Paloma Gardens

Didnt rate this at all, sorry. Very unkept, not much to see for $10 pp......looks rather tired in places....and no maps ....so we ended up missing bits.

Terrible road to reach the place and very little parking when you get there. Entry fee by honesty box which is anything but secure.
The walkways through the gardens are uneven and overgrown with often prickly vegetation. Not a place for anyone unsteady on their feet. This place was probably very pleasant in its day but not so good now.

Its worth going out to see these gardens if you are in the area.
Its an interesting collection of plants, pottery, and sculptures all collected together in an eclectic mix.
Familys are welcome there is only a charge on $10 per adult to be put in a honesty box.

Four of us stopped here on our drive from Whanganui to Wellington. From St. Paul’s Memorial Church, Putiki, it took us thirty minutes to get to Paloma Gardens.

The bamboo forest attracted us. The Cactus Garden was unlike anything my husband had seen before. Located in a conservatory, it is hot. My favorite part was the ’New Zealand Pottery Lane’. The rounded pottery vessels contrasted pleasingly with the plants.

To find the bamboo forest, walk back along the road from the main ’Paloma’ gate. On the left you will see an arch labeled ’Paloma Gardens’ with a red gate. Follow the path down onto the Wedding Lawn. About halfway along the lawn, there will be a path framed by rengarenga lilies, which takes you to the bamboo forest. It loops back to the Wedding Lawn.

At the entrance is a toilet with sink (you may want to bring your own towel). Visitor’s tip: to park, drive past the ’Paloma Gardens’ gate and take the next left. You will follow a semicircular drive and can then park behind the owners’ car facing the right direction for exit.

The achievement of these private gardeners is impressive. We were grateful that they share it with all of us for a modest fee and even provide toilet facilities.

The plants,trees and cacti are some of the largest examples of their kind I have ever seen. All arranged around sometimes rough paths in Dells and on hillocks . This eccentric mix set in a peaceful Hidden valley . We did not see everything because of the 31° temperatures but would love to visit again. The $10 donation is well worth it!
However the terrain does require a reasonable level of fitness, it is not suitable for anyone using a stick, and children need supervision. Don’t forget to take adequate drinking water!