Silkwood Lodge Garden is a small native and sub-tropical Balinese style oasis, showcasing wider vistas and secluded seating areas.

The first view of the garden is from the street, where a deliberate effort has been made to include the road edge beyond the property.

Local moss covered rocks, sculptures, South Island schist pavers, tile steps, hardwood fences, hedges, wooden decks and ornate gates from Nepal, Java and Bali are all important aspects, giving structure to the garden. Mass plantings of clivia under nikau trees, crocuses, bromeliads and vireyas help to compliment the view.

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.

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.

Ngahuha has large stands of both temperate and sub-tropical plants have been augmented by water features, stonewalling and meandering walkways throughout the garden. This is a garden of interest in all seasons.