Last updated July 2026
Paloma Gardens is a privately owned exotic garden at Fordell, 20 kilometres from central Whanganui. It holds Garden of National Significance status from the New Zealand Gardens Trust and features plants from Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Pacific across distinct zones on a rural property. The garden opened to visitors in 1990 and operates daily on a cash entry system with an on-site collection of classic motorcycles. Access is via Pohutukawa Lane off Denlair Road, providing a peaceful rural setting away from town.
Practical Information
| Address | Pohutukawa Lane, Fordell |
| Distance from Whanganui | 20 km (approximately 25 minutes drive) |
| Entry | $10 per person, cash only |
| Hours | Daily 9:00am to 6:30pm or sunset, whichever is earlier |
| Garden Trust status | Garden of National Significance — New Zealand Gardens Trust |
| Phone | 06 342 7857 |
| pa****@*******co.nz | |
| Also on-site | Moto 71 classic motorcycle collection |
About Paloma Gardens
Paloma Gardens lies on a rural property in the hills at Fordell east of Whanganui. Development began in 1990 and the garden has matured into a collection of exotic flora arranged in distinct zones including the Palm Garden, Desert House, Garden of Death, Bamboo Forests, Jardin Exotique, Wedding Lawn and arboreta. A central pond serves as both a landscape feature and swimming pool, while an older area around the house contains maturing palms, cycads and tree ferns.
Visitors enter via a quiet rural lane and pay the $10 entry fee in cash. The garden remains open every day of the year, with closing time adjusted to sunset in winter. Picnics are welcome and children are admitted, though sports equipment and barbecues are not permitted. Guided tours are available by prior booking for an additional fee.
The property also houses Moto 71, a collection of around 50 classic motorcycles displayed in a gallery setting. Booking ahead is recommended for the motorcycle collection as availability can vary. The garden sits on a working farm and forms part of the broader 3 Valley Heritage Trail route.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the garden as strikingly different from other Whanganui green spaces, with an impressive variety of exotic plants and a peaceful atmosphere that rewards a relaxed visit of an hour or two. The honesty-style cash entry and rural setting contribute to a sense of discovery.
Many note the evident long-term care and passion of the owners, calling the garden well worth the short drive from Whanganui and praising the combination of horticultural interest with the motorcycle collection for a varied outing.
Where to Learn More
New Zealand Gardens Trust — Paloma Gardens: official profile with visit details, facilities and directions.
Paloma Gardens official website: current information on the garden zones, Moto 71 collection, opening hours and contact details.
Whanganui District Council — Paloma Gardens: council listing with location map and facility overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Paloma Gardens?
Entry is $10 per person paid in cash. Children are welcome and there is no separate child rate listed.
What are the opening hours?
Paloma Gardens is open daily from 9:00am until 6:30pm or sunset, whichever is earlier.
How far is Paloma Gardens from Whanganui?
The garden is 20 km from central Whanganui, a drive of approximately 25 minutes via Denlair Road and Pohutukawa Lane.
Is Paloma Gardens open year-round?
Yes, the garden is open every day of the year, though closing time adjusts to sunset during shorter winter days.
What is the New Zealand Gardens Trust rating for Paloma Gardens?
Paloma Gardens holds Garden of National Significance status, the highest rating awarded by the Trust.
Is Moto 71 open at the same time as the garden?
The motorcycle collection is mostly open during garden hours but booking ahead is recommended as availability cannot be guaranteed without prior arrangement.
Are guided tours available?
Guided tours can be arranged for an additional fee with prior booking.
Can visitors picnic at Paloma Gardens?
Picnics are welcome in the garden. No barbecues or sports equipment are permitted.
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