Garden Tour
Rapaura Tour

Gardens on this tour range from well established large country and formal gardens, through to new and exciting gardens. Enjoy a relaxed day and be inspired from our selection of wonderful gardens. This tour’s early finish is due to the close proximity of the gardens hence a short bus ride between them.

Upton Oaks ~ Sue and Dave Monahan

Upton Oaks garden has been developed over many years around the 1911 Victorian Villa. It is divided into different areas by hedges and brick walls. A feature is the 17th century style knot garden, formed with buxus hedging and divided into sections by colours. Large perennial borders are planted to flower from spring through to autumn. Plantings of berry fruits through to figs and guavas alongside raised vegetable beds provide an abundance all season.

Westgrove ~ Pat Jones

You approach this four year old property surrounded by vineyards, via a bridge over a large pond, winding gently up to the garden. Wind being a major problem, Pat has surrounded three sides of the house with walls to protect a perennial bed on one side and a formal courtyard on the other. Formal hedges and trees continue the wind protection theme on either side. A central rose garden is set against a stone retaining wall; this stone is repeated in a pergola leading out into the vineyard. A work in progress…

The Garden of ~ Phil and Jenny McAuslin

Enter Stream Estate garden through an impressive tree lined driveway into a cottage style garden predominantly made up of roses. Since taking over the property Jenny and Phil have made some changes notably the formal entrance and courtyard. With the help of their gardener, Jenny intends, as with all gardens, for it to continue to change bringing in more formality to the pool area and more extensive planting along the stream.

The Garden of ~Trevor and Niki Collins

This is a friendly cottage garden, which has been developing over the past twelve years. Originating from a bare paddock, this informal garden includes a native walkway along the banks of the tranquil Spring Creek. Other features include a variety of perennials, roses, fishponds, rockeries, restful corners and surprising features. This inviting garden is framed and secluded by, what are now well established trees.

Annandale ~ John and Beverley Gibbons

This 1.5 acre garden situated among the vineyard of Lower Wairau has been developed in several stages over 23 years. Spacious lawns are dotted with groups of mature claret ash, silver birch, pin oak, flowering cherries and conifers. Other features include perennial and rose beds plus numerous rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas.

Return times are approximate