Great Outdoors Guide

Explore Hawke's Bay Gardens

With the weather cooling and Autumn weaving its colourful magic, it’s an ideal time to explore Hawke’s Bay’s exquisite gardens. Bask in the blooms with a few of our favourites…

Osmanthus Garden, Hastings
At the heart of this traditional Chinese garden is a large pond and pavilions at its edges. With a curved Friendship Bridge and Crooked Bridge, the garden displays a skillful combination of Chinese and New Zealand elements and plants. Enjoy a stroll through the gardens before checking out the native plant area or the large duck pond.

Napier Botanical Gardens
The pristine botanical gardens boast an 18-acre floral oasis on Hospital Hill. Take a stroll through the several walking tracks and discover the small aviary, duck pond, and range of fauna.  This spot offers idyllic scenery and a peaceful place to relax.

Frimley Park Rose Garden, Hastings
This glorious rose garden in the Frimley Park grounds encompasses over 5000 roses of all kinds and colours.  A paved pathway leads through the large rose garden to the rose-surrounded central pavilion. With a sprinkling of seats, sit down and take in the coloured flowers and their lovely sweet-smelling scents.

Sunken Gardens, Napier
Situated on Marine Parade, close to the Pacific Ocean, the sunken gardens sit below street level.  Offering a place to sit and relax, you can escape the hustle and bustle without even leaving the city. Listen to the ocean waves crashing while taking in the beautiful blooms. Ah… the serenity.