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.

The Botanic Garden is a garden of great variety with the Leith Stream on the southern boundary and Lindsay Creek running through the middle dividing the garden in two. From the formal, almost level area of the lower garden with its herbaceous borders, rose garden, camellia collection, herb garden and the beautifully planted Lister Garden, to the major collection of plants in the rock garden on the slopes leading to the upper garden, there are features for all to enjoy.

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.

The Giant’s House sculpture mosaic garden is colourful, exuberant, interactive, romantic, fun and full of surprises. It is set on a sheltered, north-facing, sunny hillside in a valley in Akaroa, 1.5 hours drive from Christchurch. The garden surrounds the large historic house owned by the first BNZ Bank Manager and built from totara and kauri. There are flat areas around the house and terraced gardens gently wind up the hillside. Contrasting historic with contemporary art and balancing gardens with sculptures, it is a unique creation.

Development of the garden began in 2006 when Liz Morrow moved to settle permanently in what was the family holiday home, a log cabin nestled into a stand of native bush on the water’s edge.

Approached by a chestnut-lined drive which winds past old orchards and streams, Mincher, a large rural garden just north of Auckland’s CBD, is home to many varities of waterfowl and birdlife including Grey Teal, Aylesburys, Kingfishers, Shining Cuckoos, Tui and Kaka.

Ōhinetahi consists of a number of formal rooms, of differing style and character, arranged about two axes running east-west and north-south in the arts and crafts style. The formal lawn beside the house, has curved macrocarpa hedges at one end, balanced by a pool and pool house.

Flaxmere is a North Canterbury high country garden sitting beneath the main rib of Southern Alps. This large 7 acre garden is boldly designed to make the most of alpine views with strong axes and cross axes focussing on the surrounding mountain and pastoral environment. Heavy old bridge timbers and stone walls reflect a country atmosphere, and a feeling of peace & romance abides here, amidst dramatically changing seasons.

“If you think of gardening as an art form, Ayrlies is the best expression of that art.” This is a quote by Jack Hobbs, manager of Auckland Botanic Gardens. Situated in the gently rolling country of south-east Auckland, this is one of New Zealand’s best-known gardens, characterised by sweeping lawns and informal but detailed plantings by ponds and waterways

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.

Greenhaugh Gardens surround a colonial homestead built in 1874. Mature trees give the two-hectare property its bones, and a summer house allows the garden versatility. Box-hedges curb the romantic exuberance of Austin and old roses, perennials and self-seeding annuals whilst a central French fountain adds a soundscape of natural music. A pergola, clad with wisteria, rambling roses and clematis leads through a tapestry of bearded iris and from there the garden visitor is naturally led to the ‘creek bed’ and Mediterranean gardens beyond. There is a hint of an African theme in parts - a nod to the owner’s love of travel, and the garden holds a balance of structure and creativity.

Hundreds of Nikau Palms set the South Pacific theme in this moist gully of approximately one and a half acres.

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.

Over the last 33 years Doreen and Mike have created a 3 acre garden from a blank canvas. This expansive and tranquil garden is set on their small farm in the Amuri Basin.

The garden commenced in 1990 but is maturing rapidly due to the mild, almost frost-free climate. The Higgies have specialized in exotic flora to produce a landscape like no other in New Zealand.

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.

Casa Rossa has been developed over 20 years around a former shingle pit. The movie “Much Ado about Nothing” inspired the Italian house and garden design.

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.

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.