Tikitere Gardens

Rotorua

Owners:

Ann and Bill Robinson

Click images to enlarge

Address:

SH 30, Te Ngae Junction, Rotorua

Phone:

+ 64-7-345 5036

Fax:

+ 64-7-345 5036

Email:

tikitere.gardens@xtra.co.nz

Open:

Daily, 8am - 5pm

Groups:

As above

Fee:

$10 per adult

Size:

Large - 12ha (30 acres)

Terrain:

Flat to rolling

Functions:

Tearooms pending

Facilities:

Nursery & craftshop on site

These extensive gardens, developed since 1987 from a boysenberry farm, incorporate a natural stream and established trees. Tikitere means “precious waters”, referring to the dominant feature, the Waiohena Stream, walled in stone by local craftsmen. Bog plants including hostas and primulas are planted along the stream, with hellebores under a silver birch plantation featuring in winter. Bridges cross the stream, which is lined by maples, with cherry trees in the more established areas. Azaleas, both mollis and evergreen, and rhododendrons cover the slopes beyond the stream banks, with gums, laburnums and other woodland trees behind, surrounded by farmland.

A waterfall is a focal point, with lavenders and azaleas edging the banks. A driveway winds throughout the garden, following the contours of the stream. The predominant colour is yellow, with Japanese and many other varieties of iris, Hemerocallis (daylilies) and astilbes flowering in summer in a bog area under the canopy of trees. Oaks and liquidambars add to the autumn foliage, complemented by natives including kauri and totara. Magnolias, camellias and prunus blossom in spring, followed by tree peonies and dogwoods. Fothergilla shrubs also flower in spring, the foliage a brilliant red in autumn. Imported and rare plants are displayed, and many are sold in the adjacent nursery.

Directions:

Travel to Rotorua City. Take SH 33 east out of Rotorua. Past the airport turn right into SH 30. Travel 1km to Tikitere Gardens on right; 13km from Rotorua.