Taranaki Garden Festival

Have you ever been to the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival in New Plymouth? I went with my family last year and absolutely loved it. There’s such a great mix of gardens, from sprawling country estates to charming suburban hideaways - some even feature live music or special events. It’s worth checking the festival programme so you can plan your visit and make the most of everything on offer.

Mum went again this year (that’s her looking adorable in the photo), and once again, it didn’t disappoint!

If you haven’t made it there yet, put it on your list for 2026. Each year, the festival transforms Taranaki into a living gallery of colour, creativity, and connection, this year there were 43 beautiful gardens and more than 30 inspiring events and workshops to explore.

A Festival Like No Other

The Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival is far more than just a tour of beautiful gardens, it’s an experience that captures the essence of Taranaki itself. The region’s rich volcanic soil and temperate climate create the perfect conditions for a dazzling array of plant life. You’ll find everything from lush subtropical retreats and native bush sanctuaries to sustainable food forests and classic English-style landscapes.

It’s a celebration of gardening as an art form, a lifestyle, and a way to connect with nature, with others, and with ourselves.

One of the standout gardens this year is Nikau Grove, a suburban sanctuary in New Plymouth featuring South Pacific-inspired plantings, native beauties, a gentle waterfall, and thoughtfully placed sculptures. It’s designed to evoke calm and wonder and perfectly captures the spirit of the festival.

Across the region, you’ll also find grand country estates showcasing heritage and horticultural excellence, inner-city retreats where clever design meets sustainability, workshops with passionate experts sharing practical tips, and pop-up art installations, live talks, and plant sales for a little extra inspiration.

Taranaki in spring is simply stunning ... lush greenery, mountain views, and vibrant gardens everywhere you turn. It’s the perfect time to wander, chat with gardeners, soak up ideas, and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener, a casual plant lover, or just someone who appreciates natural beauty, this is festival is not one to miss!