Open Season: Aotearoa’s Unmissable Garden Festivals

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10 November 2022

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The Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival has around 75 gardens and artists’ studios open along with related events. November 17-20, gardenandartfestival.co.nz

Cross Hills Garden Country Fair is set in 18 acres of the most beautiful private gardens in New Zealand. You’ll find a record number of artists, makers, creators, growers and all-round clever people who have travelled from all corners of the North Island to showcase their products. November 19, crosshillsfair.co.nz

Whangarei Garden Discovery is a biennial event with 16 fabulous gardens to visit and 17 artists exhibiting and selling their original garden art. November 19-20, whangareigardens.org.nz/whanga

Cambridge Garden Festival has 10 great gardens, 9 of which are new to the festival. This event is a Rotary charity fund raiser. November 20, cgf.nz

Auckland Garden DesignFest is Tāmaki Makaurau’s premier designer garden showcase. This unique weekend festival will celebrate New Zealand garden design excellence while raising funds for children’s charities Lifeline Aotearoa, Garden to Table, OKE and KidsCan. November 26-27, gardendesignfest.co.nz

Pick Your Own Lavender: It’s that wonderful time of the year again to view the purple haze of lavender against the Tararuas and pick your own lavender at Lavender Abbey in Carterton. Bring a picnic and enjoy a slice of Provence with family and friends. Wash away 2022 and plan for 2023 in the most calming spot in town. December 31-January 1, lavenderabbey.co.nz.

Waimarino Garden Ramble is a great fundraiser for Ohakune Primary School and St John Waimarino Area Committee. January 28, 2023, gardenartisan.co.nz

Each year Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival encompasses the full spectrum of performing arts – where comedy, dance, music, and theatre mingle and merge against the backdrop of the enchanting Hamilton Gardens. February 24-March 5, 2023, hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz

The Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival has the longest season at 10 days. Running alongside the 43 open gardens and an extensive programme of events is the Sustainable Backyards Trail, taking in an additional 30 gardens. Plus, the Taranaki Arts Trail gives visitors the opportunity to see up to 79 artists in their studios across the province. October 27-November 5, 2023, gardenfestnz.co.nz

Raupara Springs Garden Marlborough runs a little differently in that it is not a self-drive experience. Gardens can only be visited as part of a pre-booked coach tour. There is an extensive programme of events and workshops. November 9-12, 2023, gardenmarlborough.co.nz

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY

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