Te Kainga Marire (Private)
This town garden is a showcase for New Zealand native plants and could be described as the epitome of the New Zealand garden. It contains a wide selection of plants arranged in a convincing fashion to reflect the natural environment. A naturalistic pool and rock garden are used to display plants requiring specific conditions while the roof of a sunken fern house is used to show off the distinctive foliage of the native begonia Elatostema rugosa. Surprisingly, exotic plants are introduced, with an old specimen of Rosa ‘Souvenir de Madame Léonie Viennot’ trained against the house and rhododendrons around the back.
There is also a productive organic vegetable garden. Te Kainga Marire has a point of difference that lies in the natural plant associations that evoke a feeling of the real New Zealand. The garden is backed by a bush reserve on one side and a bustling mountain stream on another. Refreshments and/or lunch is available by prior arrangement.
Opening Hours and Tariffs
Open daily 9am – 5pm from September to April
Adult: $10pp
Te Kainga Marire is also part of the Taranaki Garden Festival
Billy tea, scones, seasonal lunches or afternoon teas can be booked for small groups
Contact Details and Location
Physical Address: 15 Spencer Pl, Merrilands, New Plymouth
Phone: 06 758 8693
Email: valda@tekaingamarire.co.nz
Website: http://tekaingamarire.co.nz
Facilities and Amenities
Children Welcome