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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

One of Auckland Council’s jewels, the Wintergarden at the Auckland Domain is a treasure of great historic interest. It was designed in the early 1900s in the style of the famous English partnership of Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jeckyll and opened in 1913.

Eastwoodhill is an arboretum of national and international importance. It holds the most comprehensive collection of woody plants in New Zealand and possibly the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator including 170 species currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) world endangered list.

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.

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.

Managed by the New Plymouth District Council, Pukekura is a nationally significant park with a large exotic specimen tree collection inter planted within a margin of luxuriant native bush. The park has been continuously developed since its inception in 1876. Its north south linear shape follows a natural stream valley where a series of artificial lakes have been created by damming the flow at various points.

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.

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.

Paripuma is a large 20 year old garden developed from a barren, windswept beachfront; and based around a formal design and vista across Cloudy Bay.

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.

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.