‘Tauhara’ is a country garden of approximately 1½ hectares at the foot of Lake Taupo’s Mount Tauhara; it has been developed over the past 25 years. Older trees make a back drop to the planting on the property where from mid October flowering shrubs and bulbs are at their best; later giant scented lilies, roses and early perennials display in the semi-formal areas near the house.

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.

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.

Nestled in the vineyard five hundred metres away from her sister garden Welton House, is Eliza’s which, after a decade of carefully thought out restoration, is ready and open for garden visitors. But better still - stay overnight in the award winning three bedroom cottage and enjoy the garden and swimming pool in total privacy.

Hollard Gardens are informal and very intimate in nature. The property is a plant collector’s dream and displays a huge variety of plants both native and exotic. The gardens continue Bernie Hollard’s legacy of collection, plant innovation, sustainability and dissemination. Enjoy the maturity, richness and intimacy of the Old Garden, established in 1927. Then by contrast, appreciate the openness and diversity of the New Garden, established in 1981. On your way through the garden, you will appreciate the stories of the garden, the people and the history of the farming district.

The garden comprises of more than 600 glass sculptures, set in an acre of manicured grounds in an idyllic rural setting. A boardwalk takes you on a 500 metre amble around ponds, through fields of glass flowers, and amongst stunning sculptures. You can sit and enjoy the water tumbling down the fifteen-piece glass waterfall, then continue your browse through a native tree bird area. The newest additions to the garden are New Zealand themed, with giant cast glass korus and three colourful glass lancewoods.