Cross Hills Gardens

This park-like rhododendron garden was developed from the early 1970s by the Wilson family. It now boasts over 2,000 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas which peak during October and November. Rodney’s favourites are the hardy German hybrids and the unusual standards that his father, Eric, originally developed. These standard R. yakushimanum are very popular in smaller gardens. Rhododendrons cover the full range of the colour spectrum, more so than other plants, Rodney coordinating them, such as planting pinks with lavenders and purples with oranges.

But Cross Hills is not just rhododendrons. In spring, the cherry blossom, magnolias and camellias accompany the early rhododendrons, then a whole host of perennials begin flowering. In December the cardiocrinum walk is in its full glory and the hostas complement the late-flowering rhododendrons. Perennials and dahlias continue into autumn when the mature deciduous trees show off their colours against the crisp blue skies. These include beeches, maples, liquidambars, Nyssa sylvatica, parrotia and an original oak, which complement the conifers and natives. Two huge macrocarpa feature by the front gate and kauri are unusual at such an altitude. Other features include the clematis bank above the waterfall and the Azalea Bowl with massed deciduous and evergreen azaleas.

Directions:

From Palmerston North, travel north to Feilding and take Kimbolton Rd north for 28km to Kimbolton village. Continue 4km to Cross Hills on left. Or from Sanson travel east to Feilding, then as above. Or from Taihape take SH 1 south to Mangaweka and turn left to Cross Hills, or turn left just before Ohingaiti and follow signs to Cross Hills on right. Or take SH 54 to Cheltenham. Turn left into Kimbolton Rd. Travel 14km to Kimbolton, then continue 4km to Cross Hills Gardens on left.