The dramatic landscape of Auckland's Karekare beach and west coast is the inspiration for Tourism New Zealand's '100 per cent New Zealand Garden' at the 2006 Chelsea Flower Show.
Situated just 30 minutes from Auckland's central business district, the west coast features verdant native rainforest, a rugged coastline and spectacular black sand beaches. With hundreds of walking tracks and some of New Zealand's best surf beaches, it is easy to get active and discover the natural beauty that inspired garden designer Xanthe White.
Auckland's coastal climate and fertile soils have created a flourishing natural backdrop across the region, and with lush countryside, vibrant flora and a range of events throughout the year, Auckland truly is a garden lover's paradise
Auckland is a garden lover's paradise - experience some of the region's best gardens and landscapes at events throughout the year.
Event highlights include Ellerslie Flower Show, the largest garden show in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing the best horticulture, floral and landscape designs from throughout New Zealand, Parnell's annual Festival of Roses which celebrates the historic charm of the Parnell Rose Gardens and Parnell's mainstreet; and set against a backdrop of spectacular Waiheke Island landscape and coastline, the biennial Sculpture on the Gulf is New Zealand's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition.
In a region passionate about its environment, there is a myriad of gardens in Auckland, from small to sprawling.
Wander through unique native rainforest beneath towering kauri and totara trees, stroll around elaborate subtropical plantings, or potter about intimate cottage gardens.
Enjoy the beauty of native vegetation sharing the landscape with magnificent man-made sculptures on Waiheke Island; or in the heart of the city discover an oasis of green - a massive park of sweeping lawns, ferneries, glass houses and majestic trees
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. . . . at every turn, you will find Auckland is a natural wonderland
