Tony and Julie’s stunning garden is the culmination of their hard work removing invasive exotics and replacing them with pure New Zealand natives. The project saw a number of mature trees lifted into place, including Titoki, Kahihatea, Lancewood and Nikau.

It was their dream to look out on a landscape that is timeless Aotearoa – full of native bird and insect life. If you have ever visited Zealandia in Wellington, or any of the inland islands, this garden will make you feel like you are there.

The bird song is divine, with Tui and Kereru regularly playing in the trees, feeding from the flowers and seeds; whilst in the evening, the sounds of a Ruru lull you to sleep. At the base of the garden, a tributary runs into Madills Park Stream which has been the subject of restoration work to improve the river quality for inunga and other native species.

This is a must-visit on the Trail where you will witness a true demonstration of a New Zealand native garden, filled with edibles for wildlife and Rongoa (Maori medicine) for humans. A real credit to the Grahams for showing us what is possible.