Over a century old, this large garden surrounding historic Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula is at an altitude of 300 metres. The scenery is spectacular and though the garden is subjected to wind and low rainfall it contains a unique collection of plants seldom seen elsewhere. Some remnants from the original plantings 120 years ago - Cupressus macrocarpa, planted extensively for shelter and a cedar to one side of the castle - give an air of maturity. The plantings reflect the owner's interest in New Zealand plants and in their southern hemisphere relations.

It is just 10 minutes' drive from Wellington's central business district to the five hectare Ōtari – Wilton’s plant collections and 90 hectares of bush where you may find some of the mature podocarp bush that once covered much of the city. This unique plant sanctuary has this country's foremost collection of native plants including many rare and endangered species.

Broadfield Garden is about 3.5 hectares established 20 years. It aims for excellence in design, planting and maintenance. Originality is a priority. Many natives are used formally and informally as are NZ raised varieties of Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Cherry Cornus, Maples, Peony Perennials, Daffodils, Lily, and Roses.

Carolyn’s experience as a florist inspired her design creating a lush, colourful fragrant garden framing the 100 year old homestead that is the heart of Barewood. Located a pleasant 35 minute drive from Blenheim, Barewood has been developed within a framework of mature trees. A simple water feature greets visitors on arrival. The rambling century-old homestead with wide verandahs wreathed in wisteria and old-fashioned roses flows smoothly into colourful mixed borders and sweeping lawns.

Five minutes from Hāwera, this stunning Garden of International Significance and a plant lovers paradise awaits your visit. Sensitively perched upon the brow of a hill overlooking the historic four hundred year old Puketarata Pā, the one and a half acre country garden perfectly frames views of the magnificent Taranaki Mounga and inland Taranaki.

Rather than focusing on plant collections, at Hamilton Gardens the emphasis is on different types of garden design. Traditional botanic gardens concentrate on plant collections, conservation, research and education, while Hamilton Gardens has the unique concept of showcasing the cultural meaning and context of gardens over the past 4,000 years.

Olveston is an authentic and original historic home depicting the life of a wealthy merchant family in the early part of the twentieth century.

Omaka Lodge is a large country property featuring 3 beautiful acres of landscaped gardens. View a wide range of interesting planting, the 33-metre Rill overlooking Mount Hikurangi, and expansive countryside vistas. Onsite accommodation allows exploration at leisure.

One of the oldest botanic gardens in New Zealand, this central city garden was established in 1868. The major conifer species which are a feature were planted then as part of a programme to import plant species and assess their economic potential to the new colony. The very large specimens of Pinus radiata that dominate the landscape were grown from the first seed of that species to be imported from California.

Cornwall Park is home to beautiful areas for picnics and relaxation, grand specimen trees, stunning flower beds, grand avenues and sweeping vistas. The Park’s donor, Sir John Logan Campbell, is buried on the summit of a volcanic cone in the centre of the park. The Maori name for the hill is Maungakiekie – mountain of the kiekie (Freycinetia banksii) that grows as an epiphytic climber or vine.

Auckland Botanic Gardens is a young botanic garden that has been created from gently contoured farmland. The mild temperate climate allows the gardens to display a wide variety of plants. The native plant collections focus on those plants occurring naturally within the northern parts of New Zealand and there is a special garden where threatened plants may be seen.

When the town was surveyed in 1858, 34 acres were set aside as a public reserve; Oamaru Gardens opened on this site in 1876 making it one of the oldest in the country. The gardens have an air of maturity greatly enhanced by the plantings along the Oamaru Creek which meanders along its length. Colourful annuals are bedded out on the sweeping lawns and an immaculate rose garden is a centerpiece.

Many sculptures and ornaments feature in the garden and there are many spaces to wander through and soak up the wonderful views. Mixed shrubs and herbaceous plantings with roses are found through the entire garden.

Wharepuke means ‘house on the hill’ in Te Reo Maori. The owner Robin Booth has a wealth of experience as a nurseryman and landscaper. He began developing the garden, which sits in a valley running down to the historic Stone Store in Kerikeri, in 1993.

The Quarry Gardens are a spectacular sub-tropical oasis in the heart of Whangarei. Since the 1990s it has been transformed from an abandoned commercial quarry into the flourishing garden it is today because of the dedication of local volunteers and gardeners. As an ever changing community project it continues to grow and offers new experiences with every visit.

The garden surrounds the house and extends out across a sloping lawn and planted terraces to a creek. Bold groupings of roses and palms frame the entrance to the house and a paved courtyard and pool area are contained by detailed plantings of palms and cycads.

This extraordinary garden is a plant lover's paradise, featuring rare beauties and the clever use of the more commonplace. Unique topiary hedges, oversized wooden steps, platforms, and pergolas provide definition and inspiration.

Paripuma is a large 20 year old garden developed from a barren, windswept beachfront; and based around a formal design and vista across Cloudy Bay.

Butler Point hosts a secluded waterfront garden which is the legacy of retired whaler, Capt. William Butler and the second owner Hubert Dacre. Present owners have been in residence since 1972. A traditional cottage garden surrounds the old house (1840s) which is open to visit. It sits between the harbour edge and a bank of native bush.

The Sky Tower peeking over the palms is the only hint of urban life in Mark van Kaathoven’s dense if diminutive rainforest in Freemans Bay, just 10 minutes’ walk from the central city. Skinks scurry up palm trunks and the chirrups of small green frogs harmonise with birdsong in a backyard that is teeming with life.