Orari Estate

Geraldine, South Canterbury

Owners:

Rosie and Ian Morten

Click images to enlarge

Address:

SH 1, Orari

Phone:

+ 64-3-693 9058

Fax:

+ 64-3-693 9058

Email:

orariest@xtra.co.nz

Open:

All year, daily, by appointment

Groups:

By appointment, as above

Fee:

$5 per adult

Size:

Large - 2ha (5 acres)

Terrain:

Undulating

Functions:

Lunches by arangement only

Facilities:

Partial wheelcahir access only

Orari Estate has been in Rosie’s family since the time of the first settlers, with trees planted back in the 1850s providing a mature woodland. Rosie’s grandparents began building the homestead in 1912; a pink kalmia from that era still thrives, with a pear orchard, nut walk, and original main lawn. Rosie’s mother began revamping the garden in the 1970s, creating three new garden areas. Sycamores are being progressively culled to open up the woodland, and Rosie is planting old roses.

Predominant spring features are the rhododendrons, then in summer cardiocrinum lilies bloom with perennials including irises, delphiniums and groundcovers such as ajuga. A dozen different magnolias announce the arrival of spring, followed by camellias, mollis azaleas, the rhododendrons, a michelia and a spectacular kowhai. Two creeks flow through the property, one dammed to create a pond which is enjoyed by a white swan. Bridges cross the creeks, edged with pink primulas, ligularias and yellow Kingcup calthas. An old water-race now forms a pathway and drifts of blue forget-me-nots carpet the ground under mature conifers, including an unusual weeping Douglas fir. In autumn the deciduous trees and azaleas feature, while winter highlights the structure of the trees and the garden. Peacocks are an additional attraction.

Directions:

Take SH 1 south of Ashburton or north of Temuka. Garden entrance to Orari Estate at Rest Area just north of Orari River.