The Nikaus Country Garden and Farmstay

Waitaria Bay, Marlborough Sounds
Owners: Alison and Robin Bowron
Click images to enlarge
Address: 86 Manaroa Road, Waitaria Bay, R D 2, Picton
Phone: + 64-3-573 4432
Fax: + 64-3-573 4432
Email: info@thenikaus.co.nz
Website: www.thenikaus.co.nz
Open: All year, daily, 10am-5pm
Groups: By appointment
Fee: $5 per adult over 15 years
Size: Medium - 1.2ha (3 acres)
Terrain: Flat
Facilities: Accommodation available on site

Named after the native nikau palms on the slopes behind the house, this garden has been developed since 1992 by Alison, although it was originally designed by another rhododendron lover when it was established two decades earlier. Spring begins with sheets of gold daffodils under the orchard and paulownia, while camellias brighten the pathway and vege garden. Then the pinks, creams and blues take over, with flowering cherries, magnolias and michelia joining the rhododendrons. Clematis climbs the fence surrounding the swimming pool, where Alison has planted ferns and begonias under ponga.

In November the lilies begin to emerge, continuing till the end of February with massed displays of Asiatic and Oriental lilies including Alison’s favourite apricot Asiatic ‘Hartford’. The lilies complement the blue delphiniums and other perennials in the extensive herbaceous border. Old roses are also summer highlights, followed by chrysanthemums in autumn when the oak leaves turn. Maples shelter a kidney-shaped pond backed by a small rock garden to the side of the house. The views out to sea are marvellous in winter through the deciduous trees, and a Magnolia campbellii planted on the lawn in 1970 blooms in early August. Farm walks lead across a creek up to the nikau grove and a waterfall beyond. Bed and breakfast farmstay with dinner is available by arrangement.

Directions:


From Picton or Havelock, travel along Queen Charlotte Drive to Linkwater. Turn north into Kenepuru Rd & travel 90 minutes to Waitaria Bay. At intersection take Manaroa Rd. Nikaus Country Garden on right.