Paloma Gardens is a privately owned garden at Fordell, about 20 kilometres from central Whanganui, recognised by the New Zealand Garden Trust as a Significant Garden. Open daily on an honesty box system, it offers a genuine garden visit away from the city — native and ornamental plantings across a landscaped rural property accessed via Denlair Road.
Practical Information
| Address | 11 Pohutukawa Lane, off Denlair Road, Fordell |
|---|---|
| Distance from Whanganui | ~20km (approx. 25 minutes) |
| Entry | $10 per person (16 and over), honesty box |
| Hours | 9:00am – 6:30pm daily (or sunset if earlier) |
| Garden Trust status | Significant Garden — New Zealand Garden Trust |
| Phone | 06 342 7857 |
| in**@*******co.nz | |
| Also on-site | Moto 71 pottery studio (Coastal Arts Trail) |
About Paloma Gardens
Paloma Gardens sits on a rural property in the hills at Fordell, east of Whanganui. The garden has been developed over many years into a layered mix of ornamental planting, native species, water features and structured garden rooms — the combination that earned it Significant Garden status with the New Zealand Garden Trust.
Access is via a quiet rural lane off Denlair Road. The entry operates on trust — visitors pay $10 per person (16 and over) into an honesty box at the entrance. The garden is open every day of the year, with the closing time adjusting to sunset during shorter winter days.
The property is also part of the Coastal Arts Trail, with a pottery studio (Moto 71) operating on-site — worth noting for visitors interested in combining garden and craft in a single trip out from town.
What Visitors Say
“Absolutely beautiful garden — very different to anything else in the Whanganui region. The honesty system works well, very peaceful place to spend an hour or two.” — TripAdvisor visitor
“Well worth the drive from Whanganui. A real labour of love — you can tell the owners have put decades into this garden.” — TripAdvisor visitor
Where to Learn More
New Zealand Garden Trust — Paloma Gardens includes the garden’s Significant Garden profile and visit details.
Paloma Gardens — official website has current information about the garden and on-site pottery.
TripAdvisor — Paloma Gardens has visitor reviews and photos.
Coastal Arts Trail — Paloma Gardens and Moto 71 covers the combined garden and pottery studio visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit Paloma Gardens?
Entry is $10 per person for visitors aged 16 and over, paid via an honesty box at the entrance. Under-16s are free.
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 approximately 20km from central Whanganui, roughly a 25-minute drive via Denlair Road.
Is Paloma Gardens open year-round?
Yes — it is open every day of the year, though the closing time adjusts to sunset during winter months.
What is the New Zealand Garden Trust Significant Garden rating?
The NZ Garden Trust rates gardens on a scale from Garden of Regional Significance through to Garden of International Significance. A Significant Garden designation recognises a garden of notable design, history or horticultural interest.
Is there anything else to do at Paloma Gardens?
Yes — the Moto 71 pottery studio is on-site as part of the Coastal Arts Trail. Contact ahead if pottery is a priority, as studio availability may vary.
Paloma Gardens is one of the Whanganui region’s finest garden visits. See Whanganui Parks and Reserves for other green spaces across the district. For a free garden visit closer to town, the Winter Gardens at Virginia Lake are open daily at no cost.