Bloomin' good times in Taranaki

Taranaki's most colourful time of the year is in full bloom next month, celebrated with the annual Taranaki Rhododendron Festival.

Taranaki is recognised as the home of rhododendrons in the Southern Hemisphere, nurturing more than 1000 species.

The 15th festival is abundant in award-winning showpiece gardens - 62 in total - of which 24 are considered blue-ribbon gardens that would rank among New Zealand's best.

Running from October 15 to November 3, 18 gardens are opening to the public for the first time.

Contact: freephone 0800 80 90 50

Destination Taranaki Communications Manager Bruce Gatward-Cook

(09) 3099 809, fax (09) 3099 183

email michelle@taranakinz.org

website Rhododendron Festival