Taranaki West Coast Citroën Car Club organizes an annual tour of gardens that are included in the ‘Taranaki Garden Festival’, originally named the Rhododendron Festival. We extend an invitation to all Citroën enthusiasts and like-minded motoring people to join us on our annual pilgrimage exploring garden delights and mysterious sights. We endeavour to select gardens previously unexplored and this year our selection of GARDENS includes two art stops from the ART TRAIL all within the South Taranaki region.
The entire days outing will encompass approx 70kms from start to finish.
9.30 – 10.15am Coffee Shack 108 High Street, Eltham. (Next to BP Station) ‘Coffee Meet & Greet’ perhaps a snack before hitting the road. (We will be served in paper cups or bring your own take away cup)
10.25 – 10.45am Mark Bellringer (Painter)
51 Bridge Street, Eltham, (Free)
Documenting the landscape is a large part of Mark’s work. “I like to find interesting points of view in the ordinary every day that surround us”.
10.50 – 11.10am Paul Burgham (Glass) 10 Julian Street, Eltham, (Free)
Paul’s background includes draughting and restoration of historic buildings overseas. He is passionate about the execution of his glass with his love of nature reflected in his work.
Turn left onto Conway Street, at crossroads turn left onto Main Highway 3, drive towards Hawera. Travel approximately 4.3kms taking 3rd left onto Mountain Road; Travel for 5.7kms until approaching a ‘tri corner’ be careful to veer left, staying on Mountain Road with Ngarongo Marae on your right. The next destination is on the left PARK ON VERGE. We will have a guided tour by Dan. PTO A NOTE
11.45 – 12.30pm Mountain Road Estate (Sustainable) 5881 Mountain Road, Normanby, (Free)
Dan and Kylie produce organic wellness and food products to enhance daily life. Check out pollinating bees, composting systems, chickens, and rain collection to support irrigation. To achieve their goals there are lavender and sage farms and an orchard including hazelnuts with truffles underground.
Leaving the ‘Sustainable Garden’ continue due south along Mountain Road. Turn left at Austin Road, then turn right onto Ngarongo Road travel due south until tri- intersection, turn right onto Ohangai Road over the railway tracks and TURN left onto Waihi Road/State highway 3 onto Hawera. At the roundabout take second exit continue along Wahi Road turn left onto High Street then next left Camberwell Road. At this corner on the left are the OLD BLACK WROUGHT IRON GATES. ENTER let’s eat in the Aromatic Garden just inside the gates on the left.
12.45 – 1.45pm Lunch at King Edward Park High Street, Hawera
‘Picnic Style’ alternative TUNS BAKERY in High Street if wet. PTO A NOTE
1.45 – 2.15pm Bohemian Embassy (Garden) 49 Camberwell Road, Hawera, ($2.00)
A 1910 Villa set in a half-acre town garden consisting of perennial and mixed borders and woodland plants amongst mature trees.
2.25 – 3.10pm Gravetye (Garden) 65 Manawapou Road, Hawera ($5.00)
This immaculately presented property boasts extensive manicured lawns, bordered with carefully planted hedging. An array of roses, iris and lavender
interspersed with sculptures lend a balance to the limes and laburnum arch, which all radiate from the house.
3.30 – 4.10pm Oakley Garden (Garden) 78 Normanby Road, Manaia ($5.00)
This exceptional garden is an example of how plants can thrive with protection from- shelter belts when located 2km from the coast. There brick walls and pillars, cottage style plantings. Plenty of ideas to glean and to be inspired by.
5.30pm Dinner at the South Taranaki Club – 43 Caledonia Street, Hawera Stuart Craig will be at the South Taranaki Club to sign us in as guests, from 5.30pm onwards. Please enter Clubrooms from the Main carpark at the rear.
