Hollard Gardens

Located in Kaponga, Taranaki, Hollard Gardens is a horticultural oasis in the heart of the dairy country. Established in 1927 by Bernie and Rose Hollard, it features intimate gardens, expansive lawns, hidden paths, a swamp garden and a children’s play area, free bbq's and kitchenette.

A popular events programme operates across the three Taranaki Regional Gardens (Hollard Gardens, Pukeiti, Tupare) throughout the year. The events calendar often includes popular music events, kids activities and gardening and food workshops.

Hollard Gardens are informal and very intimate in nature. The property is a plant collector’s dream and displays a huge variety of plants both native and exotic. The gardens continue Bernie Hollard’s legacy of collection, plant innovation, sustainability and dissemination. Enjoy the maturity, richness and intimacy of the Old Garden, established in 1927. Then by contrast, appreciate the openness and diversity of the New Garden, established in 1981. On your way through the garden, you will appreciate the stories of the garden, the people and the history of the farming district.

Rhododendrons and camellias were some of Bernie’s favourite plants and there is a strong representation of both species and hybrids throughout the garden – including R. Kaponga - one of the plants Bernie Hollard bred and for which he is best known. The Swamp in the Old Garden is perhaps the most dramatic and colourful area during Spring and is noted for it’s vibrancy. In autumn the deciduous trees provide a bright display. Year-round the garden is alive with the sound of insects and birds feeding on the diversity of seasonal flowers and seed.

Bernie's Home Garden trials organic fruit and vegetable growing methods and is a venue for a popular series of workshops throughout the year.

The Family Corner features a newly developed playground, a free BBQ and kitchenette facilities that can be opened by prior arrangement.

Open all day, every day.