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Discover New Zealand’s
Greatest Gardens

Quality Gardens ● Trusted Ratings ● Unique Garden Varieties & Experiences

Welcome to the New Zealand Gardens Trust, where nature's artistry meets passionate gardening.

Dive into a world where every garden tells a story, from subtropical wonders to traditional homestead settings. Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a nature enthusiast, or someone seeking a serene escape, our curated collection of gardens promises an experience that's both enchanting and enlightening.

Explore Gardens by Region

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2024 Conference

Join us in Marlborough for our upcoming conference where seasoned experts, budding enthusiasts, and nature lovers converge.

Indulge in a large dose of gorgeous gardens in a complex and beautiful landscape and be encouraged to enjoy the pleasures of life at the top of the South Island with like-minded garden afficionados.

Plus celebrate twenty years of the NZGT where one lucky person will win an emerald ring that symbolises our two decades.

Featured Gardens

  • Dunedin Botanic Gardens

    DUNEDIN

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  • Otari-Wilton's Native Bush Botanic Garden

    WELLINGTON

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  • The Giants House

    CHRISTCHURCH

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  • Mincher

    AUCKLAND

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What we do

Seeking unparalleled garden experiences?

An NZGT garden is assessed to a standard identified for the public through the star rating system. The New Zealand Gardens Trust offers a curated selection of 109 gardens, each showcasing a unique blend of subtropical wonders, native flora, and traditional settings. Easily find a garden tailored to your taste by region, name, keyword, or rating.

“Botanica organises garden tours and cruises all over the world, visiting private and public gardens.
The NZ Garden Trust website and system for grading
is an incredible tool to help us research
the best gardens to take our guests to visit.
We have not come across another tool as
valuable as this one, in any other country we visit.”

— KEITH QUEK, BOTANICA WORLD DISCOVERIES

Discover & Learn

Discover & Learn
Responsible Sustainability
Responsible Sustainability

It is easy to think gardening is the most natural wholesome thing in the world as it predominantly involves plants, soil, water and sunshine. However, gardening has a dirty little secret – there is an insidious layer of the unnatural lurking in many gardens. Often times this comes as a legacy from a time when innovation and improvement was prolific and new ways were considered better than the old-fashioned techniques.

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Nothing leaves the property
Nothing leaves the property

Our first rule is nothing leaves the property. We do add material from elsewhere at times but no organic matter leaves the garden.

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Coming up: Roses!
Coming up: Roses!

Summer is showtime at the Lady Norward Rose Garden in Wellington’s Botanic Garden and despite the challenging wet winter and spring which, like many gardens, left this one with much higher than normal soil water levels, the show promises to be gorgeous.

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Using Organic Matter in Gardens
Using Organic Matter in Gardens

How we deal with what we call our “carbon deposits” during the growing season and how these techniques might help you as gardeners deal with some of the more difficult gardening spots on your properties 5 Min Read

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Te Parapara Garden
Te Parapara Garden

The Te Parapara Garden project is a joint project between Nga Mana Toopu and Hamilton City Council. It extends beyond a physical development to include records of traditional knowledge, interpretive material and ceremonies all focused on the heritage and tikanga associated with the local area.

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Become a Garden Friend to explore exclusive benefits with our community of enthusiasts, or showcase the magic of your garden by registering with us