Garden Festivals of New Zealand
We go potty about our gardens
To say that kiwis are a bit potty is an understatement - we adore our gardens and even more, we love to share them!
From structured professionally landscaped vistas, planned-to-blossom and colour-coordinated year round, to simple elegance of mass species plantings, right thru to forests of native flora and fauna - it is this variety that truly captivates the New Zealand Gardner.
Garden Festivals in New Zealand
To experience all that NZ has to offer New Zealand.com offers a comprehensive guide to the festivals around NZ. The hard part is choosing which one to attend.
New Zealand Garden Festivals are professionally run with plenty of local flavour, and typically involve visits to local gardens. They often include opportunities to try delicious food, ambient music, sculptures and art exhibitions.
The link to New Zealand Garden Festivals can be found here: 100% Pure New Zealand - garden festivals
You don't need to go a festival to visit New Zealand gardens
We just had to share this gem of a website: New Zealand Garden Trust. It's a comprehensive database of over 100 endorsed private gardens spanning New Zealand. We especially like the itinerary function.
They also have a comprehensive listing of all of New Zealand's Garden Festival events.
Visit a New Zealand garden and book accommodation!
What better way to get back to nature than to lunch amongst the lavender, dine in the dahlia's or breakfast with the begonias. It's really true, isn't it - taking time to smell the roses does so much for one's well being.
Our 'Look After Me' Homestay hosts are proud of their homes and gardens. We have over 175 home-hosted properties all over New Zealand, offering affordable, welcoming accommodation with like-minded hosts. Over 80% of our Look After Me hosts confess to be keen gardeners.
They relish the opportunity to share their passion with guests and a shared love of gardens makes interesting, engaging conversation. Undoubtedly you'll glean helpful tips or even the odd cutting. Loaded with bucket loads of local knowledge, you will leave feeling like you have experienced hospitality at its best and renewed your passion - watch out gardens centres!!!
Our pick of Garden Festivals in New Zealand and accommodation suggestions
Taranaki hosts two major garden festivals in November 2013. This year also co-insides with the Orchid expo which is a special event for 2013.
The PowerCo Taranaki Garden Spectacular runs from the 1st to the 10th November. This event is massive; with fashion, a variety of guest speakers, high tea, art exhibitions, renowned chefs and a landscaping project to name a few. Showing off the Taranaki region to the world.
Taranaki Fringe Garden Show also runs 1-10th November, Boasting it is New Zealand's largest garden festival. Each garden is independently assessed, giving you peace of mind that you are visiting only the best that the Taranaki grows.
The 7th Annual National Orchid Expo coincides with the two bigger festivals; you will see orchids from all over NZ. This event is both beautiful and educational with international guest speakers. The Expo is open to the public 1-3 November.
We have some wonderful hosts offering accommodation in the Taranaki region, suitable for garden festival goers:
Sycamore Creek is a rural retreat in a tranquil setting. on the outskirts of Inglewood, perfect for following the garden festival trails. From a tiny $50.
Sanders Rest is in central New Plymouth directly opposite Brooklyn Park, offering warm welcoming guest accommodation self contained or hosted from only $45
Cederwood Country Lodge Your hosts Brian and Sandra are very welcoming. Their rural lifestyle property is restful and parklike and their hospitality is genuine. Offering 2 guest rooms from $70.
Fantail Cottage nestled in native bush yet only a short 4 km drive to Brooklyn Park, you have the option to bring your family with self catering or hosted accommodation from $45
Mountain Vista Homestay wake up to gorgeous views and enjoy the kiwi hospitality, a great way to start your Taranaki experience. Offering a queen room plus twin single guest rooms from only $50
Bed at Bedford your hosts are Francey and Colin have a lovely rural property with gorgeous gardens, privacy and free range chickens yet only 15 minutes from the city. Ideal for a couples getaway, from only $50
Hine's Homely Homestay Joy and Don will welcome you with open arms, they have so much local knowledge and are located right in the midst of all the action. From a mere $50
Burton's on Webster Seriously homely and inviting. Offering two guest rooms surrounded by lovely gardens and central to the festival events from a mere $60
Rotorua
The Rotorua Festival of Gardens will be held 15th to 17th November.
This special garden festival showcases about 45 beautiful town and country gardens all around the Rotorua district.
$30 ticket ($20 seniors) gives entry to all gardens for the three days.
The gardeners and the organising committee provide their services voluntarily, with proceeds going to support the BayTrust Rescue Helicopter.
We have some wonderful hosts offering accommodation in the Rotorua region, suitable for Festival of Gardens goers:
If you are looking for welcoming, affordable accommodation in Rotorua for the Rotorua Festival of Gardens, we have over 30 properties in Rotorua, many of them keen on gardening. Our 'Look After Me' gardening Hosts include:
Riverside Rest is a rest and private getaway. Really charming home, perched right on the Utuhina Stream with lovely gardens. Only $80 for a single guest or $95 for a couple. Own bathroom and fairly central. 
The Stone Cottage high quality guest accommodation with lavish furnishings and gardens. From $100 to $150
B&B @ The Redwoods Gorgeous surroundings luxury guest rooms and welcoming hosts. From $149 single to $180 for a couple
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Sandara Gardens 4 acres of park like gardens in the peaceful Waikite Valley, private and on the cycle trail. Gorgeous at $75 single and $125 double.
Enchanted Estate Stunning lake views and gracious surroundings Lynne and Chris will make you feel right at home. From $100 single and $125 double.
Blenheim
Nelmac Garden MarlboroughThis glorious festival is in Blenheim from 7th to 10 November.
Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast Glennis and Stuart are warm hosts, we are sure you will love the rural farm setting. $55 single and $110 double.
Dunedin
20 October 2013
The many events include a variety show, roving entertainers and a treasure hunt in the lower Garden from 2 pm. The popular Rhododendron Day Plant Sale will be held in the upper Garden car park from 9 am and a range of interactive activities with artists will provide plenty of fun in the lower Garden during the afternoon.
Jeanette and Brian are experienced hosts who would love to share their well appointed private home. From $75
Christchurch
Ellesmere Spring Fling, Prebbleton, 20 October 2013
The Complete Country Garden Experience
Enjoy a relaxing day in David Hobbs' beautiful country garden. This is a family friendly event and there will be activities for children. For just $20 take a tour of beautiful Broadfield Garden with exhibits and entertainment provided. There's nothing more relaxing than strolling through 10 acres of award winning gardens on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Ellerslie International Flower Show
Attracting thousands of visitors each year, noted as New Zealand's premier garden festival. Hagley Park will be the place to be from the 26th Febrary to 2nd March 2014.
Chamomile Cottage Delightful home hosting with Marie and her son. Central and reasonably priced from $60 single and $75 double.
Home and Away So very central and sincerely warm hosts with a delightful garden setting. From $55 single to $70 double.
Country in the City Delightful farm lifestyle, your warm hosts will welcome you to their cetral well apoointed home. From $95 (single) to $120 (double).