Regional Gardens

The Taranaki Regional Council owns and administers two heritage properties, Tupare and Hollard Gardens, on behalf of the people of the region.

The Council also provides financial support to the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust.

Under the Taranaki Regional Council Empowering Act 2001 the Council may be involved with services, works or facilities that that are for the recreational or cultural well-being of Taranaki; or that preserve or encourage enjoyment of the physical and cultural heritage of the region.

The Council aims to ensure that the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust gardens, Hollard Gardens and Tupare are maintained and enhanced as regionally significant recreational and heritage amenities. The Council adopted asset management plans for Hollard and Tupare gardens in 2006, resulting in major refurbishments at both properties. These refurbishments were unveiled in the spring of 2008 and a full programme of free public events now runs at both properties.

Hollard Gardens

First established in 1927, this diverse and beautiful plant collection covers 4.5 hectares. Situated 3 km north of Kaponga on the Upper Waimate West ring plain, the garden is the lifetime work of Bernie and Rose Hollard. It was gifted to the QEII National Trust in 1982 and ownership was transferred to the Taranaki Regional Council in 2002.

Tupare

This uniquely landscaped heritage garden was established in 1932. It was the home of Sir Russell and Lady Mathews and their family. The 3.6 hectare property features a Chapman-Taylor designed homestead, a magnificent collection of trees, water features and luxuriant garden borders.

Pukeiti

Pukeiti - This expansive garden, covering 360 hectares on the slopes of Egmont National Park, is owned and managed by the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust. Established in the 1950s, Pukeiti has the largest collection of rhododendrons in New Zealand.

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