Heritage Park Rhododendron Gardens

Absolutely gorgeous gardens over several acres , specialising in Rhododendrons but many other trees and shrubs to be viewed by meandering over the wide expanses of lawns and pathways. Quiet and peaceful , and a huge selection of plants to views - a small lake draws the eye. Not to be overlooked. a treat to view.

I had no idea what to expect. I don’t really get the Kiwi obsession with these flowers. I guess they are much more common in The U.S. That said, this garden was more beautiful than I could have imagined!

Have just come back from spending half a day at this beautiful garden. As well as plenty of early flowering Rhododendrons there were huge Magnolias in flower, late daffodils and the Kowhai, amongst other things. The huge Camellia hedge was attracting numerous Tui and their song could be heard throughout the garden. A great place for a picnic. The garden is a credit to the volunteers who maintain it. It is owned by a trust and well worth the entrance fee.

Heritage Park formerly the former National Garden of the New Zealand Rhododendron Association is now run by a charitable trust. This lovely garden is at its best when the rhododendrons are in flower between September and December. However having said that it can be enjoyed all year round and is a lovely spot for a picnic. There is a chalet with facilities for making/having morning/afternoon tea during peak flowering. Check out the website for more details.

Mid Sept to late December best season to visit. Beautiful Rhodo gardens. While you are there make sure you visit Crosshills.

So enjoyed the visit, not too large and well manicured.. honest box operating when we visited.

Better garden than Crosshills if rhododendrons are your passion

Kimbolton, a small country village, is blessed with two fantastic rhododendron gardens the Heritage Park and Cross Hills. Developed by local volunteers the Heritage Park gardens provide a magnificent display of a wide variety of rhododendron, one of the most comprehensive collections in NZ. The peak viewing season is October to mid December with November the best time. It costs $7 per person. The gardens are set in rolling hills of parkland with a water feature and surrounded by beautiful farmland. The trust have introduced other plants and trees so that there is variety during the viewing season. One of the interesting groups of species are about 17 types of NZ native Kowhai from dwarf varieties through to large graceful trees, with their typical yellow beak like flowers that the native tui birds love. There is an information office where tea or coffee is obtainable and also toilets. It is about 45 minute drive from Palmerston North via Feilding, but can also be accessed from the north. The drive either way is through beautiful hilly farm country with great views of the mountain ranges at nearby Apiti as well. The park is situated at 1,700 feet above sea level so is ideal for hill loving rhododendrons. This is a must for garden lovers and photographers. Its a lovely place to sit relax and contemplate, listen to the bird song, bring your picnic and get away from the city.