistro in stylish surrounds. 40 Powderham St.

Ph 06 757 2711. • Seaside coffee, fine café food prepared by

French chefs, bean bags, tables and quirky games can be found at Paris Plage,

East End Reserve.

94C Queens Rd, New Plymouth Carmel & Ross Graham

After landscaping this garden looks more established after a six year development. At the front the garden features a large pergola and lawn. It has ligularia, teaspoon leaf bird of paradise, olive and maple trees. The property boasts great views out to the sea. Many sculptures are scattered throughout the garden. View the classic motorcycles and vehicles or simply stand still and hear the rush of the Waiwhakaiho River.

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Open 9am – 5pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp (All proceeds will be donated to Taranaki Women’s Refuge) Ph 06 758 3722, email jaccar@xtra.co.nz

30. Tainui Close

13A Tainui St, New Plymouth Chris Paul & Kevin Wensor

Described by the owners as a landscape designer’s inner city hideaway; it is less than five years since work developing this steep sloping hillside began. Planting and structures around the small flat section lead to steps from top to bottom. A strong landscape layout features Chris’s favourite plants to demonstrate the use of rooms on different levels.

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Open 10am – 5.30pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Ph 06 758 8550, email planitearth@xtra.co.nz

31. Sequoia Steps

21A Sequoia Grove, 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, hostas and pastel flowers. This garden lights up at night… weather permitting.

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New Zealand Native Garden Paradise

15 Spencer Place, New Plymouth Valda Poletti & David Clarkson

Te Kainga Marire is the only private native garden sanctuary in New Zealand to be rated as a Garden of International Significance. Te Kainga Marire’s (translated ‘peaceful encampment’) point of difference lies in the natural plant associations that evoke a feeling of the real New Zealand. This native plant paradise was developed in 1972 from clay wasteland. Keen outdoor adventurers, the owners wanted a bird friendly garden designed around the ecological groupings they had observed in the wild. New Zealand native grasses, climbers, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees have been carefully nurtured around rustic fences, a pond, a colonial bush hut and cool fern filled whare. Shy tui now regularly fly into the garden to feed. Enjoy a guided ‘Interactive Sensory Experience’ tour with the knowledgeable owners.

This garden features in the BBC series Around the World in 80 Gardens, first screened in 2008.

Gardena Garden Speaker Event: Mark Dean- NZ Coastal Natives Mon 30th Oct, 11am (usual garden fee applies)

Open 9am – 5pm daily, Sept – April inclusive, admission 3 tickets or $15pp Ph 06 758 8693, email valda@tekaingamarire.co.nz www.tekaingamarire.co.nz

487 Mangorei Rd, New Plymouth Taranaki Regional Council

Tupare is an arts and crafts inspired property first established in 1932 by Sir Russell and Lady Matthews, which features a magical Chapman-Taylor designed house set amongst beautifully landscaped heritage gardens. Reflecting Lady Matthew’s legacy are a herbery, domestic glasshouse and cottage lawn borders. Sir Russell Matthews, particularly favoured rhododendron hybrids, camellias, fuchsias, hydrangeas, magnolias and deciduous trees, including the exquisite dove trees Davidia involucrata which bloom during the Garden Spectacular. The plantings and landscapes at Tupare today remain true to its heritage. Wander through secluded garden rooms, past elegant borders and majestic trees. Discover vistas of the house and cottage, the Waiwhakaiho River and of course, Mt Taranaki. Guided Tours of the house run at allocated times throughout the Garden Spectacular. An opportunity to visit the three individually designed Chapman-Taylor homes and embrace the story of the Arts and Crafts era of the 1930s is available again this year, bookings are essential. See page 53 for details. An exhibition of fabrics from the William Morris collection, used extensively throughout the Tupare homestead will be on display in the house, in association with Creative Curtains New Plymouth during the Garden Spectacular. Echoes of Autumn a photographic collection by Tara Jahn-Werner will be exhibited in the gardener’s cottage. It focuses on the colourful seasons of Tupare. Tupare, like Pukeiti and Hollard Gardens is owned and managed by Taranaki Regional Council. All three regional gardens are open every day of the year and free to enter. A mobility vehicle, for those less mobile, operates during the festival. Star Rating Logos Bookings are essential for larger groups or tours over this busy time, please contact 0800 736 222. Brand Standards for Star Rating, Endorsed & Enviro Award Logos

Endorsed Logos

Open 9am – 8pm, admission free Ph 0800 736 222, www.trc.govt.nz/gardens/tupare TaranakiRegionalGardens Twitter @TaranakiRG

Enviro Award Logos

5 Tyne Place, New Plymouth Alan Morris

Rhododendron enthusiast Alan shows what can be done with this genus on a town section. The courtyard garden features sub tropical vireya rhododendrons combined with fuchsias, roses and perennials. The hillside garden at the rear is framed by mature trees and has colourful rhododendrons in complementary plantings with viburnums, hydrangeas, azaleas and hostas. Large selection of hostas and plants for sale.

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Open 9am - 5pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Ph 06 758 6251, email acmorris@xtra.co.nz

Open 10am - 4pm, admission donations/koha welcome Ph Sunset 021 024 12359 Kate 022 340 1159 email kateclements@yahoo.co.nz

35. Sunset Gardens

1830 Mangorei Rd, New Plymouth Sunset & Kate Clements

Situated on the boundary of Taranaki’s National Park and just a few minutes walk from the Pouakai Track, this wild natural garden in development uses spirals of grass set amongst NZ natives and flax in a beautiful bush setting. Sunset’s paintings and illustrations have appeared in many NZ books, including the much loved children’s series Perky the Pukeko. Homemade cakes, tea/coffee available while stocks last. Illustrated books and acrylic paintings will be on display and for sale in the art studio.

36. Holyoake Garden

114 Pendarves St, New Plymouth Murray & Roslyn Holyoake

This is a contemporary site that makes clever use of flat areas, joined by steps and boardwalks. The development of all levels is unique and uses retaining walls combined with the use of plants in large groups for long lasting impact. Foliage and form is strong with interesting and well placed sculpture. Tropical fruiting plants and the berry house add further interest.

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Open 9am-5pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp (Proceeds go to Look Good Feel Better) Ph 06 758 8505, email holyoakehouse@gmail.com

94 Pendarves St, New Plymouth Judi Gopperth

This popular inner city ¼ acre garden superbly combines modern, minimalist and linear principles while enhancing the historical character of the home est. 1862. Fragrant colour themed white on green with a dash of red encapsulates heritage protected oaks, gingko and pohutukawa. Enjoy the unique story, ambience of courtyards, gazebo and new designer garden structures. Previously featured in NZ House & Garden and recently featured in Your Home & Garden.

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Open 9am - 5pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Ph 06 769 9244, email judi.jag@xtra.co.nz

38. Pukekura Park & The Fernery & Display Houses

Pukekura Park Fillis St, New Plymouth

Located in the heart of New Plymouth City, this 52-hectare park has an amazing range of both native and exotic plants all displayed in a natural setting with many wonderful views and vistas of the lakes and Mt Taranaki. A must see are the fernery and display houses. These are located within Pukekura Park and more information about Guided Walks and Tours can be found on page 57.

Open daily, admission free Ph 06 759 6060, www.newplymouthnz.com

39. Hegley Garden

179F Brooklands Rd, New Plymouth Chris & Jenness Hegley

The entrance has a quiet introduction, but follows with many surprises to discover. This well-balanced town garden has emphasis on foliage and small maples. The attractive plant associations flow seamlessly and also include camellias, bulbs, hostas and kowhai.

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65F Govett Ave, New Plymouth Ian & Elsie Lind

A peaceful surprise in a gully of lush native rainforest, teaming with birdlife. Huge pukatea trees with buttress roots form the bush canopy along a natural creek. Nikau palms set the subtropical theme. Lush exotics create splashes of colour and interest throughout. Boardwalks, ponds, large waterfall and a weta motel also feature. Steep access, roadside parking only. Golf cart available upon request. Classic cars on display.

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Open 9am – 5pm, admission 2 tickets or $10pp Ph 06 753 4971, email elsie.lind@clear.net.nz

41. Where the Wild Things Are

26 Mayfair Place, New Plymouth Rob & Kaye Shewry

This secluded and peaceful woodland garden is a hidden gem. It has a diverse range of plants; mature trees, shrubs, natives, ferns, perennials, flowers, herbs and vegetables, landscaped over a sloping section and home to tui and fantails. A bonus on your visit is to view the landscape paintings by Rob Shewry. Vintage tools are also on display. Complimentary tea and coffee.

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59 Dorset Ave, New Plymouth Masashi Iwata, (Mishima, Japan)

In a small back section, Mr Masashi Iwata has built an authentic tea-house in traditional Japanese style, surrounded by a compact garden designed and built by Japanese landscape gardeners. The garden is open throughout the festival, but bookings are required for the enhanced experience of participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Tea ceremonies held 10.30am and 5pm every day.

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Open 12 noon – 4.30pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Tea Ceremony – Bookings essential - $5pp (includes garden) Ph 06 753 8804, 0274 926 121, email naomi.wilson@xtra.co.nz

43. Himalayan Garden of Tranquility

19A Horizon Heights, New Plymouth Bindu & Kam Sharma

Most people would not have thought that this exposed, challenging hill-top site would work so well, but the vision of recreating childhood memories in the Himalayas drove Bindu and Kam to create a garden of year-round colour and fragrance. Just five years old the pristine setting has views of the horizon and the mountain and is unique and tranquil.

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Open 11am-4pm, admission 1 ticket or $5pp Ph 0275 116 591, email drbsharma@yahoo.com