Garden tourism

Local homes and gardens in gorgeous rural settings, each with its own story.

Garden tours have been long-loved since their origins across the globe. Drawing from differing cultures and life practices, through royal and religious spaces, countries worldwide developed signature home and garden styles that others yearned to visit. Thus, ‘garden tourism’ was born.

Soon enough, homeowners and keen gardeners began creating their own in personal homes and gardens, and before long, were welcoming visitors. Nowadays, there are many iterations of home and/or garden tours across the region, many utilised for philanthropic purposes.

Grab the opportunity to take in splendid land and gardenscapes, fresh air, and the passion of local spaces. Browse homes and gardens with unique aesthetics and find inspiration for your next home and garden project. Bring friends or family along for the experience, and escape to the beauty of nature for a day.

12 – 28 October: Heritage Gardens, A Walk Through Ōtautahi’s past

The Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Friends of the Edmonds Factory Garden, and the Canterbury Horticultural Society bring to life this exploration of the city’s most cherished gardens with historical interest through guided tours.

31 October – 3 November: Hurunui Garden Festival
The Hurunui Garden Festival opens its seventh annual celebration of gorgeous homes and gardens on 31 October, showcasing 18 gardens and two historic homesteads (pictured) within the extraordinary Hurunui region.

3 November: Leeston Consolidated School House & Garden Tour
Find inspiration in eight beautiful homes and gardens in the Leeston area, supporting the primary school. Drive just under 40 minutes from the city and enjoy a leisurely day in a rural town.

24 November: The Tai Tapu House and Garden Tour
The houses of Tai Tapu and Ladbrooks open up in collaboration with Tai Tapu and Ladbrooks Schools to exhibit various delightful gardens and stunnings homes, alongside interesting buildings.