Close to home: Spring on sale

Eastwood Hill Arboretum in Gisborne. Photo / Peter Calder

On October 23, enjoy a day exploring the glorious gardens and woodland trails at Eastwoodhill Arboretum near Gisborne for half price. Admission will be adults $5, seniors $4, children under 16 free with a paying adult. Tours by 4WD will be $10 per ride. The Leaf Cafe and new Discovery Centre will be open, and trees that were raised for the arboretum's centennial can be purchased for $10.

Contact: (06) 863 9003
On the web: eastwoodhill.org.nz

Wild and wonderful

Beautiful Round Pond Garden near Hastings will be ablaze with poppies and other wildflowers during the Wildflower Sculpture Exhibition, November 10 - 14. Striking new works from 40 Central North Island artists will be displayed throughout the property, and all are available for purchase. Gates open from 10am - 5pm and admission is $10. The event supports Cranford Hospice.

Contact: (06) 879 8735
On the web: wildflowersculptureexhibition.co.nz

Help the kiwi

The Bird and Garden Tour of the Wairarapa on October 30 will raise funds to upgrade the nocturnal kiwi house at Pukaha Mount Bruce. The self-drive tour covers eight magnificent private gardens that are not usually open to the public. Tickets cost $60, which includes a sumptuous boxed lunch, refreshments and a cocktail hour hosted at Lancewood Gardens in Masterton.

On the web: pukaha.org.nz

Magic of Marlborough

Hunter's Garden Marlborough runs November 3 - 7 and features escorted tours to special gardens across the grape-growing plains of Marlborough, along the Pacific Coast and within the Marlborough Sounds. There are workshops, a huge garden fete, and enjoyable social functions such as Art in the Garden and a degustation dinner.

Contact: 0800 627 527
On the web: gardenmarlborough.co.nz

More than rhododendrons

Huge country gardens, specialist native gardens, urban vegetable plots, internationally renowned public gardens and intriguing "special interest" gardens all feature at the Taranaki Rhododendron & Garden Festival, October 29 - November 7. An innovative landscape design project, guest speakers, art-related events, jazz and wine parties and guided walks are also part of the mix.

Contact: (06) 759 8412
On the web: rhodo.co.nz