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Secret gardens

Along the Forgotten World Highway near Taumarunui lies a string of little-known gardens with real wow factor, each with their own story to tell and beauty to behold

The Forgotten World Gardens comprises four distinct and dreamy country gardens of varying shapes and sizes that you can easily visit in one day.

Beginning at Bradley’s Garden, discover 2ha of beautiful, sprawling gardens and let your imagination run wild. Enjoy a Devonshire tea in the gazebo, a spot of mischievous miniputt golf, stroll the Italian garden and see the wonderful natural amphitheatre.

Continue down State Highway 43 to Tō Whenua – the newest kid on the block. Carefully planted and curated by a horticulturalist and artist, Tō Whenua is an intimate, whimsical garden experience with tranquil streams and river views.

Set over 4ha of land with spectacular views of Mt Hikurangi, Omaka Lodge is home to vibrant gardens brimming with rhododendron, azalea and maple – as well as a rare fern-leaved beech and a 100-yearold kalmia. Highlights include the Champagne Lawn, the Woodland and the captivating Secret Garden.

With more than 8000 lavender plants in full bloom from the end of December until early March, Lauren’s Lavender Farm is a colourful wonderland of lavender fields, farmland and bush. With an on-site cafe and shop full of unique, locally grown lavender products, this charming place is full of heart and soul.

For more inspiration on garden hopping, beautiful places to go and unique things to do in Ruapehu, go to visitruapehu.com

SPONSORED CONTENT / VISIT RUAPEHU

en-nz

2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

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