It takes less than 25 minutes to drive to Paloma Gardens from downtown Whanganui. Nicki and Clive Higgie own the gardens, which are nestled in the rural hinterland of the Whanganui region, surrounded by rolling farmland. As such, they are a genuine surprise and designated a “garden of national significance.”
The gardens and arboreta (mostly exotics) have been developed over decades and consequently feel well-established. They are divided into several zones, including the Palm Garden, the Desert House, and the Garden of Death, along with several arboreta. There is a wide range of international plants, including an extensive collection of cacti. This will likely be the first time you will see many species on display. The gardens also include a range of sculptures, mostly by Steuart Welch, Simone Jacquat and Clive Higgie.
If motorbikes are more your thing, the larger building next to the carpark also has a great collection of bikes.
The quickest way there is to take Portal Street to No. 2 Line, go through Fordell, and turn left onto Denlair Road. Note that there is a $10 per person charge, and payment was into an honesty box in cash at the time of our visit.
