GARDEN DIRECTORY

THANKS TO NEW ZEALAND’S TEMPERATE CLIMATE AND THE CLEVERNESS OF ITS GARDENERS, THERE ARE MAGNIFICENT PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT THE LAND TO ENJOY. VISITORS ARE WELCOME AT THESE BEAUTIFUL ESTATES

Outstanding gardens to visit

MINCHER, AUCKLAND

A large rural garden of formal and informal planting surrounds a Georgian- style home and features waterways, stunning birdlife, Victorian- inspired glass houses, a walled kitchen garden and peaceful bush walks. Open by appointment. email: minchergarden@ xtra. co. nz Garden of National Significance

AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS, AUCKLAND

Auckland Botanic Gardens comes alive with outdoor sculpture from 17 November till 1 March. Wander the sculpture trail through the beautiful gardens and gather plenty of ideas for your own garden. Enjoy the cafe and indoor gallery, attend a guided walk or workshop. Free entry and free parking. sculptureinthegardens.nz

AYRLIES GARDEN, AUCKLAND

Creator of Ayrlies, Bev McConnell, has led the evolution of a distinctive New Zealand garden style, both complex yet relaxed and with a rich variety of tree and plant species. A sweeping landscape links the six- hectare garden via valleys of native and exotic trees to a 16- hectare wetland leading to the Hauraki Gulf. ayrlies. co. nz / Garden of International Significance

HAMILTON GARDENS, HAMILTON

Over the last fifty years, Hamilton Gardens has been transformed from a rubbish dump to an award- winning collection of gardens. Now you can explore magical enclosed gardens that tell the intriguing story of how gardens from around the globe reflect different civilisations. Two new themed gardens are opening this summer! hamiltongardens.co.nz